The land down under is usually associated with beautiful beaches and long summer days, but it also offers a decent ski season with plenty of snow covered ski fields to choose from across its southern states.
Typically running from July to October, snowfall makes for ideal conditions for skiing, snowboarding and a variety of fun snow play activities. So hit the snow while you can this ski season and live a truly unique snowy experience.
Thredbo, New South Wales
If you’re a ski expert and need that adrenaline rush, get yourself to Thredbo now! You’ll find the longest run in Australia over here with the 5 km long Crackenback super-trail, as well as the country’s highest lifted point, at 2037 m. To add to your excitement, there are the super-steep Balls to the Wall pitch. Beginners are catered for, too, thanks to the friendly Friday Flats, where many an Aussie has conquered his/her first snow plough. All in all, more than 50 runs weave their way across the resort.
In between skiing and snowboarding, you can grab some bites at Australia’s highest restaurant or après-skiing in Thredbo Village, where you can sip champagne while stargazing in the Alpine Hotel’s outdoor Jacuzzi.
Thredbo is about 490 km or five-and-a-half hours’ drive southwest of Sydney and about 530 km or six-and-a-half hours’ drive northeast of Melbourne.
Perisher, New South Wales
Perisher is most definitely the ski destination in the Southern hemisphere. It became so in 1995 when the four resorts within it, Perisher, Smiggins, Blue Cow and Guthega joined forces. You get 1245 hectares, 47 lifts, seven mountains and five terrain parks to carve up on. One of the trickiest runs is Olympic, on Back Perisher Mountain, while, for newbies, Smiggins Holes makes falling over not-too-scary.
If you’re keen to take a break from downhill skiing, there are 100 kilometers of marked cross-country tracks to try. On-snow sleepovers are everywhere, but Perisher also allows the affordability of a stay in Jindabyne. From there, drive to Bullocks Flat and catch the Ski Tube.
Perisher is about 490 km or six hours’ drive southwest of Sydney and about 600 km or seven hours’ drive northeast of Melbourne.
Falls Creek, Victoria
Falls Creek might be a third of the size of Perisher, but it’s still the largest ski resort in Victoria. 450 hectares gives you 15 lifts and more than 90 runs. The terrain is less dramatic than at other spots, which means that it will be ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers. And, in between downhill escapades, you can investigate 65 kilometers of cross-country trails. If you’re around at the end of August, check out the Kangaroo Hoppet, a marathon 42-kilometer-long ski race which happens to be the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest snow sport event.
Falls Creek is about 670 km or seven hours’ drive southwest of Sydney and about 380 km or four-and-a-half hours’ drive northeast of Melbourne.
Mount Buller, Victoria
Mount Buller is conveniently located 3 hours from Melbourne. It’s got 22 lifts, which is the most out of all the Victorian ski resorts and runs over a total of 300 hectares. Pro skiers should head to the south side of the mountain, where you’ll find plenty of black (difficult and scary) runs, while intermediates will be happier on the northern side, scooting down blue runs. If you’ve never even so much looked at a pair of skis before, grab a Discovery Pass, which includes a lesson and access to eight beginner’s lifts.
On the days when you and your skis need a break from each other, you can take five in Australia’s highest day spa, go rock climbing and hop between 30 bars and restaurants.
Mount Buller is about 800 km or eight hours’ drive southwest of Sydney and about 230 km or three-and-a-half hours’ drive northeast of Melbourne.
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