Australia is a country teeming with rich and diverse cultural experiences for both locals and tourists alike. Got the urge to go snorkelling in the world’s largest coral reef system in the middle of winter? No worries, the Great Barrier Reef thrives in a year-round tropical environment. Or how about an afternoon sipping sparkling with views of sacred Uluru? With so much on offer, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Australia is also home to a few ski resorts in its high country regions.
Victoria is famed for its wildly oscillating climate, but both Falls Creek ski resort and Mount Buller ski resort usually have a steady snow supply during peak ski season, ensuring well-groomed ski fields throughout winter. You might not imagine that ski-in, ski-out experience could exist Down Under, but these Victorian ski resorts offer just that.
Meanwhile, New South Wales is home to some of the most well-known and popular Australian ski resorts — Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte Pass. These winter wonderlands are located a five- to six-hour drive from Sydney, and have some of the best slopes and snowy national parks in Australia.
Wondering which winter wonderland to ski at this season? These are the best Australian ski resorts for a snowy winter escape.
Australian ski resorts in Victoria
Falls Creek accommodation
Falls Creek has it all, from downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and night skiing, as well as decked-out freestyle terrain parks. It’s a snowsports lover’s paradise.
Near the NSW border, halfway between Melbourne and Canberra, Falls Creek is the biggest ski resort in the Victorian Alps. What makes Falls Creek one of the best ski resorts in Australia is that it offers a true ski-in, ski-out experience. It’s important to choose your Falls Creek accommodation wisely to ensure proximity to the slopes (then you’ll see why this is one of the best ski resorts in Australia). Here’s where to stay in Falls Creek during winter:
Snow Fall Lodge at Crows Nest
Sleeps: 12
Serene panoramic views of the Victorian Alps are just business as usual at Snow Fall Lodge in Falls Creek’s ski resort. You can ski in and ski out of this expansive retreat, with Falls Creek’s central Falls Express chairlift only a few glides away from your doorstep. And, after a long day on the slopes, enjoy the serene snowy mountainscapes from your private balcony.
Astra Lodge at Falls Creek
Sleeps: 4
Astra Lodge might just be one of the most luxurious stays in the Falls Creek ski resort area. The rooms within this classic chalet are fitted out like cosy studios, with large comfortable couches and the option of an extra-wide double bed. Astra is centrally located, so you can make the most of your time in Falls Creek ski resort, plus easily access the slopes from the ski-in, ski-out property. It also boasts fantastic communal spaces, such as a heated magnesium pool to soak in after an action-packed day on the slopes and an inviting fire-warmed living space where you can enjoy an après-ski beverage or two.
Falls Creek Hotel
Sleeps: 4
Located in the heart of Falls Creek alpine village, the clean, comfortable and cosy rooms at Falls Creek Hotel make the perfect base for keen snowsports enthusiasts. Just one minute (or a few easy glides) from the central chair lift, the hotel is ultra convenient. The hotel has an in-house restaurant and bar, and each room features a private balcony with mountain views.
Mount Buller accommodation
Towering Mount Buller is found in the Shire of Mansfield and is one of Victoria’s finest sprawling snow resorts. Unlike other Australian ski resorts, where snowsports are the main (and only) attractions, the appeal of Mount Buller ski resort is that there are plenty of other snow-centric and adjacent activities to indulge in. Make the most of the luxurious indoor and outdoor spa facilities, or go for a spot of cold-weather sightseeing along Mount Buller’s scenic Sculpture Park Walk.
Snowflake 8
Sleeps: 4
This sleek and modern, recently renovated apartment is located in the heart of Mount Buller Alpine Village, making it an ideal Mount Buller accommodation option. A step back from the Bluff and Howqua Valley, Snowflake 8 has a shuttle bus stop just out front, with the shuttle ready to whisk you up to the mountain for a day on the slopes.
Black Tusk
Sleeps: 8
Black Tusk’s endearingly retro red-brick façade belies the spacious and modern comfort within. Just minutes from Mount Buller’s snowy gates for ideal access to the Mount Buller ski resort, Black Tusk is a spacious, privately owned holiday home designed with high ceilings and generously wide windows. Featuring a serene private balcony (perfect for post-snow relaxation), Black Tusk is at the top of the list when it comes to Mount Buller accommodation.
