For a country that takes up a lot of land mass, the land down under has relatively limited space for hitting the slopes. That being said, there’s still some amazing skiing in Australia to be enjoyed, albeit slightly shorter runs that you may find elsewhere.
You’ll find ski resorts in only two of the nation’s states, Victoria and New South Wales, which makes it a lot easier to choose where to spend your snow holiday. In terms of where the best skiing in Australia is, it really depends on a number of personal preference factors, as well as whether it’s easier for you to travel from Melbourne or Sydney.
Don’t worry though; we’ve taken all that and more into consideration in our outlay of the top skiing resorts in Australia below – so read on and don’t forget to set yourself up with some awesome snow gear to make the most of your trip!
Skiing in NSW
Mt Perisher, Kosciuszko National Park
Mt Perisher is the Holy Grail of Australian skiing spots, so expect things to be a little busy. As crowded as it can get though there’s obviously a reason why this is such a hot spot, and it’s got everything to do with the awesome facilities you can enjoy there.
There’s something for pretty much everyone to check out – from a super pipe for the brave to more than 100 kilometres of cross country trails to suit varying expertise levels. It’s where the lean, keen, skiing machines go so it can be a bit trickier for newbies, but with the amount of space and available slopes even a novice can mark some space to find their groove.
How to get there: Driving from Canberra takes around 2.5 hours, or it’ll take you around 6-7 hours from Sydney or Melbourne. You can also fly to the Snowy Mountains Airport from Sydney if you fancy, with shuttle busses regular making their way to the Perisher Ski Resort.
Opening weekend – 11th June 2016
Thredbo, Kosciuszko National Park
Another popular spot for skiers and snowboarders, Thredbo is a bit more practical for beginners. It’s got some great gentle slopes for you to find your legs on, before you move your way up to more advanced mountains.
Daredevils and regulars shouldn’t be put off though – there are also plenty of challenges to sink your teeth into, like the 2 metre snowfall for example. The summit elevation stands at a formidable 2037 metres – plenty of height to get the blood pumping.
How to get there: Drive on in from Canberra and you’ll be there in less than 3 hours. If you’re closer to Sydney or Melbourne, you’ll still only be on the road for an enjoyable 6 hour trip. You can also choose to fly to the local Snowy Mountains Airport from Sydney if driving isn’t your thing.
Opening day – 10th June 2016
Selwyn Snowfields, Kosciuszko National Park
Did someone say family-friendly? Selwyn Snowfields is all about providing that memorable experience you’ll use to fill the pages of your family photo album. It’s not only superbly suited to beginners, it’s also got a focus on being affordable, because travelling with the family can really stack up against the bank account.
Aside from being a beginner’s dream, it’s also a great place to visit for cross country skiers, with more than 45 kilometres of trail ready to be blazed.
How to get there: Load the kids up in the backseat for a fun family road trip – you only have to survive 2 hours of “are we there yet” if you’re coming from Canberra. Travelling from Sydney or Melbourne will mean you’ll have to stock up on a few more car games, as it’s about 6 to 7 hours of travelling time. Of course, you can also fly directly from Sydney to the Snowy Mountains Airport and make your way to the snow on a shuttle bus.
Opening weekend – 11th June 2016
Skiing in Victoria
Mt Buller, Alpine National Park
Ready to get the blood pumping? Mt Buller is one of the few places in Australia where you can jump straight out of a helicopter onto the slopes, and you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with some of the best slopes in the nation.
Not so confident yet? That’s OK – there are lessons and seven beginner slopes for you to test out the waters on before you get stuck into the main event.
How to get there: Mt Buller is the most accessible slope in Australia, only a three hour drive from Melbourne’s CBD. If you’re not up for the road trip or visiting interstate, there are also shuttle busses that run straight from the Tullamarine Airport to your snowy adventure.
Opening weekend – 11th June 2016
Mt Hotham, Australian Alps National Park
Mt Hotham is the “Powder Capital of Australia”, and it’s easy to see why. You’ll find the highest natural snow fall in all of Australia at a towering summit of 1861 metres, as well as some of the most incredible steep slopes out there.
You can really put your skills to test on the many half pipes and tree runs at Mt Hotham, and build your skill level during your stay. If you’re still a bit off practicing your air time tricks, there’s a fair share of gentler slopes to get your groundings on first.
How to get there: Mt Hotham is a bit more of a hike than Mt Buller, but will be well worth the effort. It’s around a 5 hour drive from Melbourne, or you can splurge a bit and fly direct to Mt Hotham’s nearby airport and take advantage of the coaches traversing to the mountain.
Opening weekend – 11th June 2016
Mt Baw Baw, Baw Baw National Park
Consider Mt Baw Baw your friendly all-rounder, with a mix of combo boxes, rails, jibs and small flat boxes for the snowboarders to practice on, excellent cross country trails and downhill slopes for the skiers, and family friendly facilities for everyone to enjoy.
It’s all this that makes Mt Baw Baw such a popular spot for visitors, and will ensure you’re anything but disappointed.
How to get there: Drive about 2 and a half hours out east and you’re ready to rock and roll. Don’t have a vehicle handy? The shuttle services from the Melbourne Airport and La Trobe Valley are sure to sort that out.
Opening weekend – 6th June 2015
AUTHOR
Danielle Conwell
Marketing - Torpedo7
