5 Best Ski Resorts in Australia, 2023/24
Looking for a powder fix this Summer? Why not try down under? The southeastern states of New South Wales and Victoria are home to a whole bunch of diverse ski areas, and we’ve skied them all again and again to give you our pick of the best 5!
Table of Contents
1. Perisher
Known for
Being not only the largest ski area in Australia but the entire Southern Hemisphere
- A diverse variety of terrain to keep skiers of all abilities happy
- Handy skitube alpine railway helps you avoid icy roads to the resort
- Family friendly resort with tobogganing and tubing available
- No real ski village and too many long T-bar lifts still in operation
23/24 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Jun 09 2023
- Closing Date: Oct 05 2023* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Kingsford Smith Intl. Airport - 297 miles (5.5 hour drive)
Why Ski Perisher
One of the best ski resorts in Australia is Perisher, and not just because it’s the biggest. This place is an all-singing, all-dancing alpine resort with stacks of activities and facilities to keep you entertained off the slopes. With an impressive 3,076 acres of skiable terrain, there's no doubt something for everyone to explore. But the fun isn’t over when the sun goes down at Perisher, because every Tuesday and Saturday the Front Valley slope is lit up for night skiing. Although we’ve got to mention, Perisher does have quite a few T-bars so if you’re not a fan of those, steer away.
2. Mount Hotham
Known for
Its unique upside-down layout where the village is at the top of the mountain
- Amazing ski terrain by Australian standards
- Doesn’t suffer from crowds like other Victorian ski resorts
- Some of the best ski-in/ski-out lodgings in Australia
- Kid’s ski area is inconveniently located away from the resort centre
23/24 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Jun 10 2023
- Closing Date: Oct 01 2023* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Tullamarine Airport - 224 miles (4 hour drive)
Why Ski Mount Hotham
Mt Hotham is the go-to resort for experienced skiers who’ll settle for nothing less than the country’s most challenging terrain. Most ski resorts have a base at the bottom of the mountain, but not Mt Hotham. The ski village is perched on an alpine ridge that’s blanketed with snow during the winter. Stay up here and you’ll have views of the clouds alongside the white slopes below! With over 20 restaurants and bars to dine and drink in, there’s no shortage of après ski fun, not to mention the snow tubing, tobogganing, and 22 miles of cross-country ski trails to explore!
3. Thredbo
Known for
Having the five longest ski runs in Australia and some decent vertical drops too
- Bustling alpine village that caters well for foodies and partygoers
- Good mix of slopes but caters mainly to intermediates
- You can ski here with a Mountain Collective Pass
- Low base elevation means snow can get slushy at the base
23/24 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Jun 20 2023
- Closing Date: Oct 01 2023* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Kingsford Smith Intl. Airport - 299 miles (5.5 hour drive)
Why Ski Thredbo
While Thredbo is not the biggest ski resort down under, it holds enough national records to make up for it! With the highest vertical drop in Australia and some respectable steeps, the runs are great if you’re up for a challenge. Whether it’s a schuss down the 3 miles Village Trail (longest ski run in the country) or dining at the Eagle’s Nest, there really is a little something for everyone at Thredbo. Although first-timers might be disappointed with the slushy Friday Flat beginners area, there are some greens at the top of the mountain with better snow quality.
4. Falls Creek
Known for
Serving up stacks of intermediate-friendly terrain, both on and off-piste
- Plenty of ski-in/ski-out accommodation to choose from
- Doesn’t get as crowded as other Australian ski resorts
- Some of the best cross-country skiing in the country
- Not much advanced terrain to keep expert skiers busy
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Jun 15 2024
- Closing Date: Oct 04 2024* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Tullamarine Airport - 232 miles (4.5 hour drive)
Why Ski Falls Creek
Falls Creek is a firm favorite among intermediate skiers from Victoria, with its wide ski fields, mellow pitches, and friendly village atmosphere all being a big draw. It may only be a third of the size of Perisher, but Falls Creek beats all other ski resorts in Victoria when it comes to the number of trails it has to carve up. There are 92 runs in total and with so much choice, the slopes rarely get crowded. There’s also over 40 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails to explore at Falls Creek, and it won’t cost you a cent to access them.
5. Mount Buller
Known for
Solid snow grooming and picturesque village
- Being easy to reach from Melbourne (by Australian standards)
- Fantastic views over the Victorian Alps and Delatite Valley
- Fun après ski scene at one of Australia's largest ski villages
- Crowds can get overwhelming, particularly on weekends
23/24 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Jun 10 2023
- Closing Date: Oct 02 2023* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Tullamarine Airport - 151 miles (3 hour drive)
Why Ski Mount Buller
Combining quality ski trails, spectacular scenery, and first-rate resort facilities, Mt Buller certainly has a lot going for it. With two distinct mountainsides, there’s a choice between the Northern Slopes, packed with blue runs, and the Southern Slopes, where black trails reign. The Bourke Street beginners ski area is just like the actual street in Melbourne; very busy and best avoided when you can! Once you’re done with skiing there’s still plenty more to keep you busy at Mt Buller. Over 30 bars and restaurants create a vibrant après ski scene that’s not to be missed.