Hotel Pension Grimus
Sleeps: 8
For lovers of the classic lodge-style hotel, Hotel Pension Grimus is the Mount Buller accommodation for you. Each room (choose between apartment and studio-style rooms) has a spacious spa bath, perfect for relaxing after a long day on the slopes. With its ideal proximity to Mount Buller (just 50 metres from the Apom ski lift), Hotel Pension Grimus is the closest you’ll get to ski-in, ski-out accommodation in Mount Buller. And for those looking to truly unwind and take a break from the snow, the spa next door offers numerous beauty treatments on offer.
Australian ski resorts in the Snowy Mountains, New South Wales
Perisher ski resort and accommodation
Perisher is the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere, encompassing Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Mount Blue Cow, Guthega, The Station and the Skitube Alpine Railway to claim that title. To cater for the large influx of keen snowsports lovers each year, Perisher is home to several slopes, ranging from beginner to advanced. And, with fairly reliable snowfall each year, the snowfields often boast a healthy mix of powder and man-made snow.
Now enthusiasts have the option to either stay right in the middle of the action in one of the Perisher Valley ski chalets or take a step back from the hustle and bustle in an Airbnb in the Snowy Mountains area. Making a base in the nearby town of Jindabyne and its surrounds means that you’ll only be a half-hour drive from the slopes.
Thredbo ski resort and accommodation
Thredbo’s expansive ski resort is home to Australia’s longest ski and snowboard runs – the longest being the Village Trail, which clocks in at five kilometres. Plus, one of the best ski schools for beginners is run out of Thredbo, making it the perfect destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Thredbo ski resort is only a 15-minute drive from Perisher Valley, giving guests the option to stay in Perisher, at a chalet in Thredbo or to consider close-by (and often more affordable) Jindabyne accommodation.
Charlotte Pass ski resort and accommodation
Charlotte Pass is one of the oldest and most popular Australian ski resorts, perched right in the middle of the scenic Snowy Mountains. A staggering 1765 metres above sea level, the Snowy Mountains receives some of the most consistent snowfall across the snow season (between June and October), ensuring Charlotte Pass is doused in snow for the ski season. That layer of powdery snow makes the slopes an ideal place for beginners, but also means that you’ll need to access Charlotte Pass via some heavy-duty snow transport. That’s why choosing the right Charlotte Pass accommodation is so important. You can’t stay at Charlotte Pass, so you’ll need to seek out accommodation in the surrounding resorts (think Thredbo or Perisher) and then hitch a ride on Charlotte Pass ski resort’s complimentary over-snow vehicle.
Where to stay in the Snowy Mountains NSW
The Bastion, Crackenback
Sleeps: 10
With roaring open fires, bespoke furniture, a fully equipped chef’s kitchen, and heated bathroom floors, The Bastion stay epitomises alpine luxury. This Crackenback accommodation is also pet-friendly and sleeps 10 people, making a great case for the more, the merrier on your next ski holiday.
Charlotte’s Lane, Jindabyne
Sleeps: 8
This cosy guesthouse, Charlotte’s Lane, is set on 10 acres just seven minutes from Jindabyne town. It has an abundance of surrounding wildlife and an outdoor spa, primed for a sunset soak with a glass of wine after a day of skiing or snowboarding.
Pure Chalet Thredbo, Thredbo
Sleeps: 2-3
If you’re looking for comfortable, quaint chalet accommodation in the heart of the Thredbo action, look no further than Pure Chalet Thredbo. All suites at this chalet have renovated bathrooms and underfloor heating, making it an ideal spot for keeping cosy in between ski runs. Pure Chalet Thredbo’s enviable location is only 300 metres from the nearest chair lift. Plus, it boasts an in-house restaurant, which means guests have everything they need within a very small radius.
Boonoona Ski Lodge, Perisher Valley
Sleeps: 4
With only 14 apartments within the luxurious Boonoona Ski Lodge, set right in the heart of Perisher Valley, you’d better snap up your accommodation quickly. Each stay comes with three meals a day at the in-house restaurant, making it a fuss-free option. And with Boonoona Ski Lodge only moments from the main Perisher chair lift, enjoying breakfast, lunch and dinner is a breeze.
Perisher Manor Hotel, Perisher Valley
Sleeps: 2-5
The location of Perisher Manor Hotel is truly convenient — it’s only 50m from the central Perisher ski lifts. With the option to choose from intimate couple-sized rooms with spacious double beds or family-sized suites, Perisher Manor is an excellent option for all snow lovers.
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