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The main snow destinations in Australia are in NSW, Victoria, and Tasmania. These regions offer a diverse range of ski resorts, national parks, and alpine areas, making them ideal for snow enthusiasts.
Popular ski resorts include Perisher, Thredbo in NSW, Mt Buller, and Falls Creek in Victoria. They differ in size, terrain, and amenities.
Olivier Kapetanakos is the Director of Tourism Snowy Mountains NSW.
He says that as an island nation, Australia is recognised for its coastal regions; by global standards, the Australian Alps are not particularly high.
"Mount Kosciuszko, Australia's tallest point, is just 2,200 meters. Not very tall, but uniquely we are a country that has four, five, great snow areas. We know that we have Kosciuszko National Park in which Thredbo and Perisher are both exist in," Mr Kapetanakos explains.
Pack warm clothing, gloves, and snow boots to make the most of your time at the snowy mountains. Source: Moment RF / Kinson C Photography/Getty Images
Planning your trip to NSW's snowy mountains
If you are planning a trip to the snowy mountains near New South Wales, the location of your rental accommodation will depend on your activities, especially whether you plan to ski or learn to ski while you are there.
Mr Kapetanakos explains that the ski season runs from the first week of June to the beginning of October, coinciding with a long weekend. However, he advises that the best snowfall typically occurs in July and August. He notes that Perisher is the largest of the resorts, offering much more extensive terrain, making it challenging to ski the entire area in just one day. In contrast, Thredbo could be skied in a single day.
He suggests that if you are not planning to ski or learn to ski there, Selwyn is a great place to experience snow and participate in other less intense activities.
"Selwyn has a great tobogganing park. Perisher and Thredbo don't allow tobogganing. If you're coming here to experience the snow, then certainly Perisher and Thredbo are great to turn up and play in the snow. Thredbo is probably gonna be your pick if you want to take a gondola ride to the top of the mountain, play in the snow and then come back down again," Mr Kapetanakos says.
You don't have to be skiing to have fun in the snow. Source: Moment RF / Lesley Magno/Getty Images
Planning your trip to Victoria's snowy mountains
If you are considering a visit to the snowy regions of Victoria, the Alpine Shire area is a great option.
As Alpine Shire Mayor Councillor Sarah Nicholas highlights, this region is located at the base of the Great Dividing Range, which stretches across Victoria.
Ms Nicholas also mentions several popular snow destinations in Victoria.
"Two are quite major ski resorts, that's Mount Hotham and Falls Creek and Dinner Plain also has some ski lifts and is at a really good place for beginners and for tobogganing. And Mount Buffalo is another place where people can drive into the snow and immerse themselves in that wonderful scenery," Ms Nicholas says.
Mount Buller is one of the most popular snow destinations in Victoria.
According to Visit Victoria, the location provides a well-rounded variety of terrain suitable for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers, along with well-developed village facilities and amenities on the mountain.
Mr Kapetanakos mentions that it is especially convenient for visitors travelling from Melbourne.
"They're great choices on the Buller on the Victorian side to also have a snow play. So, it's probably your destination if you come from Victoria because it's certainly the closest place. If you go from Sydney or Brisbane, then it's Perisher and Thredbo," Mr Kapetanakos says.
Skiing at a resort with foggy conditions at Mt Buller, a few hours drive from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Source: Moment RF / Kieran Stone/Getty Images
Ms Nicholas notes that some visitors enjoy day trips to various destinations and have a fantastic experience. Still, those who only go for the day typically do not engage in skiing.
"They might have a bit of a toboggan in the designated tobogganing areas. Throw some snowballs, and they have some lunch, and they have a lot of fun, so a day is enough for that sort of experience. But if you wanna learn how to slide around in the snow and control some skis, then it's probably at least five days midweek. And then by the end of those five days, you can, most likely, get down on one of the beginner slopes comfortably," Ms Nicholas says.
The summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington offers fantastic views of Hobart with snow on the plant top. Source: Moment RF / wenyi liu/Getty Images
Planning your trip to Tasmania's snowy mountains
Tasmania also offers and promises a great snow experience for families; Sandra Brady, Assistant Training and Events Manager at Tourism Tasmania says Mount Wellington gives families the space to create warm memories in the snow.
"There're no facilities there in terms of skiing, tobogganing...etc. But it's where we all get out with our families. We build snowmen and have some snow fights and just, generally, snow angels, that kind of snow play fun that you can experience, and that's something certainly that can be done in Hobart. So just 20 minutes from the CBD, which is amazing," Ms Brady says.
Other areas in Tasmania where you can experience snow are just a 90-minute drive from Hobart. Mt. Field National Park offers opportunities for cross-country skiing, although this usually takes place within ski clubs.
Ms Brady highlights Ben Lomond National Park as the top destination for skiing.
"To experience snow in the north, Ben Lomond National Park is an easy drive from Launceston. But during winter we actually have shuttle services to access the top of Ben Lomond, where there is actually a ski resort, we do recommend that you take the shuttle services because the road there is quite windy, it's called Jacob's Ladder, and it's a series of switchbacks. And from the beginning of June, you do need to have snow chains in your car for that section," Ms Brady says.
From the left: Sarah Nicholas, Olivier Kapetanakos, Sandra Brady
What to prepare before your trip to the snow
Planning and using safety gear and tools is essential for visiting the snowy mountains and areas across the three states.
Mr Kapetanakos explains.
"National Parks make it compulsory to take chains. And if you have an ordinary sedan without four-wheel drive or without all-wheel drive, then you need to put chains on your drive wheels. And for most cars It's at the front wheel for a small car and the back wheels for a larger car. And certainly, if you've never driven in the snow and you've got no all-wheel drive or a four-wheel drive, I would still recommend using chains."
Check if you need snow chains for your vehicle while driving. Always pay attention to signs and weather warnings.
Pack warm clothing, gloves, and snow boots to make the most of your time.
"Make sure you do have specialised snow clothing, and that usually means layers. So rather than just having one puffer jacket on, Snow clothing is having a good under-layer, a base layer, perhaps a singlet, a top la a middle bay, a shirt, and then a top layer would be a waterproof or a feather down jacket. Make sure you have a beanie, gloves, and good shoes," Mr Kapetanakos explains.
The costs of a snow trip in Australia can add up quickly due to expenses such as accommodation, park entry fees, lift tickets, food, snow gear, and car chains.
However, you can save money by renting snow gear instead of buying it and bringing your food and snacks.
"Certainly, research pays a lot for a budget-conscious family. Perhaps bring your own lunch and certainly keep it in your car as you drive up and then take a bit of a break and enjoy your lunch looking at the snow rather than from a fancy bistro or restaurant," Mr Kapetanakos says.
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