Australia is well known for its sandy outback, thriving surf culture and thick bushlands. With that in mind, you might be wondering: can you ski in Australia? The answer is yes! Despite its tropical reputation, skiing in Australia is very possible and very popular. Here’s everything you need to know to plan an amazing ski trip in Australia in 2022.
Where can you ski in Australia?
As a general rule of thumb, in most places where you can see snow in Australia, you can ski there, too. You can find ski resorts in Australia in states and territories like Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, the ACT and even some parts of Western Australia.
Some of the best places to ski in Australia include the Thredbo/Perisher area in New South Wales, Ben Lomond in Tasmania and Mt Hotham in Victoria. These Australian ski mountains have slopes for beginners and more experienced skiers, so you’ll have no trouble finding one suited to your skill level. Keep reading to learn more about these popular ski resorts in Australia.
Read more: The 9 Best Winter Getaways in Australia
Choose your travel mates
When planning any trip, it’s important to think about who you want to travel with – and ski trips in Australia are no exception!
If you’re going to travel with friends, you want to be around people who make you feel comfortable, who you can trust and who you enjoy spending time with. You don’t have to spend every second of every day with your travel mates, but it’s definitely going to be a more enjoyable experience if you know each other well.
If you’re travelling on your own, be sure to check out our solo travel guide.
Ski resorts in Australia
Staying in a ski resort can be a great way to stay close to the slopes. Many resorts host weekly skiing activities and competitions, which is also a great way to meet your fellow thrill-seekers.
Thredbo Ski Village is a bustling hub of all things wintery, offering not only skiing but a variety of cosy food and drink options.
Falls Creek is a pedestrian-only ski village. It’s a great resort for beginner skiers, boasting a thriving ski school. It also hosts the cleverly named Kran-Ski Stand for all your ski-in/ski-out hotdog needs.
Organising accommodation
Not all ski resorts in Australia offer super budget-friendly accommodation; resort rooms and cabins are typically on the pricier side. But many offer more affordable options if you’re wanting the experience at a lower price point. For example, Mt Mawson Ski Resort, located in the picturesque Mt Field, Tasmania offers hut-style accommodation for as little as $45 per night.
Alternatively, you can explore nearby hostels, Airbnb properties, or even campgrounds (depending on the weather). If you’re planning your ski trip for the ACT, check out Cotter Campgrounds. It’s only 25 minutes from the CBD and has access to hot showers, flush toilets, barbeques and even fireplaces, making it the perfect spot to experience mid-winter camping – just make sure you pack extra-warm sleeping bags!
Find creative (and fun!) ways to stick to your budget
From travel to ski resort passes to equipment, skiing in Australia can be expensive. So, embrace some clever strategies for sticking to your budget on your holiday.
Rather than get on a plane, consider driving or catching a bus or train to your snowy escape. Not only is this a more cost-effective way to get around, but it can be super fun, especially if you’re travelling with a group of your best friends.
Another way to save some money is to do your research before investing in ski gear. Ski gear in Australia can be quite expensive to buy or even just to hire from a resort. If it’s an option, we would suggest borrowing some from a friend or checking out a peer-to-peer rental website like Quipmo. Think you’ll be skiing relatively often? Consider buying secondhand ski gear from Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace.
