Best Ski Resorts In Australia

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

As the snow whispers onto the jagged peaks, there's something truly magical about carving your way down Australia’s alpine wonderlands. I've been fortunate enough to experience this firsthand at some of the best ski resorts in Australia. From adrenaline-pumping runs to picturesque landscapes, these winter paradises offer an unparalleled blend of thrill and tranquility.

1. Thredbo

Thredbo is one of the best ski resorts in Australia and it is located in New South Wales. It is a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. Thredbo is known for its challenging terrain, making it a great destination for advanced skiers and snowboarders. However, it also has plenty of beginner and intermediate runs, as well as terrain parks for freestylers.

Thredbo's has a skiable terrain of 480 hectares, with 14 lifts and 50 runs. The resort has the highest vertical drop of 672 meters, making it the longest ski run in Australia. Thredbo also has a great snow quality and a long ski season, which usually runs from June to October.

The resort offers ski-in/ski-out accommodation, which is perfect for those who want to be close to the slopes. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes in the ski village, as well as a day spa for those who want to relax after a day on the slopes.

Thredbo is also a family-friendly resort, with a ski school and plenty of activities for kids. There are also cross-country ski trails, tubing, and snow play areas for those who want to try something different.

Thredbo is located in the Kosciuszko National Park, which is home to the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owners of the land. The resort has COVID-safe accreditations and adheres to the fitness for purpose guidelines set by the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse.

Thredbo is a great destination for those who want to experience skiing in Australia. It is easily accessible from Jindabyne and is located in the Snowy Mountains, which is one of the most beautiful ski areas in Australia.

2. Perisher

Perisher Ski Resort is the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the best ski resorts in Australia, located in the New South Wales Snowy Mountains. With over 1,200 hectares of skiable terrain, Perisher offers a diverse range of skiing and snowboarding experiences for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders.

Perisher has four ski resort areas: Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega, and Blue Cow. The resort offers ski-in/ski-out accommodation, as well as a variety of other lodging options in the nearby town of Jindabyne. The resort also has a range of bars and restaurants, and après ski activities to enjoy after a day on the slopes.

Perisher has five terrain parks, including Australia's only Superpipe, making it a popular destination for freestylers. The resort also offers cross-country skiing and night skiing opportunities.

One of the unique features of Perisher is its Ski Tube Alpine Railway, which provides easy access to the resort from the nearby town of Jindabyne. The railway takes visitors through the picturesque Kosciuszko National Park, which is home to snow gums and other native flora and fauna.

Perisher's ski season typically runs from June to October, with the best snow conditions in July and August. The resort has implemented COVID-safe measures and has received accreditations for its safety protocols.

Overall, Perisher is a top Australia ski resort for anyone looking to ski or snowboard in Australia. With its diverse terrain, range of accommodation options, and après-ski activities, Perisher offers an unforgettable skiing experience for all.

Contact:

Address: Kosciuszko Rd, Perisher Valley NSW 2624, Australia

Phone: +61 1300 655 822

3. Falls Creek

Falls Creek is one of the premier all-season alpine resorts in Australia that is pedestrian-only. As Victoria's largest ski resort, it offers a wide range of activities for visitors throughout the year. In winter, Falls Creek is a paradise for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, with Victoria's largest area for skiing and snowboarding. There are also 65km of groomed cross-country trails for those who prefer a different kind of skiing experience.

Apart from winter activities, Falls Creek turns into an outdoor adventure mecca in summer, offering visitors the chance to explore the wonders of the Victorian High Plains. There are various activities available, including hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy scenic chairlift rides and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Falls Creek Alpine Resort has amazing amenities, including ski-in/ski-out accommodation options, restaurants, and cafes. There are also plenty of additional activities available, such as snowshoeing, tobogganing, and snowmobiling. The resort caters to all abilities, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders.

In summary, Falls Creek Resort is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a winter or summer adventure in Victoria. With its stunning natural beauty, excellent amenities, and a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities, it's no wonder why it's one of the best Australian ski resorts.

Contact:

Address: 1 Slalom Street, Falls Creek VIC 3699 Australia

4. Mount Hotham

I have to say that Mount Hotham is one of the best Australia ski resorts, and for good reason. It is located in Victoria, about a 4.5-hour drive from Melbourne and 8 hours from Sydney. The resort is nestled in the Victorian Alps of the Great Dividing Range, and it boasts 360-degree alpine views with ski-in ski-out opportunities all through the ski village.

One of the things that make Mount Hotham stand out is that it is the only resort in the Southern Hemisphere where the Village is located on top of the mountain. This means that you can ski down to your accommodation, which is a unique experience that not many other resorts can offer.

Another reason why Mount Hotham is so popular is that it is considered to be the Powder Capital of Australia. The resort has a reputation for having some of the best snow in the country, and it is known for its challenging terrain and off-piste skiing. However, there are also diverse ski areas with of runs for beginners and intermediate terrain for the more experienced skiers, so there is something for everyone.

If you are planning a trip to Mt. Hotham, it is important to note that during the declared snow season, it is a legal requirement that all vehicles entering the resort be fitted with snow chains. This is for safety reasons, and it is essential to follow this requirement to avoid any accidents or disruptions to your trip.

Overall, I highly recommend Mount Hotham as one of the top ski resorts in Australia. With its unique location, excellent snow, and the best terrain, it is the place to go for any ski trip.

5. Mount Buller

Mount Buller is one of the most popular ski resorts in Australia. It is situated in Victoria, and it is just a three-hour drive from Melbourne. This resort is the most accessible major snow resort in Australia, and it is a premier ski destination for snow enthusiasts from all around the world.

Mt Buller Alpine Resort has the largest lift network in Victoria, with 21 ski lifts. This resort features a world-class Ski and Snowboard School, three terrain parks designed for all skill levels, two toboggan parks, and a beautiful night sky viewing experience with the Astronomical Society of Victoria.

This resort is perfect for both day trippers and weekend warriors. It offers a variety of activities for all ages and skill levels, including skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and snowshoeing.

If you are looking for a place to stay, Mount Buller Ski Resort has a range of Australia's best accommodation options available, including hotels, lodges, apartments, and chalets. There are also plenty of dining options available, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants.

6. Charlotte Pass

Charlotte Pass is one of my favorite ski resorts in Australia. It is located in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales and is the highest ski resort in Australia, with a base elevation of 1765 meters and a top elevation of 1954 meters.

One of the unique things about Charlotte Pass is that it is completely snowbound, meaning that it is only accessible by over-snow transport from the Perisher Valley Skitube terminal. This gives the resort a really secluded and peaceful feel, which I love.

In terms of skiing, Charlotte Pass has ski fields for every skier. The resort has a total of five lifts, including high-speed quads and sixes, and offers skiable terrain for all levels of skiers. Beginners will love the gentle slopes at the base of the ski resort, while more advanced skiers can tackle the steeper runs at the top.

Another thing that sets Charlotte Pass apart is its family-friendly atmosphere without the crowds. The resort offers a range of activities for kids, including snow play areas and ski lessons for all ages. And for parents, there are plenty of dining options and après ski activities to enjoy.