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Wintersports in Australia: How to Hit the Slopes Down Under

Don’t let images of Bondi Beach solely fill your mind when you think about Australia. While there is definitely no shortage of great beaches on the island continent, snow bunnies will still find that you can actually enjoy a good ski day or two in Australia. 

The country has an established winter season with ski resorts operating throughout the Australian alpine regions of New South Wales and Victoria each year. Across these southern ranges, you can also find runs for beginners all the way through to difficult slopes for the seasoned ski professionals and boarders.

So where can you go? When’s the best time to visit? Let’s talk about everything you need to know before you travel to Australia to ski. 

Plan Your Ski Trip Before You Hit the Slopes

The key to an enjoyable ski vacation starts before you even reach the slopes. Selecting a resort that matches your ability level, booking your accommodation in advance and taking care of necessities like ski travel insurance can ensure your trip starts off smoothly. 

From your first day on the hill to your last night in your alpine accommodation, the right insurance coverage can give you peace of mind should any unexpected costs arise (like medical expenses, damaged or stolen gear, trip cancellation or emergency transportation).

Once your travel arrangements are taken care of, be sure to check snow conditions and weather leading up to your trip. Weather can change rapidly during the ski season, so knowing what to expect could mean picking the perfect day to travel. Renting your equipment is also an option at most resorts if you do not own your own. This is often the cheaper and easier option for leisure skiers and first-time skiers.

Booking your ski or snowboard lessons in advance is always recommended, especially during peak season. Lessons are a great way for beginners to learn fundamentals, gain confidence and most importantly, have fun skiing or snowboarding safely. 

Australia’s Best Ski Resorts

Australia and New Zealand may not boast mammoth-sized mountain ranges when compared to some ski fields across the northern hemisphere, however there are heaps of great resorts that cater for every ability level from beginner to expert. Large alpine-style resorts with plenty of diverse terrain right down to small, family-friendly slopes that are better suited to beginners and intermediates. 

Here’s our pick of Australia’s best:  

Perisher

Possibly Australia’s most famous snow resort, Perisher is the country’s largest ski area and is located in NSW. With expansive runs through four resort areas there’s plenty of choice for first-time skiers through to the more experienced thrill seekers.

The great thing about Perisher is that it caters for everyone, making it ideal for families and groups with mixed abilities. You’ll also find plenty of facilities on site with access to ski schools, hire equipment and a range of accommodation nearby. 

Thredbo

Thredbo is also situated in New South Wales and is known for having some long ski runs and a great village. Combined with stunning alpine scenery, Thredbo also has Australia’s longest ski runs. Providing excellent terrain for all levels from beginner to advanced skiers and boarders.

Thredbo attracts the more advanced skiers who are after longer downhill runs. Thredbo is also great for those wanting to explore the surrounding alpine area as well as providing access to Mount Kosciuszko. 

Falls Creek

Falls Creek is situated within Victoria’s Alpine National Park. It’s known for its family-friendly slopes and relaxed atmosphere. The resort is also great for families because much of its accommodation is ski-in ski-out, so guests can stay right by the resort instead of having to travel up the mountain like many other resorts in Australia.

Falls Creek has plenty of beginner terrain as well as intermediate runs, making it great for first-time visitors to Australia, families with children learning to ski or snowboard and those who prefer a quieter alpine resort. 

Mount Buller

Only a few hours outside of Melbourne, Mount Buller is one of Australia’s closest ski resorts to the big smoke. The ease of travel to Mount Buller makes it ideal for weekend trips, day trips and beginners looking to get into skiing or boarding.

Offering terrain for everyone from easy greens to more challenging slopes, there’s heaps of dining options, accommodations and après activities. If you’re after a bang-for-your-buck snow experience in Australia without going too far, Mt Buller is the place for you. 

Mount Hotham

Mount Hotham is renowned as the “powder capital” of Victoria for good reason. The steep terrain, unparalleled views, and fantastic runs solidify this resort as an essential Australian experience. What makes Hotham so special is that the village is located right at the top of the mountain. This is unlike most resorts where the accommodation and dining sit below the slopes.

Mount Hotham has some of the best terrain in Australia for advanced skiers and snowboarders. If you’re a beginner or intermediate rider, Hotham has you covered with lessons and dedicated areas for newbies. 

