When most people think of Australia, sunburnt country, golden beaches and red desert plains come to mind, yet for the sun-drenched country that it is, Australia is home to several ski resorts.
That’s right, enjoy the best of both worlds, with a very unique Australian winter. While the ocean glistens under the sun in the north, the South is an absolute winter wonderland.
Thredbo
At number one we have Thredbo, situated in New South Wales, at the base of Australia’s highest mountain range. The village of Thredbo is renowned for it’s impressive snowy terrain, spectacular mountain views and fun filled activities, providing it’s guests with an all round, memorable snow experience. From skiing, tobogganing, and snow shoeing, to taking a ride on the chairlifts, visiting the first class fitness centre and enjoying the art and sculpture walks, there is no shortage on things to do and places to see. The village is also home to a diverse range of cafes, bars and restaurants as well as accommodation options.
Perisher
Perisher, and number two on the list is the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere. The beautiful snow village covers around 1, 245 hectares and is home to 47 lifts. With a number of ski runs of varying difficulty, Perisher is well suited for both the beginner and more advanced skiers and snowboarders. A wide range of rental facilities as well as lesson packages are also available for guests.
Falls Creek
Lets hear it for number three, Falls creek. Falls Creek is Victorias largest alpine resort, the official base for the Australian national cross-country team and home to the annual Kangaroo Hoppet (the largest snow sport event in the southern hemisphere). The snow resort of Falls Creek provides 65 kilometres of free cross-country trails, downhill skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and terrain parks.
Mt Hotham
At number four, Hotham. Most commonly known as the ‘serious’ skiers’ mountain, Hotham has both steep short runs and a spread of various trails. Unalike Australia’s other ski resorts however, Hotham lacks in it’s ability to provide that lively village feel, as it is very much spread out across the top of the mountain. Thankfully, the neighbouring town of Dinner Plain, has a beautiful, tight nit village atmosphere.
Mt Buller
Last but not least, at number 5, we have Mount Buller, a three-hour drive from Melbourne and the most accessible, well renowned snow resort in Australia. Attracting snow junkies from not only around Australia, however, around the world, Mount Hotham offers beautiful views and a diverse range of adventurous activities. For those seeking a bit of a thrill, ski and snowboarding competitions are available, helicopter flights and even night skiing. Other activities including scenic chairlift rides are also available.
that’s great, but all are incredibly hard (& therefore expensive) to get to from Qld & due to Perisher being taken over by Vail resorts, any resort near a Vail resort in USA is now super cheap.
For example, Copper Mt, just 20 minutes down the road from Vail & many would say better than Vail, has lift tickets starting at only USD$20(less than AUD$27)/adult with up to 4 kids under 13 totally FREE/adult buy & lift line priority, which means no lift queues ever, whereas some of the nearby resorts, can have 45 min lift queues.
To get the best deals on lifts you need to book 10 consecutive nights, but they are not expensive either. Eg. a 4 star spacious ski in ski out hotel room anytime from 2 January to 4 March 2017(excluding 17-19 feb) is from USD$146(AUD$195) & can sleep up to 4 people. So if 4 people, the accommodation cost is less than AUD$49/person.
It’s also very easy to get to Colorado. Cheap fares to west coast from $699 return/adult in non-school holidays & from $1399 in school holidays
(such as SYD/SFO 29DEC OR 5JAN, BACK LAX/SYD 21 OR 22JAN through ski wholesalers like KISS TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL)
+ plenty of Qantas frequent flyer seats LAXor SFO to Colorado(12,000 pts +$5) or cheap tickets with the likes of Southwest + 4wd’s from any Colorado airport for 24 hours one way from AUD$95 including everything bar cheap fuel, means OZ & NZ resorts need to lift their games.
but how do you get there from SE Qld? Easier to get to Queenstown from Brisbane(up to 10 a week nonstop) or Gold Coast(up to 4 a week nonstop).