Top 5 Ski Destinations In Australia
Australia is widely famous for its pristine beaches, but a country that stretches across 7,692,000 km² must have much more to offer than just a beautiful seaside. And that is true. The nature of the Land Down Under is so diverse that you can find an ancient rainforest on the edge of a modern city and snow-capped mountains near the purest and warmest waters on earth. That is why Australia is the perfect place to try out your winter sports skills. It also helps that Australian ski resorts are getting better with each passing year. So, as we’ve got you intrigued so far, here are five ski destinations in Australia you must visit, alongside some useful tips that will make your vacation better.
Selwyn NSW
Let us begin our exploration of Australia’s ski potential with the most affordable ski resort which is perfect for families and first-timers. The area has one of the best beginners’ courses in the entire country and offers a wide range of fun and safe family activities, such as snowshoeing, tobogganing and snow tubing. The terrain has a base elevation of 1,492 metres and a top elevation of 1,614 metres and the longest run at the resort is 800 metres.
Additional tips and information:
The ski season in Selwyn begins in mid-June and it ends in early October. It’s open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The terrain has six beginner runs, seven intermediate runs, and if you are up for a challenge, two advanced runs. If you are going with kids, you can sign them up for ski lessons. There is no accommodation on-site, so you would have to stay in Adaminaby or Talbingo. During the season, the temperature is just below zero, so you won’t need extra warm clothes.
Charlotte Pass NSW
Charlotte Pass is the highest resort in the country at 1,765m. Unlike the Selwyn resort, there is on and off-site accommodation. If you are planning on going with your family, you can use the complimentary supervised children’s activities for guests.
Additional tips and information:
The ski runs are open for three months a year, from mid-June to mid-September. Charlotte Pass is also perfect for a romantic weekend since the main hotel is historic and very warm. Snow depth is about 8cm, so it is ideal for both skiing and snowboarding.
Mt Hotham Vic
The Hotham terrains are located about four hours from Melbourne and they have on-mountain accommodation and a charming little alpine village 10km from the resort at Dinner Plain. The terrain offers amazing intermediate and expert runs.
Additional tips and information:
It is not an ideal resort to visit with kids since the age limitations are raised to 18, but it is perfect for a girls’ trip because there is a great afternoon club for women to improve ski and snowboard techniques which is run by top female instructors. And if you girls want to have fun and still stay fashionable as many women desire, you can even look for some women’s snow gear fashion items and rock those slopes with style.
Thredbo NSW
Thredbo is a premier alpine resort with the five longest runs in the country and the largest village at the bottom of the slopes with more than thirty restaurants and cafes. The resort can accommodate about 4000 guests. It has many dedicated beginner areas, and the majority are intermediate runs.
Additional tips and information:
By skiing here, you will get a Mountain Collective Pass that gives up to a month of skiing at 15 destinations around the world, including Europe, Canada, the US, South America, Japan and New Zealand. There are also several retail outlets in the very resorts, so if you haven’t packed your ski gear – no problem, you can buy everything there. The season begins in early June and it ends on October the first.
Perisher NSW
Perisher has four resort areas – Perisher, Blue Cow, Smiggins and Guthega. Together, they hold Australia’s largest skiable terrain under one ticket. Perisher offers great value for the money because it has the best multi-destination ticket, the Epic Australia Pass, which includes Perisher plus nine US resorts, including Keystone, Breckenridge, Northstar, Park City, Heavenly, Kirkwood, and 10 days at Beaver Creek and/or Vail, combined.
Additional tips and information:
The ski season begins in June and ends in October. Besides regular skiing, there are many other winter sports and activities you can try here, including snowboarding, night skiing and boarding, Nordic skiing, ski tube (alpine railway) and tobogganing. The average temperature is very pleasant with the minimum temperature during winter being -3.7°C. The percentage of pleasant weather days during winter is about 70%, so you will manage with your basic ski equipment, but you should always have several layers of clothes ready.
