Skiing in Australia
Strap your boots on, it's time to hit the slopes around Australia this winter. Pick up some skis or a board and head to one of these ski resorts in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.
New South Wales
Thredbo
Here’s one for the adrenaline junkies. Home to Australia’s steepest pitch, ThredboOpens in a new tab or window is full of heart-stopping, snow-covered fun. If you’re not that daring, there are some beginner-friendly slopes as well. Recovery from a hard day of skiing, tobogganing and snowboarding means wine, good food and a comfortable seat. For those of you feeling a bit glam, an outdoor jacuzzi is available for star-gazing and champagne-drinking at Thredbo’s Alpine Hotel.
- Five-six hours’ drive from Sydney or two and a half hours' drive from Canberra
- Average snowfall: 2.24m
- Average temperature: -3°C
- View current Thredbo snow camsOpens in a new tab or window
Perisher
Featuring 47 ski lifts and some of the country’s best cross-country trails, PerisherOpens in a new tab or window has something for everyone. Enjoy the Southern hemisphere’s largest resort in comfort or covered in powdery-white snow, the choice is yours. Perisher is the result of Smiggins, Blue Cow, Perisher and Guthega all joining forces, creating one behemoth resort covering an astounding 1,245 hectares. With plenty of resort accommodation on-site and cost-effective bungalow lodging in neighbouring Jindabyne, you’re sure to find a hotel that meets your holiday needs.
- Five-six hours’ drive from Sydney or two and a half hours' drive from Canberra
- Average snowfall: 2.23m
- Average temperature: -3.7°C
- View the current Perisher snow camsOpens in a new tab or window
Charlotte Pass
Charlotte PassOpens in a new tab or window may only be 50 hectares in size, but what it lacks in width it makes up for in height. Standing 1,765 metres above sea level, Charlotte Pass is Australia’s tallest resort. Named after Charlotte Adams, the first European woman to reach the top of Kosciuszko, the area is a secluded winter wonderland and only accessible via over-snow buggies from the Ski tube. Looking for accommodation? Consider the 1930-built Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel for a historic and private winter escape.
- 3 hours' drive from Canberra
- Average snowfall: 2.26m
- Average temperature: -6°C
- View current Charlotte Pass snow camsOpens in a new tab or window
Selwyn
Looking for a more affordable option? SelwynOpens in a new tab or window is the resort for you. Offering just 10 kilometres of ski runs, the resort is more compact and flatter than places like Thredbo and Perisher, making it perfect for beginners. Situated in the picturesque Kosciuszko National Park, Selwyn is super popular with small families. The best place to stay is in the historic town of Kiandra, just a short drive northeast of Mt Selwyn.
- Two and a half hours from Canberra
- Average snowfall: 83cm
- Average temperature: -2°C
Victoria
Mount Buller
Meet Mt Buller, Australia’s social mountain Alps with some of the best runs for both beginners and professional skiers. Grab a Discovery Pass which includes one lesson and access to eight beginner lifts. For those of you who started skiing before you could walk, head to the south side of the mountain for some serious black runs. Not keen on being cold or snow-drenched? Work the room in one of the 30 restaurants and bars in Mt Buller village.
- Three hours’ drive from Melbourne or two hours' drive from Albury
- Average snowfall: 1.21m
- Average temperature: -2°C
Mount Hotham
Victoria’s highest Resort, Mt HothamOpens in a new tab or window is the powder-snow, blue-skied, luxury escape that dreams are made of. Stretched over 320 hectares, Mount Hotham boasts Victoria’s highest annual snowfall. With many downhill runs, cross-country tracks, jumps and 13 ski lifts, Mount Hotham is a skier’s paradise. If sliding down a hill at speed isn’t your thing, book a snowmobile tour of the backcountry or simply hop around the 20 restaurants and bars on site.
- Four and half hours’ drive from Melbourne or two and half hours from Albury
- From Albury, there are transfer optionsOpens in a new tab or window to Mount Hotham
- Average snowfall: 2m
- Average temperature: -3°C
Falls Creek
Just a third of the size of Perisher in New South Wales, Falls CreekOpens in a new tab or window is Victoria’s biggest resort. Featuring more than 90 runs and 15 lifts, Falls Creek’s flatter terrain is ideal for intermediate and beginner skiers. For those who prefer not to slide down the side of a mountain, there are 65 kilometres of cross-country terrain to explore. If you decide to travel to Falls Creek in August, don’t miss the Kangaroo Hoppet, the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest snow-sport event.
- Four and a half hours’ drive from Melbourne or two hours' drive from Albury
- From Albury, there are transfer optionsOpens in a new tab or window to Falls Creek
- Average snowfall: 1.63m
- Average temperature: -2°C
Tasmania
Ben Lomond
While it may not have the pizzazz of your Thredbo's or Perishers, Tassie’s Ben LomondOpens in a new tab or window ski resort should not be overlooked. Perched on the top of Tasmania’s second-highest mountain, Ben Lomond is the state’s best-known resort. Expect epic scenery, seven ski lifts and six kilometres of slopes.
- Three hours’ drive from Hobart or just over one hour from Launceston
- Average maximum snow: 2m
- Average temperature: -7°C