The 6 best ski resorts in Australia

Australia might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of skiing. But trust us – the Land Down Under has seriously awesome slopes. From Falls Creek’s powder-packed peaks to Perisher’s vibrant après scene, ‘Straya has something for every type of rider and snow lover. 

Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to conquer challenging black diamonds or a newbie just getting started, Australia’s ski resorts have you covered. So, pack your gear, leave the beach behind, and get ready to discover the best ski resorts in Australia. Let's dive in!

And remember, Ozzy ski fashion is a big deal, so make sure you’re decked out in the latest ski pants for women and ski pants for men from MONTEC. Our selection of mountain-ready pants is the perfect choice to rip some pow Down Under.

Where to ski in Australia

Perisher, New South Wales

Perisher Ski Resort is probably the most famous Australian shred spot – and for good reason. Approximately 5.5 hours from Sydney, it's the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere, with a wide variety of accommodations on and off the mountain. Although some budget-friendly options exist, most of the accommodation leans more towards the upmarket side. However, that doesn't mean there isn't a vibrant après scene.

In terms of riding, you’ll discover extensive terrain for all skill levels. The resort features many gentle beginner slopes, long intermediate trails, and even challenging advanced runs on the upper slopes. Searching for the gnarliest terrain? Head to the Eyre area, where black diamond runs await. Although Perisher is not particularly known for its backcountry skiing, you can hire a guide and access certain areas.

And thanks to its extensive snowmaking system, Perisher Ski Resort is a solid bet even when snow conditions aren’t ideal. A few lower runs – along with the terrain park – are also floodlit, making them perfect for night shredding.

Mt Buller, Victoria

Mt Buller is next up. Although it's smaller than Perisher, Mt Buller is still a fantastic resort with plenty going on. Located just a three-hour drive from Melbourne, it's one of the most accessible resorts on this list. Various accommodations complement a sizable ski area, including cozy hotels, lodges, and apartments. However, luxury isn’t abundant at Mt Buller. So, if that's the kind of holiday you're seeking, you might need to look elsewhere.

Nevertheless, the party scene is pumping at Mt Buller! Choose from loads of bars and restaurants and a few nightclubs that keep the music going into the early hours. When it’s time to ride off the hangover, there's an excellent variety of terrain to suit all levels of riders, including a selection of long beginner slopes perfect for those just starting out. The Chamois run offers steep terrain for racing events – ideal for testing your edges.

There's little touring at Buller, but you can access allocated areas with a guide. If backcountry days are what you're after, there are better options. Still, Buller is a worthwhile resort. It hosts skiing and snowboarding events and extensive snowmaking facilities, guaranteeing coverage throughout the season.

Charlotte Pass, New South Wales

Charlotte Pass Snow Resort is number three on our list. Although it may seem small at just 123 acres, it's still well worth visiting. Found in the Kosciuszko National Park, it's an easy seven-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney. Pack the road trip snacks! However, its remoteness adds to the resort’s charm. You’ll find an intimate spot with stylish lodges and chalets.

The vibe at Charlotte Pass is not party-forward. In fact, it most suits families and those seeking a quiet getaway more than weekenders wanting to make the most of the nights and days. However, that's not to say the terrain is tame. There are leg-burning, challenging runs, including Kosi Coaster, a well-known run to locals and visitors.

Craving a ski tour? Charlotte Pass is a great bet. Plenty of backcountry terrain is easily accessible from the resort, making Charlotte Pass one of the best choices for slack and sidecountry addicts. Charlotte Pass is also famous because of its status as Australia's oldest and highest ski resort. Oh, and it boasts an impressive snow record, often being the first to open and the last to close for the season!

Mount Hotham, Victoria

Hotham Alpine Resort is next – a medium-to-large ski resort around a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Melbourne. This makes it a popular choice for weekenders from the city. And there is a great range of accommodation, from expensive to budget. As you can imagine, the party scene is pretty lively, with tons of bars and restaurants to choose from. However, it's not quite Perisher, so you won't find nightclubs pumping until dawn.

The hotels and the music are not why people come to Mt Hotham, though. They come for the reliable snowfall and expert terrain, including copious amounts of off-piste areas – something that's pretty uncommon in Australia.  Yep, you’re encouraged to get off the beaten track in Hotham Alpine Resort – the unofficial powder capital of Australia! Like to feel the wind in your helmet holes? Mary’s Slide – Hotham’s renowned double black diamond trail – is where to pick up some serious speed!

Plus, Mt Hotham’s inverted setup makes this resort even more unique. The base village is at the top of the mountain, and you ski down for the first run of the day. There's nothing better than not waiting in the lift line at 8:30 am, right?

Thredbo, New South Wales

©thredbo.com.au

Thredbo is another large resort, and no list of Australian ski resorts would be complete without it. Located in the Snowy Mountains near Perisher – and around a five-hour drive from Sydney – Thredbo is a great bet and one of the most accessible ski resorts for people flying into the country. Accommodation is plentiful, with lots of hotels, lodges, and apartments catering to both the luxury and the casual ends of the spectrum.

Like Perisher, a wide range of terrain is available for all levels of riders, making it an ideal place to learn to ski or to improve your skills. There’s also advanced skiing. Trails like Cannonball offer steep sections – ready for you to ride full throttle. Hop on a guided backcountry tour from Thredbo, too. It’s awesome for swerving the crowds, as Thredbo can get busy during high season and weekends. 

You’ll find an epic après scene here, too! Take your pick from the many bars and restaurants! In fact, if you like to maximize your vacation after dark, Thredbo is a fun choice. It’s no wonder it’s a firm favorite among locals and visitors – Thredbo is one of the largest resorts, has awesome snowmaking facilities, a vibrant village, and some of the longest runs in Australia (including Village trail). It's a bit of a zoo, but it’s worth doing at least once if you go all that way!

Falls Creek, Victoria

We round up our list with Falls Creek Alpine Resort in Victoria, another large resort conveniently located just a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Melbourne. It's also not too far from Mount Hotham. So, why not hit both during the same vacation? While Mt Hotham might be the unofficial powder capital, Falls Creek reports more annual snowfall than any other ski resort in the country. As such, despite its modest vertical, it offers the most fun and powdery descents anywhere on the continent.

Falls Creek is also a firm favorite of ski tourers and backcountry enthusiasts, thanks to its extensive options, a myriad of marked routes, and phenomenal descents with some of Australia’s best scenery. In terms of accommodation, there are plenty of hotels, lodges, and apartments, ranging from high-level to budget-friendly. So, you don't have to break the bank to enjoy the deepest snow in Oz.

You’ll find a pretty impressive après scene, too. In fact, there's no better way to cap off an awesome day of ski touring Down Under than by sinking a few beers and then sinking down under the table, right? See what we did there? All jokes aside, Falls Creek should be the number one choice for making the most of Australia’s backcountry.

Wrapping up

Well, that's it for our quick-fire guide to the best ski resorts in Australia. While the snow might not be quite as deep as it is in South America or Japan, Australia is still well worth a trip. Nothing beats skiing in August, right? Why would you want to lie on a beach when you could keep ripping the corduroy all year? 

Love this article, or think we missed something? Email us at crew@montecwear.com and let us know what you think. Other than that, let's hope the season at Mammoth runs to July 4th. That way, we only have a month to wait before the season kicks off in Oz...

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