5 Best Ski Resorts in Australia, 2024/25
Looking for a powder fix this summer? Why not try down under? While the Northern Hemisphere enjoys summer sun, Australia’s ski resorts provide a thrilling escape for winter sports enthusiasts. Nestled in the southeastern states of New South Wales and Victoria, these resorts boast a range of experiences, from Perisher’s expansive slopes to Thredbo’s lively après-ski scene. We’ve skied them all, again and again, and are ready to give you our pick of the best 5!
Table of Contents
1. Perisher
Known for
Perisher is the largest ski area in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere, offering diverse terrain across four interconnected resorts.
- Spanning 3,076 acres, Perisher features 44 lifts and a mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain.
- Receives an average of 76 inches of snowfall annually, with extensive snowmaking ensuring reliable conditions.
- The Skitube Alpine Railway provides easy access from Bullocks Flat to Perisher Valley, avoiding icy roads.
- Family-friendly resort with tobogganing, tubing and night skiing on Front Valley.
- Part of the Epic Pass, offering access to top resorts worldwide.
- No true ski village—most accommodations are in Jindabyne, requiring a short drive or Skitube ride.
- Still operates several T-bar lifts, which may not be ideal for all skiers.
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: 7 Jun 2024* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: 25 Sep 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Canberra International Airport (CBR) - 129 miles (2 hours 30 minutes)
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
Mount Hotham stands out with its unique upside-down layout, where the village sits at the top of the mountain, offering ski-in ski-out convenience and breathtaking alpine views.
- 790 acres of skiable terrain, with 20% beginner, 40% intermediate and 40% advanced runs, making it Australia’s best resort for expert skiers.
- Receives an average annual snowfall of 65 inches, with extensive snowmaking ensuring consistent coverage.
- Mount Hotham’s lift network includes 14 lifts, including Australia’s only double chairlift, the Orchard.
- Less crowded than other Victorian ski resorts, offering a more relaxed ski experience.
- Ski-in ski-out accommodations make it one of the best resorts in Australia for convenience.
- Part of the Epic Pass, allowing skiers access to international resorts like Vail, Whistler and Hakuba.
- Hotham offers some of the best backcountry skiing in Australia, with guided tours available.
- Family-friendly but the kid’s ski area is inconveniently located away from the resort center.
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: 14 Jun 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: 25 Sep 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Melbourne Airport (MEL) - 226 miles (4 hours 15 minutes)
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. Unlike most ski resorts, which are nestled at the base of the mountain, Mt Hotham’s ski village sits atop an alpine ridge, offering sweeping views of snow-draped peaks and cloud-filled valleys. Staying here means waking up to breathtaking vistas and immediate access to pristine ski runs. When you’re done skiing, Mt Hotham boasts more than 20 restaurants and bars, perfect for indulging in après-ski delights. For added adventure, try snow tubing, tobogganing or exploring miles and miles of scenic cross-country ski trails.
3. Thredbo
Known for
Thredbo has the five longest ski runs in Australia, including Supertrail (2.3 miles), and features the country’s highest vertical drop at 672 meters.
- 1,200+ acres of skiable terrain with a strong mix of beginner (16%), intermediate (67%) and advanced (17%) runs.
- Home to Friday Flat, one of Australia’s best beginner ski areas, with excellent ski school programs.
- Bustling alpine village with top-tier restaurants, après-ski spots and lively nightlife.
- Receives an average annual snowfall of 160 inches, with 80% of trails covered by snowmaking.
- Australia’s highest vertical drop (672m), allowing for long, sustained runs.
- Less crowded than Perisher and Thredbo, offering a more relaxed ski experience.
- The fastest lift system in Australia, including the Merritts Gondola, ensures minimal wait times.
- Part of the Mountain Collective Pass, allowing skiers to access multiple international resorts.
- Low base elevation can lead to slushy snow conditions, especially in late season.
- Thredbo offers guided backcountry access to Australia’s highest peaks, including Mt. Kosciuszko.
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: 7 Jun 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: 13 Sep 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Canberra International Airport (CBR) - 130 miles (2 hours 30 minutes)
Why Ski Thredbo
While Thredbo is not the biggest ski resort down under, it holds enough national records to make up for it! Boasting the highest vertical drop in Australia and a range of impressive steep runs, Thredbo is perfect for those seeking a challenge. From carving down the 3-mile-long Village Trail—the country’s longest ski run—to savoring a meal at the iconic Eagle’s Nest, Thredbo truly offers something for everyone. 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
Falls Creek is Australia’s top ski destination for intermediate skiers, featuring the country’s best cross-country skiing trails and a picturesque alpine village.
- 1,112 acres of skiable terrain, with 17% beginner, 60% intermediate and 23% advanced runs.
- Falls Creek has Australia’s largest network of cross-country ski trails, spanning over 40 miles.
- Ski-in ski-out accommodations make it one of the most convenient resorts in Australia.
- Receives an average annual snowfall of 160 inches, with 80% of trails covered by snowmaking.
- Less crowded than Perisher and Thredbo, offering a more relaxed ski experience.
- The village has a strong après-ski scene, featuring Astra Bar & Restaurant and other top dining spots.
- Great for families, with beginner-friendly areas like Wombat’s Ramble.
- Limited expert terrain, but guided backcountry tours are available for advanced skiers.
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: 7 Jun 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: 28 Sep 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Melbourne Airport (MEL) - 232 miles (4 hours 30 minutes)
Why Ski Falls Creek
Falls Creek is a top choice for intermediate skiers in Victoria, thanks to its expansive ski fields, gentle slopes and welcoming village vibe. While it’s only a third the size of Perisher, Falls Creek outshines every other ski resort in Victoria with the sheer number of trails available. Boasting 92 runs, it offers plenty of variety and space, ensuring the slopes rarely feel crowded. For those who enjoy cross-country skiing, Falls Creek also features over 40 miles of meticulously groomed trails, accessible free of charge.
5. Mount Buller
Known for
Mount Buller is Victoria’s most accessible ski resort, featuring a lively village, top-notch snow grooming and stunning alpine scenery.
- 740+ acres of skiable terrain, with 25% beginner, 45% intermediate and 30% advanced runs.
- 22 lifts, the most of any Victorian resort, ensuring quick access to the slopes.
- Mount Buller’s snowmaking system covers 80% of the trails, extending the ski season.
- Fantastic views over the Victorian Alps and Delatite Valley.
- Bustling après-ski scene, with bars, restaurants and live music in Australia’s largest ski village.
- Hosts major ski and snowboarding competitions, attracting top athletes.
- Family-friendly offerings, including tobogganing, a dedicated beginner zone and Australia’s highest cinema.
- One of Australia’s most accessible ski resorts, just 154 miles from Melbourne with a 3-hour drive.
- Crowds can be overwhelming on weekends, especially during peak season.
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: 7 Jun 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: 28 Sep 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Melbourne Airport (MEL) - 140 miles (3 hours)
Why Ski Mount Buller
Mt Buller seamlessly combines quality ski trails, breathtaking scenery and top-tier resort facilities, making it a standout destination for snow lovers. Its two distinct mountainsides offer something for everyone: the Northern Slopes feature a range of inviting blue runs, while the Southern Slopes challenge advanced skiers with thrilling black trails. Beginners can ease into skiing at the Bourke Street area, though it tends to be as bustling as its Melbourne namesake—best tackled during quieter moments if possible. When the skiing wraps up, Mt Buller’s vibrant après-ski scene awaits. With over 30 bars and restaurants to choose from, there’s no shortage of options for unwinding and making the most of your alpine adventure.
