Ski & snow in Australia
Including Ben Lomond, Falls Creek, and Mount Buller. On the map.
The vibe
Australia's ski resorts are small, family-friendly, and set against dramatic alpine scenery, a contrast to the massive resorts found elsewhere. The winter season, from June to August, delivers reliable snow, but the slopes are best enjoyed early in the season before the heat rises. The resorts feel intimate, with a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, and guests usually manage their own lift passes.
lift pass
Ben Lomond
Tasmania
Duncan Wallace / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ben Lomond is Tasmania's primary downhill ski resort, set within a dramatic dramatic dolerite gorge. Visitors navigate the thrilling Jacob's Ladder road to access a compact plateau with reliable winter snow.
Access. Fly into Launceston, drive to the base of Ben Lomond, and take a shuttle or fit snow chains to ascend the steep access road.
Notes. Challenging mountain driving conditions require 4WD vehicles or mandatory chain hire.
Falls Creek
Victoria
Dale Smith / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Falls Creek is Victoria's largest alpine resort, famous for its true ski-in, ski-out village and extensive cross-country trail network. Downhill skiers enjoy wide groomers and accessible tree skiing.
Access. Drive from Melbourne (approx. 4.5 hours) or fly to Albury and take a connecting coach or transfer.
Notes. Season runs from June to October. Snow chains are legally required for vehicles entering the resort.
Mount Buller
Victoria
Bahnfrend / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mount Buller is the most accessible major alpine resort in Victoria, featuring a lively village perched high above the snowfields. It boasts a wide variety of runs, terrain parks, and comprehensive snowmaking facilities.
Access. A 3-hour drive from Melbourne. Overnight parking is available at Mirrimbah, with regular shuttle buses up to the village.
Notes. Season runs from early June to early October. Popular for weekend trips from Melbourne.
Mount Mawson
Tasmania
JJ Harrison ( https://www.jjharrison.com.au/ ) / Wikimedia Commons (GFDL 1.2)
Located within the Mount Field National Park in Tasmania, Mount Mawson is a club-run ski field with a rugged, adventurous character. It features rope tows and a community-driven atmosphere reminiscent of early skiing history.
Access. Drive approximately 1.5 hours northwest from Hobart into Mount Field National Park, followed by an unpaved mountain access road.
Notes. Facilities are basic and operations depend entirely on natural snowfall and weekend volunteer rosters.
Thredbo
New South Wales
Maksym Kozlenko / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Thredbo offers Australia's longest ski runs and a vibrant alpine village atmosphere in the Snowy Mountains. It is renowned for its diverse terrain, stretching from beginner cruisers to challenging steeps like the Bluff.
Access. Fly into Canberra Airport, then rent a car or take a shuttle for a roughly 2.5-hour drive to the resort.
Notes. The ski season typically runs from June to October. Peak conditions occur in July and August.