You don’t have to travel all the way to Aspen this winter to hit the slopes. Stay local at the best ski resorts in Australia.
From the thrills of downhill skiing to the tranquil beauty of cross-country trails, ski resorts in Australia offer a diverse array of snow fields that promise unforgettable experiences for beginners to experts.
Perisher Ski Resort, New South Wales
Located in the breathtaking Snowy Mountains, Perisher is the largest ski resort in Australia, boasting over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain. With a large network of lifts and trails catering to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, Perisher offers endless opportunities for adventure. From the gentle beginner slopes of Front Valley to the challenging Kamikaze run, there’s something for everyone.
Ski and snowboard lessons are available for first-timers and seasoned slopers, with four resort areas to explore with qualified instructors. There’s even affordable gear hire available both on and off the mountain, with on-mountain adjustments and equipment swaps available.
For on-mountain accommodation, book a room at The Man from Snowy River Hotel. Just a few hundred metres from the Village 8 chairlift, the location is perfect for visitors wanting to spend all day on the slopes. Here, you’ll also find open fireplaces, a cosy lounge bar, iconic pub bar with live music, and an evening kids club to help parents relax. There is also an on-site day spa for all your wellness needs, including a hair salon, tanning room and personal training studio.
There are plenty of incredible places to dine on the mountain. For a culinary dinner experience, head to Stallions Restaurant and Bar. In the elegant dining room, you can sample an extensive menu celebrating the best local ingredients. Start with yellowfin tuna crudo with peppery greens and yuzu, before indulging in mains such as spiced lamb shoulder with potato fondant and whipped parsnip, or dug leg with lentils and rhubarb. There’s also a kids menu for those dining with little ones, and a more casual bar menu best enjoyed when paired with a cocktail or glass of wine.
Many visitors looking for a more casual holiday choose to stay in the nearby town of Jindabyne, with its classic country-style pubs, laid back vibe and wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Perisher operates Australia’s only alpine railway directly from Bullocks Flat to the ski slopes, which departs just 20 minutes from town.
After a long day of skiing, head to Jinabyne Brewing to relax with a cold one. This family-owned business is crafted using local soft snowmelt water. Choose the Alpine Red X for a strong malty flavour, or a Black Diamond for a traditional German wheat beer. You can pair any beer with meats smoked on the grill, tacos, and small plates for the little one.
Thredbo, New South Wales
Home to Australia’s longest ski run and the iconic Mount Kosciuszko, Thredbo is a haven for snow enthusiasts. With its steep chutes, wide-open groomers and exhilarating off-piste terrain, Thredbo caters to advanced skiers and snowboarders craving a challenge. In fact, there’s more than 50 trails to choose from.
Meanwhile, beginners can hone their skills on Friday Flat, a specially designed area with gentle slopes, easy-to-use lifts, and convenient location next to guest services. Thredbo is also home to the Southern Hemisphere’s first year-round alpine coaster. Stretching 1.5 kilometres, passengers can control their speed up to 40 km/h as they make their way along uphill and downhill tracks, tunnels and bridges.
As well as ski and snowboard lessons, the staff at Thredbo host snowshoe tours through the mountains. The classic walk is a three-hour return trip taking you through stunning landscapes while your guide shares information about the region’s ski history, ecosystem and Indigenous heritage. The tour also includes snowshoe rental, a scenic chairlift ride and range exploration outside the resort boundaries.
To view Thredbo from above, take a ride on Australia’s only alpine Gondola. The scenic ride takes passengers from Thredbo Village to the base of the Cruiser Area, with views of the snow-covered landscape like you’ve never seen before.
After a day on the slopes, unwind in Thredbo Village, where cosy cafes, restaurants and boutique shops await. Eagles Nest is Australia’s highest restaurant and bar, sitting at 1937 metres above sea level. Here, the menu is all about simple food done well, including small share plates such as arancini bruschetta, as well as pizza, pasta, coffees and cocktails. During the winter season, you can even book a Sunrise Session, where you will be taken to Australia’s highest lifted point for an on-mountain breakfast and mimosa, before scoring the first tracks down Australia’s longest run.
Thredbo Alpine Hotel is just 200 metres from the mountain lifts and trails, making it the perfect accommodation option. Make use of the on-site parking, room service dining and storage for bikes and skis. You can even sweat off a long day in the sauna, enjoy a casual dinner at the restaurant, or warm yourself by the fireplace.
Falls Creek Alpine Resort, Victoria
Tucked away in Victoria’s alpine region, Falls Creek welcomes visitors with its pristine powder snow and charming alpine village atmosphere. Boasting over 90 runs and a variety of terrain parks, Falls Creek is the largest ski resort in Victoria and offers endless opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing adventures (along with stunning views, of course). It is also a pedestrian-only village – which means everything from accommodation to restaurants to snow activities are all ski-in/ski-out!
Season-long freestyle events allow skiers and snowboarders to show off their skills alongside other passionate riders, while cross country tracks are perfect for long-distance athletes. There’s even several parks designed for freeride, freestyle and slopestyle riders.
Families will love tobogganing at Windy Corner, roasting marshmallows on the communal fire pits on Tuesday afternoons, and watching colourful fireworks every Thursday night.
If you’d like to experience even more of the Falls Creek terrain, join a snowmobile tour and ride through the breathtaking alpine landscape with an expert guide. This once-in-a-lifetime experience takes you past iconic landmarks such as Mount McKay and Road 24, then goes off-road in custom-built sleds to explore the backcountry. To take this unique experience further, sign up to have your tour led by legendary Olympian Steve Lee.
