Australia Ski Guide

In addition to the various beaches along Australia's coastline there are numerous winter resorts providing a range of skiing for all ability levels. The states of Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania all have plenty of ski resorts on offer. Ski season tends to run from June to October, but it is advisable to check the snow forecasts for each individual resort before booking your getaway. Nowhere else can you enjoy skiing or snowboarding through Eucalyptus trees, a truly unique experience! Enjoy the après ski at many of the resorts, whether you are looking for a hot toddy or dancing late into the night, the Australian ski scene offers it all.

Find out more about driving in Australia, or read our Australia travel guide. You may also like to view our car hire Australia destinations.

Ski resorts in Australia

Falls Creek

Falls Creek is Victoria’s largest alpine resort. There’s a wide range of skiing available in the resort to suit all abilities. The highest altitude is 1842m, the highest lifted altitude is 1780m, the village altitude is 1600m and the resort has 14 lifts.

Closest airport: Melbourne Airport

Mount Stirling

Mount Stirling is a cross country ski resort close to Mount Buller. It has steep and challenging cross country trails. It is the premier choice of Cross Country skiers in Victoria and Southern New South Wales.

Closest airport: Melbourne Airport

Selwyn Snowfields

There are 11 lifts with access to 110 acres of skiable terrain. There is no accommodation at the resort however, there is ample car parking, making it ideal for a day trip. It is a family orientated, small ski area and offers gentle slopes which are ideal for beginners and intermediates.

Closest airport: Sydney Airport

Mount Hotham

The Mount Hotham resort in Victoria is located along the Great Alpine Road, 20km from Hotham and 10km from Dinner Plain. There is a range of skiing for all abilities. Beginner terrain makes up 20% of the resort, intermediate makes up 40% and advanced makes up 40%. There are 13 lifts and there are a range of facilities including extensive ski-in and ski-out accommodation options.

Closest airport: Melbourne Airport

Dinner Plain

Dinner Plain is a picturesque village surrounded by the Alpine National Park, nestled high in the Victorian Alps. It has 1 ski lift, only 15m of vertical descent and 16km of cross country trails. The resort is suitable for beginners and intermediates.

Closest airport: Melbourne Airport

Thredbo

Thredbo is situated in the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales. It is located 500km south of Sydney, has the longest ski runs in Australia and it is modeled on a European skiing town. The resort has 14 lifts and is well known for its long runs. 16% of the resort is for beginners, 67% is for intermediate and 17% is for the advanced.

Closest airport: Sydney Airport

Mount Buffalo

The Mount Buffalo resort is located in Victoria’s wine and high country region. It is a small family-friendly resort and is located in one of the country’s oldest national parks. There is something for all the family in the Mount Buffalo resort; tobogganing, discovery tours and scenic chair lift rides are all available and the ski school caters for all ability levels.

Closest airport: Melbourne Airport

Charlotte Pass

Charlotte Pass is the only snowbound resort in Australia and you have to use the over snow transport from Perisher Valley to get there! It is the highest resort in Australia and its runs offer something for every ability level.

Closest airport: Melbourne Airport

Ben Lomond

Ben Lomond is Tasmania's premier ski resort. It has a range of facilities and varied terrain to suit all abilities. It is best suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders however, there is some terrain for beginners and advanced skiers. There are 6 lifts and 8 pistes.

Closest airport: Launceston Airport

Mount Buller

Mount Buller is a three-hour drive from Melbourne so it ideally located as you can easily hire a car and drive from the airport to the resort. It is one of three major ski resorts in Victoria and it has varied terrain to suit all levels.

Closest airport: Melbourne Airport

Perisher Blue

Perisher Blue is the largest of the Australian resorts. It has four skiing areas; Perisher, Smiggin Holes, Blue Cow and Guthega. 20% of the resort is suitable for beginners, 60% for intermediate and 18% for advanced level. The resort has 49 lifts and 355m of vertical metres of skiing.

Closest airport: Melbourne Airport

Mount Mawson

Mount Mawson is situated in the Mount Field National Park. The runs are challenging and may be better suited to the more experienced skier. The resort is operated by the Southern Tasmanian Ski Association. There are 3 lifts and 10kms of cross country skiing.

Closest airport: Hobart Airport or Launceston Airport