Strap On Your Boots, Here’s Where You Can Hit The Slopes Close To Home
It’s snowing in Aus!
When you think of shredding it on the slopes, chances are you probably think of countries like Japan, Switzerland, and Canada. Don’t be so quick to dismiss our homeland though!
The 2021 Australian ski season has well and truly kicked off, and with international travel off the cards, there has never been a better time to explore the snow in our own backyard. We’ve basically done the packing for you (check out our article on how to hit the slopes in style) – all you need to do is bring your skills, or the willingness to learn. Let’s hit the slopes!
Thredbo | New South Wales
Take a scenic drive south, and you’ll find Australia’s highest skiable mountain, Thredbo. Whether you’re a seasoned shredder or first-timer, there is something for everyone at Thredbo. Boasting a huge amount of snow terrain, a dedicated beginner’s area, and lessons and programs, Thredbo is the place to find your snow feet. When the sun goes down, the vibrant village of restaurants, bars, cafes, retail shops, and accommodation at the base of the mountain, is sure to keep you entertained.
Perisher | New South Wales
With four resort areas, and over 3,000 acres of interlinked skiable terrain to explore, Perisher is the ultimate skiers’ and snowboarders’ playground. Lessons are available to help beginners master the basics, or for more experienced snow bunnies, to explore more of Perisher’s four resort areas. When the sun goes down, the good times don’t stop – from June through September, keen skiers can keep carving it up beneath the stars with scheduled nighttime skis. Access to unbeatable views and on-snow restaurants are all part of the Perisher experience, too. You’ll never have to (or want to!) leave Perisher either, from on-site accommodation to a pharmacy and supermarket, everything you need for a safe and enjoyable snow experience is right there.
Falls Creek | Victoria
Home to the Australian national cross-country team, Falls Creek is sure to impress even the most experienced snowboarders and skiers. With over 450 hectares of skiable terrain, 90 runs, and 14 lifts, there is something to suit every skier and snowboarder’s ability. The ski-in, ski-out accommodation makes for easy access to the slopes, from morning to night. With skiing and snowboarding lessons, terrain parks, cross country skiing, and night skiing on offer, Falls Creek has everything to keep you shredding it up all day (and night) long.
Mount Hotham | Victoria
Christened the ‘powder capital’ of Australia, Mount Hotham is home to Victoria’s highest annual snowfall, panoramic views, and 320 hectares of ski terrain – it truly is a snow bunny’s paradise! There’s nothing quite like starting the morning with a sunrise ski on top of Victoria’s highest resort and ending the day with an Après at one of the 20 restaurants or bars at the base of the village. Enjoy more than just skiing and snowboarding, with activities like tobogganing, dog sled tours, and snowmobile rides at Mount Hotham.
Mount Buller | Victoria
Beginners and professionals will never get bored, with over 300 hectares of terrain to conquer at Mount Buller. Forget skiing and snowboarding, the novelty of Mount Buller lies in it being home to the largest lift network in Victoria, and Australia’s highest day spa Breathtaker Hotel and Spa, where you can go to rest your muscles after a long day of carving. The ski-in, ski-out accommodation allows visitors to make the most of their stay, and with over 30 bars and restaurants at the base of the mountain, there’s plenty of room to play. Not to mention, Mount Buller has a great range of off-site activities from cinemas to retail therapy and rock climbing.
Queenstown | New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the only other countries we can travel to right now, so why not make the most of the opportunity to explore the country’s world-class skiing and snowboarding experiences? There are so many places to get your ski on in New Zealand, but first-timers certainly can’t go wrong with Queenstown. Dubbed the adventure capital of the world, it’s no surprise Queenstown is home to four top-notch ski fields, all within a short drive of each other. The New Zealand snow season runs from June to October and given it is the only overseas adventure we’re allowed to take right now, we’re predicting a snow-out. Check out our New Zealand article for more ways on how to make the most of your New Zealand trip.