In the heart of Falls Creek Village, Frying Pan Inn is a popular bar and grill serving barbecue dishes in a rustic pub atmosphere. The woodfired menu makes use of different local woods to enhance natural flavours, with standout seasonal dishes including grain fed scotch fillet with black garlic butter and beef brisket burgers. The drinks menu includes on-tap beers, spirits, wines and hot drinks for any mood.
With a range of accommodation options, from luxury chalets to budget-friendly lodges, you’ll be sure to have a comfortable and memorable stay. However, it’s well worth checking out the impressive Astra Falls Creek, which has been awarded the best boutique ski hotel in Australia for the past nine consecutive years!
With 27 luxurious rooms to choose from, including two-bedroom apartments, studio suites and deluxe rooms, you can tailor your stay to match your needs. Astra’s exclusive inclusions range from complimentary shuttle transfers, to ski and boot locker rooms, a magnesium pool with hydro jets, steam room and sauna, serene library and vintage wine cellar. There’s also a kids room fitted out with games, puzzles and a PlayStation to entertain little ones all day long.
Astra Bar & Restaurant boasts an alpine-inspired menu matched with craft beers, cocktails and wines. It changes seasonally, with current dishes such as slow cooked lamb shoulder, miso glazed barramundi and charred lion’s mane.
Mount Buller Alpine Resort, Victoria
Just a 3.5-hour drive from Melbourne, Mount Buller is a favourite winter playground for both city dwellers and international visitors. With an extensive lift network and over 80km of trails, including gentle beginner slopes and challenging black diamond runs, Mount Buller offers something for every skill level.
The terrain parks are full of jumps, rails and boxes for showing off your skills, while lessons are available for every level of athlete. Other winter activities include tobogganing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoe tours.
For fun off the slope, check out the 180 seat cinema (the highest movie cinema in Australia), where new releases and alpine favourites are screened every day. Buller Air Zone is another favourite, with its five trampolines, giant air bag, inflatable boulder wall and indoor rock climbing for hours of action.
With its vibrant atmosphere – complete with cafes, bustling bars, fine dining and live entertainment – there’s no shortage of excitement in the village. Enjoy the views of Mt Stirling at the Black Cockatoo, an architecturally designed lounge and restaurant mixing copper, leather and charcoal. The menu changes seasonally, championing locally-sourced ingredients such as braised wagyu with a soy glaze and green mango, cured snapper with yuzu and ponzu dressing, and lamp rump with harissa and eggplant.
Or, try traditional Austrian cuisine served in an alpine setting at Kaptans. From Wiener schnitzel to duck fat potatoes and pork belly with beetroot and rhubarb puree, it’s a truly unforgettable culinary experience. For relaxed schnapps and imported beers, head next door to Herbies Bar. This cosy and intimate venue is all about delicious bar snacks and expertly crafted cocktails to help you unwind after a long day on the slopes.
Plus, Mount Buller caters to every taste and budget with a range of accommodation options, from ski-in/ski-out chalets to budget-friendly lodges. Mount Buller Chalet offers spacious rooms just meters from the Bourke St ski run. While staying, you can make use of the facilities including the spa, sauna, indoor heated swimming pool and gym.
Mount Hotham, Victoria
Renowned for its steep terrain, deep powder, and breathtaking scenery, Mount Hotham is a mecca for advanced skiers and snowboarders seeking thrills. With its challenging off-piste terrain, including the infamous Extreme Zone, Mount Hotham offers a playground for experienced riders to test their skills. Meanwhile, beginners and intermediates can enjoy groomed slopes, gentle learning areas, and scenic cross-country trails.
For a unique experience that you won’t soon forget, sign up for a sled dog tour and let Siberian huskies whisk you through the winter landscape. Or, hook your sled up to a snowmobile for an adventure through the backcountry with sweeping views of the Dargo Valley, Swindlers Valley and Mount Feathertop. Other exciting offerings include biathlon, which is a mix of cross country skiing and small-bore target shooting, as well as tobogganing, night skiing and snowshoeing.
Mount Hotham is also home to Australia’s highest alpine village, situated amongst mountain peaks at 1750 metres above sea level. This means you’ll find panoramic views and crisp alpine air wherever you are.
If you need a snack mid-ski, check out Hoff Hut at the top of the Heavenly Valley chair lift for hearty soups, locally baked bread and other homemade delights that pair perfectly with hot chocolate, chai and beer.
For some apres adventures, sip hot buttered whisky at Jack Frost. The menu celebrates local producers and ingredients and changes seasonally. Pair smoked pork and triple cheese bombs with your favourite bottle of wine, or tuck into signature dishes such as slow baked lamb shoulder with Souvalaki species and spinach and ricotta gnudi. If you can’t decide, choose to dine from the ‘feed me’ menu and let the team spoil you with the best flavours on offer. On Thursday nights, you’re also invited to join the silent disco for hours of musical fun.
Arlberg Hotel the largest one-stop hotel in Australia, known for its ski-in/ski-out location just opposite the main chair lifts. Accommodation options include small studios to 3-bedroom apartments featuring private bathrooms and a well-equipped kitchen. Here, you’ll also find a bar and bistro, pizzeria, licenced minimart, ski and snowboard hire shop, indoor heated pool, indoor spa and laundry facilities.
Enjoyed reading about the best ski resorts in Australia? For more to explore in winter, check out our guide to 7 winter destination dupes in Australia.
Getting to the slopes
Rex flies to New South Wales and Victoria. Book your flights here and check out the route map below.
