Keen on a snowy getaway this winter, but don’t know where to go? No worries! Whether you’re a super shredder looking for a new challenge or a newbie snow bunny who just wants to make snow angels, there’s an Aussie snowfield with your name written all over it (‘though hopefully not in it. Because ew). Plan your dream winter holiday with our ultimate Aussie ski and snow guide.
Insider tip: Due to COVID-19, some snowfields have restricted their visitor numbers, closed certain activities (like snow play and tobogganing) and/or require advance bookings. Make sure you check your snowfield’s official website before you visit.
NSW
Charlotte Pass
Where to stay: The Snowy Mountains, Perisher Valley or Jindabyne
At 1760m elevation, Charlotte Pass Village is Australia’s highest ski resort and one of its oldest. It’s also smack-dab in the Snowy Mountains, with awesome views of Mount Kosciuszko. With beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, Charlotte Pass is a top pick for skiers of all levels, but a heads-up: in winter it’s only accessible by an 8km snowcat ride from Perisher. Which is actually pretty darn cool.
Perisher
Where to stay: The Snowy Mountains, Perisher Valley or Jindabyne
Australia’s most popular ski resort and the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, Perisher is awesome for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Located in Kosciuszko National Park, it’s home to beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert runs, as well as ski schools, toboggan areas, and quiet spots to chill and build a snowman. Being so well established, Perisher Valley has heaps of places eat, stay, and play, but pro tip: check out nearby Jindabyne if you want to save some cash.
Selwyn Snowfields
Heads up! Due to the 2019/2020 bushfires, Selwyn is closed for the 2020 ski season 😞
Where to stay: Cooma, Jindabyne or the Snowy Mountains
Located in the northern section of Kosciuszko National Park, Selwyn Snowfields are family-owned and operated, and perfect for families and first-time snowtrippers. Most of its runs are beginner and intermediate, although it does have a few advanced runs to keep the family expert happy. Selwyn has ski and snowboarding schools, a dedicated tobogganing slope (with FREE toboggans – just bring your access pass), and an awesome tube park. If you’re a newbie skier, or just want to play in the snow, Selwyn’s the way to go!
Thredbo
Where to stay: Thredbo, Jindabyne or the Snowy Mountains
Situated at the base of the Snowy Mountains, Thredbo is home to some of Australia’s longest and steepest runs, including the infamous 3.7km Supertrail Run (eek!). Most runs are intermediate, making Thredbo a top choice for confident skiers on the hunt for a new challenge. Thredbo is also the access point for the Mount Kosciuszko summit walk – Australia’s highest peak – although you might want to save that adventure for the warmer months.
VIC
Dinner Plain
Where to stay: Dinner Plain or Hotham Heights
Specialising in cross-country skiing, Dinner Plain is 8km from Mount Hotham and all about winter family fun. Every trail is suitable for beginners, making it a winner for both kiddos and virgin skiers. Dinner Plain has ski and snowboarding schools, snow tubing, a toboggan slope, and night skiing/snowboarding. ‘Cause who says the fun has to stop when the sun goes down?
Falls Creek
Where to stay: Falls Creek, Mount Beauty or Bright
Falls Creek is one of Australia’s few ski-in, ski-out villages, which means there’s often enough snow to ski right to your hotel’s front door. It has some great beginner runs, but most are rated intermediate or advanced, making Falls Creek a dream for more experienced snow bunnies. For non-skiers, there’s also fat biking, snowbiking, snowmobiling, tobogganing, snowshoe tours… So not much, really ;P
Mount Baw Baw
Where to stay: Yarra Valley or Melbourne
Want to add a powdery twist to your next Melbourne or Yarra Valley getaway? Then check out Mount Baw Baw. A 3hr drive from Melbourne and a 2hr drive from the Yarra Valley, it’s a definite daytrip option. And with beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, toboggan parks, and husky dog sled tours, Mount Baw Baw has wintery fun for everyone.
Mount Buller
Where to stay: Mount Buller or Mansfield
A ski-in, ski-out village that’s just a 3.5hr drive from Melbourne? Sign us up! Mount Buller has ski and snowboarding trails to suit all levels, plus tobogganing, telemarking (aka: free-heel skiing), gnome-hunt tours (seriously), twilight sessions, and Victoria’s largest lift network. It’s also Australia’s most accessible ski resort, with accommodation, transport, services, equipment, and training for all abilities. Check out Disabled Wintersports Australia for more info.
TAS
Ben Lomond
Where to stay: Launceston
Tassie’s premier ski resort, the Ben Lomond snowfields are situated in the gorgeously rugged Ben Lomond National Park. It has beginner, intermediate, and advanced ski and snowboarding runs, as well as toboggan and snow-play areas for non-skiers. But the most awesome thing about Ben Lomond is that it’s just a 90min drive from Launceston, which means two holidays for the price of one. Or make it three with a day or sidetrip to Cradle Mountain – another winter wonderland.
Mount Mawson
Heads up! Mount Mawson snowfield is run entirely by volunteers. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 they will be closed for the 2020 ski season 😞
Where to stay: New Norfolk or Hobart
Just a 90min drive from Hobart, Mount Mawson is located in Mount Field National Park – Tassie’s oldest national park. It’s a small field (only 10 hectares) and run by volunteers, but its awesome scenery and laid-back vibes are well worth a day or two of your next Hobart getaway. Mount Mawson has beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, although beginners might find it tricky if the snowfall’s been light (it can get a bit bumpy). Make sure you take a day to check out kunanyi (Mount Wellington) as well. There’s no skiing, but there’s usually snow, and the views are brilliant.
Insider tip: Due to COVID-19, government restrictions are in constant review and travel guidelines may change between when you make your booking and when you travel. We strongly recommend that all travellers seek further information about destinations and attractions before visiting, take extra care and follow all rules to ensure their own health and safety.
PLAN YOUR SNOWY GETAWAY
