Australia may not be the first place you think of for a ski trip, but people really do ski here! In fact, we even have the Snowy Mountains, which are the perfect place to enjoy a winter ski trip in Australia.
Once you ski here, you’ll definitely want to come back. With a sick ski season, you can make it an annual trip and always find something new to love. The resorts are some of the best in the world, and the après-ski is a whole vibe too.
So this is it, check our guide out and get ready to hit the slopes!
Jump to:
- EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD KNOW FOR YOUR NEXT SKI HOLIDAYS
- REASONS WHY CHOOSING NEW SOUTH WALES IS A GREAT IDEA
- OAKS LAKE CRACKENBACK RESORT
- TO WRAP IT UP!
- FAQS
Everything you should know for your next ski holidays
Planning an Aussie ski trip isn’t something you can do last-minute. It’s something that needs a lot of planning, from deciding where to ski in Australia to what to wear (yep, outfits do matter). So if you’re going to make the most of it, you’re going to want to pay attention (and bookmark) the following tips.
What to wear
Skiing trips usually require a whole new wardrobe (or a pre-loved or borrowed one), and with good reason. You need to stay warm, but you also need to stay safe (and cute for the pics). Some of the items you’re going to need include:
- A thermal base layer (top and bottoms) to keep the warmth in
- A fleece or insulated layer for extra warmth
- A waterproof jacket and pants because snow is no joke
- Proper ski socks (trust us, your normal ones won’t cut it)
- Gloves or mittens so your hands don’t freeze
- A beanie or helmet to keep your head warm
- Goggles or sunnies to deal with the glare off the snow
Ensure that your car is snow-ready
Making your way into the mountains is one of the best bits of your trip. And while you’re probably used to driving in lovely sunny conditions, you’ll need to make some changes when it comes to driving in the snow.
- Check road conditions before you set off. The weather can change really quickly, and some roads might require chains or have restrictions in place.
- Pack snow chains in the trunk and learn how to fit them. Even if you don’t end up using them, it’s often a legal requirement in the winter.
- Top up before you head into the mountains. Petrol stations can be limited once you’re further in.
- Make sure your tyres are in good condition. Your grip matters a lot more on icy or wet roads.
- Pack for emergencies. Think water, snacks, a blanket and, of course, a phone charger. You’ll be grateful for them if you get lost or break down!
- Take your time. Driving in snow or icy conditions is slower, so don’t rush.
- Don’t just park anywhere. Avoid spots that might ice over overnight, and park somewhere secure.
For all levels
A ski trip in Australia really is for everyone. You don’t need to be a pro to have the time of your life. Most resorts are beginner-friendly with loads of support for those first-timers, kids and anyone else who's not that confident on the slopes (for now).
If you’re new, stick to learner areas to start with. The slopes are gentler, you can take things at your own pace and no one’s judging. Don’t overthink it and just do it. Nobody wants to be rescued off a tough run on their first day. Booking a lesson is 100% worth it, even if it’s just for a couple of hours. You’ll pick things up faster and avoid some classic newbie mistakes.
Already skied before? Then you’re good to go. Most spots in the Snowy Mountains offer a mix of runs, so you can take it easy one day or challenge yourself the next. It’s totally up to you (and we don’t judge, remember?).
If you’re on a group trip, it’s easy to mix levels. Everyone can do their own thing during the day and gossip about it afterwards. The best part is that if skiing’s not really for you, you can still enjoy the scenery, relaxing in the spa and getting ready for the après-ski.
Snow Sports
It’s not just about skiing. You can have a go at different activities to mix things up a bit. Alpine (downhill) skiing is the most popular activity, but snowboarding is just as big (and just as fun) in Australia.
And if that wasn’t enough, you can give cross-country skiing and snow tubing a go. You’ll always find something new to try, that’s for sure!
Choose the right destination
So, where to ski in Australia? Most people will point you to New South Wales and Victoria. Both have solid options, but they each offer slightly different experiences. So it depends on what you really want from your trip.
The Snowy Mountains in NSW are hard to beat, especially if it’s your first ski trip. Places like Perisher and Thredbo are some of the biggest in the country, with loads of runs and plenty of facilities on and off the slopes. Plus, everything is pretty close together too, so you won’t be wasting time moving around. You can’t complain about that.
Victoria, on the other hand, has spots like Falls Creek and Mount Buller, which are also popular and tend to have a slightly different feel, sometimes a bit more village focused. They’re great in their own way, but depending on where you’re coming from, they can take a bit more effort to get to.
For most people, the Snowy Mountains tick all the boxes. You’ve got a mix of terrain for all levels, reliable snow during the season, and it’s easy to get around once you’re there. Some of the best accommodation in the Snowy Mountains is smack bang in the action, so you can make the most of your days in the snow. You can drive from Canberra in about two and a half hours, or from Sydney in under five-ish, which makes it doable for a long weekend if you’re after a quick trip.
Reasons why choosing New South Wales is a great idea
If you’ve never skied here before, go to NSW. The Snowy Mountains have the best-known resorts, and the biggest. You’ll be able to enjoy it if you’re a newbie or a bit more advanced and is great for families too.
Snow conditions are usually pretty solid during the main season, which is June to September. It might not be on the same scale as Europe or North America, but it’s up there. The lifts run smoothly, the slopes are looked after, and everything’s set up to make your day on the mountain easier.
Once you’re there, getting around is pretty straightforward too. The main resorts, accommodation spots and nearby towns like Jindabyne are all really close by, so you’re not stuck spending ages in the car during your ski trip in Australia.
Lake Crackenback is in the middle of it all, which is what makes it such a good base. You’re close enough to hit the main resorts quickly, but just far enough away to properly switch off at the end of the day and maybe enjoy some quiet time.
Oaks Lake Crackenback Resort
We reckon skiing is one of the best types of trips you can go on. And to make the whole thing mega, you’ll want the best accommodation in the Snowy Mountains. For us, that’s the Oaks Lake Crackenback Resort.
