Ski Down Under In Australia

Ask most people from the northern hemisphere what comes to mind when asked what Australia is known for and they will probably leave snow skiing out of the sentence. Sure, Australia has a big reputation for beaches and the outback, but the country also boasts some fine ski resorts in the south eastern areas of Australia in both the Australian Alps and in Tasmania.

The Australian Alps, the largest mountain range in the country, are within driving range of Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, while Tasmanian ski slopes are within a day trip range for residents of the state. The ski season here lasts from June to October, but snow quality can be inconsistent and varies greatly from season to season.

In Victoria, Falls Creek boasts the largest snow making facilities, Mount Hotham has its own airport, and Mount Buller has invested significantly to up -grade the village after its devastation by bush fires.

Perisher Blue is a very popular ski destination, with over 3,000 acres of skiing. Charlotte Pass, at 5,750 feet, is Australia’s highest alpine village. It is
the most intimate ski resort in Australia with only 11 club lodges plus the Kosciusko Chalet.

Tasmania offers pristine ski fields nestled in rugged National Parks. Ben Lomond is a short drive from Launceston and Mount Mawson is just 1.5 hours drive from Hobart.


Resorts Located in the Australian Alps

Charlotte Pass Ski Resort is a snowbound ski resort located in the heart of the Snowy Mountains, Just 5 miles beyond Perisher Valley. Charlotte Pass Ski Resort is completely snowbound in winter with access only by oversnow transport. There are a range of accommodation options available at Charlottes Pass Ski Resort. From the popular Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel to fully catered or self catering lodges there is accommodation to suit your needs.

Falls Creek, Victoria's largest ski and boarding resort located approximately 4 hours drive from Melbourne, is one of Australia's premier skiing mountains with a reputation for reliable snow cover and a beautiful European-style village set amongst snow gums.

Mount Buffalo is perfect for the beginner and families and a very affordable destination.

Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort is the closest major snowfield to Melbourne & Mornington Peninsula. The snowfields are situated on the edge of the baw baw Plateau & have spectacular views across West Gippsland towards Bass Straight & Western Port Bay. Mt Baw baw snowfields are ideal for the snowboarder, downhill & cross country skier. With 74 acres of groomed runs, seven ski lifts, three snowplay areas, 6 miles of groomed x-country ski trails & unlimited terrain amongst the snowgums to explore, you will be hard pressed to find a better outdoor venue so close to Melbourne.

Mt Buller, Victoria's most popular ski resort, is the only Australian resort to regularly host a Winter World Cup event. The resort is close to Melbourne and features quaint lodges, luxury hotels or budget accommodations where you can ski straight from the slopes to your front door, a diversified mix of terrain and plenty of exciting non-ski activities.

Mt Hotham, a quick drive From Melbourne, boasts great skiing and boarding terrain, more than 20 restaurants to satisfy your taste buds for days, unique day spas to help you unwind, and unsurpassed 360 degree mountain views.

Perisher Blue offers a unique world-class experience for skiers and boarders. State of the art equipment including the 8-seat high-speed lift, ensures that more time is spent on the exhilarating downhill experience after a smooth, swift and easy ride to the top. Accommodations are on-snow and the Village revolves around a large complex housing restaurants, bars, nightclub, specialty stores and retail outlets. There are plenty of apres-ski activities at the various village pubs and entertainment venues located around the base of the resort.

Selwyn Snowfields is widely regarded as the premiere learn-to-ski, family snow recreation area in New South Wales.

Thredbo, in New South Wales has the largest vertical drop of any Australian ski resort at 2,204 feet and is the backdrop to Thredbo village, a European -style village with a genuine Northern Hemisphere alpine appeal. The most difficult run in Thredbo is Funnel Web, an ungroomed ski trail notorious for its near-vertical middle section and bumps and moguls. On the third weekend in August every year the annual "Ski in the buff" event takes place where thousands of onlookers watch a group of people ski down High Noon naked to raise money for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.


Resorts Located in Tasmania

Ben Lomond ski resort is Tasmania’s premier ski resort that offers spectacular alpine scenery within the Ben Lomond National Park. The accommodations at the Alpine Village located at the foot of the ski slopes are top notch.

Mount Mawson is a small club field operated by the Southern Tasmanian Ski Association and located within the Mount Field National Park about 1 hours drive from Hobart in southern Tasmania.

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