Beyond Skiing: Other Winter Activities to Try

Activities at Australia’s alpine resorts aren’t limited to skiing and snowboarding. From scenic snow drives to sleigh rides and everything in between, there are plenty of ways to experience Australia’s snowy wilderness. 

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing allows visitors to take in alpine terrain at a leisurely pace. It’s ideal for beginners as it requires no prior experience, and it’s a great opportunity to see snow-covered tracks and mountain views that are inaccessible by ski. Snowshoe tours are available at select resorts and are usually guided to provide information about the surrounding landscape. 

Tobogganing

Take a trip back in time with tobogganing! One of the oldest snow activities there is, tobogganing is perfect for families and visitors who don’t wish to ski all day. Snow play areas are provided by most resorts for visitors to run up and slide down gentle slopes. No need for particular equipment or any lessons; just go and have a good time in the snow. 

Scenic Chairlift Rides

Guests aren’t required to ski in order to ride the chairlifts. Take in Australia’s scenic alpine views from the mountain top with chairlift rides through snow-capped peaks, valleys and surrounding national parks. Chairlift rides are perfect for people who just want to ride up and take in some amazing photos or breathe in that mountain air. 

Alpine Villages

Did you know Australia’s ski villages have plenty to offer outside of ski access? Most alpine villages are home to cosy cafés, restaurants, quaint shops and scenic walking trails. Taking the time to explore towns like Thredbo, Falls Creek or Mount Buller is a great way to soak up the mountain atmosphere, taste delicious food and relax after hitting the slopes. 

Snow Play for Families

If you’re travelling with young children, snow play can be just as fun as skiing. Rolling around in the snow, making snowmen and having a snowball fight are all easy activities that require no special equipment or skill. Many resorts also provide snow play areas for children. 

Tips for First-Time Skiers and Snowboarders

Whether skiing or snowboarding, taking on the slopes for the first time can be thrilling, but understandably slightly daunting when you find yourself at the top of the first run. The great thing is, you don’t need to be a pro to have a blast on the mountain; a little planning really helps.

Booking a lesson before hitting the slopes on your own is one of the best ways to get started. Lessons with a pro not only cover essential skills like balancing, turning, and stopping safely, but also boost your confidence right from the get-go. Another key piece of advice is to kick off your skiing or snowboarding journey on runs designed for beginners; rushing into difficult areas before you’re ready can be a lot to handle, so take it slow and get comfortable on easier ground.

Knowing the etiquette on the mountain will help keep both you and others safe. This includes giving other skiers and riders enough space, looking around before starting down a run, and never stopping in areas that might obstruct others. 

Just like with any sport, skiing and snowboarding can take a toll on your body, so remember to take breaks, stay hydrated and know your limits. With the basic techniques mastered, you could very well find yourself aiming for the world’s most imposing mountains, and even one day the 7 summits. 

What to Pack for a Day on the Mountain

Heading out to the snow for the first time? Skiing and snowboarding are two of the few outdoor activities where you need to take certain things to keep yourself warm and dry.

Make sure you pack a waterproof jacket and trousers. Staying dry will help keep you comfortable during the day, no matter how much snow, wind or moisture you encounter. You’ll also want to wear thermal underwear.  This keeps you warm while wicking away moisture. Avoid clothing made from cotton as it absorbs moisture and will make you feel colder.

Smaller things matter too. Don’t forget warm gloves, socks, goggles and a helmet. A helmet is crucial for protecting your head should you fall, and goggles will protect your eyes from the wind, snow and glare from the sun bouncing off the snow. Suncream and lip balm are also a good idea. You may not realise it but being higher up in the mountains and having sunlight reflecting off the snow can result in greater UV exposure.

If you don’t own any equipment yourself, don’t worry about buying things. You can hire just about anything you’ll need at a ski resort. When it comes to renting equipment, skis, snowboards, boots, and helmets are commonly available. 

Make the Most of Australia’s Snow Season

You may not automatically think of Australia’s snowfields when dreaming of winter adventures. But if you’re keen to ski, snowboard or enjoy everything the mountains have to offer, Australia has plenty to offer with some planning. Booking yourself into the snow with the correct preparation and equipment could be your next winter getaway. 

So load up on the layers, check the snow conditions and get ready for your next adventure.