Marshmallows over the fire, mulled wine on the deck, a European feast after a full day of sliding downhill – not much better than a short break in the snow.
And while you might not immediately believe it, Australia actually holds some stellar snow destinations that rival those of Aspen and Whistler. Do you think we’re wrong? You’re about to prove otherwise.
Check out the best snow destination in Australia.
Thredbo
NSW
As one of Australia’s top snow destinations, Thredbo is a top spot to tackle the slopes for the first time. It has a dedicated beginner’s area for the gentle slopes of the newbies, but also has Australia’s only alpine gondola that takes you from the village of Thredbo to the base of the cruiser area in around six minutes (yes, it’s fast). When you’re not carving the snow, Merritts Mountain House offers refueling and feed that will make you feel right in the middle of Europe.
Thredbo has around 480 hectares of snow for all levels of difficulty. If you are a beginner, you should step up your technique at Friday Flat. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can ride the Merritts Gondola. For the experienced professionals, you should of course take larger slopes such as Supertrail, Cannonball, Bluff and Little Beauty. You can also sign up for a sunrise session with breakfast at Australia’s highest restaurant, Eagles Nest.
Where to stay in Thredbo
Thredbo Alpine Hotel
Candlelight Lodge
Banjo Loft
Perisher
NSW
Perisher, the largest ski area in Australia, is located in the scenic Kosciuszko National Park and includes four villages including Blue Cow, Guthega, Smiggin Holes and Perisher Valley. This alpine playground has 47 lifts and a variety of slopes, so both experienced and beginners have a wide choice. This is about sledding through snow gums, rocky outcrops and marveling at the impressive Mount Perisher. It is criminal not to dive into a pub feed at the Man From Snowy River Hotel and Guthega. Guests can enjoy hot chocolates and coffee at the Alpine Inn.
One of the most popular bars is the Overflow Bar, where you can watch the sun set behind the Front Valley. From late June to early September, you can also experience neon night skiing and boarding under lights – not to mention epic fireworks displays too.
Where to stay in the Perisher
Maritz Hotel
Eiger chalet
The stables
Charlotte Pass
NSW
The Charlotte Pass is 1765 m above sea level and is Australia’s highest snow resort. The only way to get here is by transport over snow. This gem receives some of the most consistent snowfalls, meaning there is always plenty of snow for the slopes. The five lifts here take skiers to 19 different runs, most of which are dedicated to beginners and advanced skiers. For all advanced skiers, Guthrie’s Chutes and the Freestyle Terrain Park call your name.
After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy après-ski with high tea and live jazz in the Adams Cocktail Lounge. The basement is also another hit for drinks and live music on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Where to stay in Charlotte Pass
Charlotte Pass Snow Resort
Stillwell Hotel
Koscuiszko Chalet
Falls Creek
Victoria
If you know the snow season even remotely, you already know that Falls Creek is a year-round resort in northeast Victoria. It is famous for its ski-in ski-out village and has 450 acres of ski area (the largest in Victoria), equivalent to 90 slopes accessible by 14 lifts. Falls is a mecca for enthusiastic cross-country skiers and offers fast cord trails and new off-piste terrain in the national park.
Where to stay in Falls Creek
Apartment Geilo
The huts
Winterhaven
Mount Hotham
Victoria
Mount Hotham is famous for its breathtaking and misty sunrises and unforgettable panoramic views of the rugged mountain ranges. It is for sure one of the best snow destinations in Australia that you will want to hit this winter. About a four and a half hour drive from Melbourne is Hotham in the Victorian Alps of the Great Dividing Range.
You will have a whopping 320 acres of ski area in front of you and yet it has been dubbed the “Powder Capital” of Australia. Regardless of your level, Hotham offers world-class tobogganing, dog sledding and snowmobiling tours, as well as luxurious day spas and 18 restaurants and bars so you can end your snowy day in style.
Where to stay in Mount Hotham
Mount Buller
Victoria
If you want to roast marshmallows over a fire and enjoy sunsets like never before, then make your way to the ever-stunning Mount Buller. With 22 lifts, over 80 slopes and a ski area of 300 hectares, it is an absolute dream for every snow enthusiast. If skiing and snowboarding aren’t your thing, however, the nice thing about Mount Buller is that it has a serious old-school charm, so you can definitely use your time to visit the museum and movie theaters instead.
The Kooroora Hotel is your local watering hole (with constant live music) and stepping on the open air deck in Tyrol is the perfect place for a sundowner. If you’re looking for cocktails in town, the bird cage is your best bet.
Where to stay in Mount Buller
Ski in, ski out
Huski
Mountain retreat
Mount Dirt Dirt
Victoria
Mount Baw Baw is about a two-hour drive from Melbourne and 50 km north of the Latrobe Valley. This important snow destination offers 35 hectares of snow with groomed slopes, seven ski lifts, snow playgrounds, toboggan runs and magic carpets (beginners will love this part). For those who are ready to do a little more freestyle, there is also 10 km of cross-country skiing between snow rubbers. If you’re a fan of the rugged winter hiking, there is also a network of epic trails in Baw Baw National Park and the Great Alpine Hiking Trail.
Where to stay on Mount Baw Baw
Stringers Cottage
Reindeer hut
Holy house
The Hartz Mountains National Park
Tasmania
Shaped and sculpted by ancient glaciers, Hartz Mountains National Park serves one of the roughest wilderness areas you will ever experience in Australia. Everything here revolves around the snow-covered bush walks (apart from the verdict for the Thredbo ski slopes), the glacial lakes and the alpine plateaus, which look eerily similar to the Swiss Jungfrau mountain. Waratah Lookout, Arve Falls, and Lake Osborne are fairly easy walks that span 60 minutes but offer breathtaking views of dramatic landscapes.
Overnight accommodation in the Hartz Mountains National Park
River Resort
Shanleys
Tidal beach
Do you prefer the warmer weather? rental fee these Island with your best friends for only $ 225 a night.
Photo credit: Visit Victoria
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