To identify the best ski resorts in Australia may seem to be a bit unlikely. With the fact that many Australians have never seen snow you wouldn’t expect some of the best ski resorts in the World to be on their doorstep.
Yet this continent has several fine ski resorts in the south-eastern states of New South Wales and Victoria, making them the best ski resorts in Australia.
They may not be particularly Alpine in nature, but with ubiquitous forests of eucalyptus, or snow gums and their colourful bird life, they provide intriguing skiing.
Jinabyne Ski Town.
Jindabyne is Australia’s most prominent alpine town, not a ski resort in its own right, it does provide lodging for skiers and boarders wanting to try the slopes at both Perisher Blue and Thredbo.
Jindabyne is within easy reach of the Snowy Mountains three main Ski Resorts, Thredbo, Perisher and Mount Selwyn, either by car or shuttle bus.
Thredbo Ski Resort.
Thredbo ski resort in the Snowy Mountains, in the heart of the famous Kosciuszko National Park, is the highest in Australia. Without doubt, it has the longest runs, good off piste, deep powder bowls, natural features and terrain parks.
Tredbo ski resort | Skiing Thredbo | Piste map Thredbo
Perisher Valley Ski Resort.
Perisher Valley, know as Perisher Blue until 2009, is the largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere. Consisting of four villages; Perisher Valley, Smiggen Holes, Guthega and Mount Blue Cow.
Perisher Valley ski resort | Skiing Perisher Valley | Piste map Perisher
The Best Ski Resorts in Australia in Brief.
Getting There:
Canberra: 180km (112 miles) from Thredbo. Jindabyne: 30km (19 miles) from Thredbo.
Snowy Mountains airport in Cooma: 85km (53 miles).Shuttle bus service available from airport – booking essential.
Height:
1,377 – 2,040m (4,490 – 6,700ft)
No of Lifts: 50.
Types of Pistes:
Thredbo: 10% beginner, 40% intermediate, 50% advanced.
Perisher: 10% beginner, 40% intermediate, 50% advanced.
Main Advantages:
Thredbo; longest vertical drop in Australia; great apres-ski.
Perisher: Uncrowded pistes; huge ski area.
Drawbacks:
Thredbo: Low base depth; lower slopes are often slushy.
Perisher: Unwieldy, fragmented ski areas.
