Australia

Home to the kangaroo and koala (as well as a few less-friendly creatures), Australia's a huge, beautiful and unforgiving country best known for its summer. When you think of Australia, you think of golden beaches, surf, and snags on the barbie. But snow? In Australia? You bet ya buddy!

In the winter months snow falls in the alpine ranges in Victoria, New South Wales (NSW) and Tasmania. The ski season generally runs from mid June until early October and is pretty much guaranteed due to extensive snow making facilities.

In all there are fifteen ski resorts in Australia ranging from basic cross country trails to full commercial villages with 1250 hectares of terrain. There are five large commercial resorts - three in Victoria and two in NSW.

It rarely snows below 1,000 metres in Australia, which means the resorts are perched right at the top of the mountains. This means skiing and snowboarding in Australia has a unique feel.

If you're used to European resorts, you notice a few things are different in Australia. The mountains are older and more rounded, providing gentler slopes with open areas surrounded by forests of snow gums. The runs are generally shorter than in the Northern Hemisphere too. (The longest in Australia is about 4k).

Above all, there's that friendly Aussie attitude. Just don't let anyone catch you without a grin on your face.

The infrastructure at all the large commercial ski resorts in Australia is well established with all the usual restaurants, bars and entertainment you'd expect from a decent resort. There's plenty of on- and off-mountain accommodation available.

Cost

You'll pay upwards of AU$60 (US$54) a night for a bed in the snow line.

If you're used to the variety of terrain available in European or North American resorts, lift pass prices in Australia may seem a tad pricey. An adult one-day lift pass costs on average AU$90 (US$81).

Getting here

All ski resorts in Australia are within driving distance of either Sydney, Canberra or Melbourne, and the roads are reliable. (Perisher is about six hours from Sydney; Mt. Buller is just over three hours from Melbourne.)

From Melbourne, regular coach trips run to the mountains during the winter months, leaving the city early enough to ensure you're on the slopes before mid-morning.

To compare ski resorts in Australia by nearest town, city or airport, see our Resort Comparison pages.