are there ski resorts in australia
Yes, there are ski resorts in Australia, and some of them are among the biggest and busiest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Are there ski resorts in Australia?
Quick Scoop
Australia absolutely has ski resorts, mainly in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales and the Victorian Alps, plus a few in Tasmania. The season usually runs in the Southern Hemisphere winter, roughly June to early October depending on snow.
Where the ski resorts are
Main states with ski areas
- New South Wales – Snowy Mountains region.
- Victoria – Victorian Alps / High Country.
- Tasmania – Smaller, more low‑key fields.
Big-name Australian resorts
Often mentioned as the major downhill resorts:
- Thredbo (NSW) – Long runs, lively village, frequent winner of “best resort in Australia” awards.
- Perisher (NSW) – One of the largest ski resorts in the Southern Hemisphere, extensive terrain and terrain parks.
- Mount Buller (VIC) – Very popular, accessible from Melbourne, good for beginners and families.
- Falls Creek (VIC) – Known for intermediates and cross‑country terrain, full ski‑in/ski‑out style village.
- Mount Hotham (VIC) – Steeper, more advanced terrain, “skier’s mountain” reputation.
Smaller or more relaxed resorts include Charlotte Pass and Selwyn Snow Resort in NSW, and Mount Baw Baw and Mount Stirling in Victoria, plus Ben Lomond and Mount Mawson in Tasmania.
Quick facts in table form
Here’s a simple overview of some of the best-known Australian ski resorts:
| Resort | State | Known for | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perisher | New South Wales | One of the largest ski areas in the Southern Hemisphere, big terrain parks. | [9][3]All‑rounder: beginners to experts. | [3]
| Thredbo | New South Wales | Some of the longest runs in Australia, strong village nightlife. | [5][10][3]Intermediates and advanced, but with beginner facilities. | [10][3]
| Mount Buller | Victoria | Easy access from Melbourne, busy social scene. | [7][10][3]Beginners, families, weekenders. | [8][3]
| Falls Creek | Victoria | Great intermediate terrain, strong cross‑country scene. | [4][3]Intermediates and mixed groups. | [3][4]
| Mount Hotham | Victoria | Steep terrain, more advanced skiing and boarding. | [4][3]Advanced and expert riders. | [3][4]
| Charlotte Pass | New South Wales | Smaller, snow‑sure village accessible via oversnow transport. | [1][3]Families and beginners wanting a quieter feel. | [6][3]
What the experience is like
- Terrain: Shorter vertical and generally milder snow conditions than major Northern Hemisphere resorts, but with varied runs and dedicated terrain parks.
- Activities: Alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross‑country skiing, tobogganing, snowshoeing and more family snow play.
- Vibe: Mix of classic alpine feel and uniquely Australian features like snow gums and nearby country pubs.
- Access: Resorts are typically a few hours’ drive from Sydney, Canberra, or Melbourne, with service towns like Jindabyne and Bright acting as hubs.
Latest and “trending” context
- Updated resort guides for the 2025/26 season list around a dozen‑plus active Australian ski resorts, with online rankings for “best for beginners”, “best for experts”, and “highest altitude”.
- Tourism and travel sites for 2024–2026 continue to push Australian winter holidays, highlighting Thredbo, Perisher, Buller, Falls Creek and Hotham as headline destinations.
- Forum and blog discussions often compare Aussie resorts to New Zealand or Japan, with many people treating Australia as a convenient, shorter winter trip rather than a huge powder destination.
TL;DR
Australia does have multiple ski resorts, mostly in New South Wales and Victoria, with big names like Perisher, Thredbo, Mount Buller, Falls Creek and Mount Hotham offering full winter-sports experiences each year from roughly June to October.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.