From Victoria’s alpine villages to the expansive Snowy Mountains in New South Wales, winters in Australia bring a mix of world-class runs, friendly après-ski scenes and snow-dusted gum trees you won’t find anywhere else.

Whether you’re a seasoned carver or are strapping on skis for the first time, there’s a slope here with your name on it. Even if it is just the bunny hills.

Best for: Snowboarders, big resort lovers, families

Perisher is Australia’s largest ski resort, and it wears that crown with confidence. Four linked resort areas (including Blue Cow and Smiggin Holes), terrain parks galore, and the Skitube Alpine Railway mean there’s something for everyone. Plus, the snowmaking here is top-tier, so it’s a safer bet when conditions are patchy.

Best for: Advanced skiers, après-ski lovers, foodies

Home to Australia’s longest ski runs, Thredbo is steep, scenic and social. The mountain town is known for its nightlife, friendly wine bars and year-round mountain culture. If you like your black runs with a side of cheese fondue and live music, this is your spot.

Best for: Cross-country skiers, families, first-timers

Falls Creek has gentle beginner trails, a pedestrian-friendly alpine snow hamlet, and over 65 km of cross-country trails. It's one of the few resorts where you can ski right from your lodge door, which makes snow play easy with little legs in tow.

Best for: Powder chasers, off-piste lovers, seasoned legs

At Hotham, the town is up top and the slopes drop beneath you. It’s steeper, wilder, and a bit more rugged than your average Aussie resort. Think wind-whipped ridgelines, tree runs that test your turns, and deep stashes when the storms roll through. Not for the faint-hearted, but that’s half the fun.

Best for: Day-trippers, learners, social skiers

Just three hours from Melbourne, Buller is the go-to for Victorians chasing a quick snow fix. It’s compact, accessible and buzzing on weekends with a wide range of terrain and a thriving social scene. Expect crowds on peak days, but also a lot of energy.

Best for: Families, intermediate skiers, low-fuss trips

Accessible only by over-snow transport from Perisher, Charlotte Pass is small but mighty. It’s the highest resort in the country, and when the snow’s good, the experience feels like you're in a peaceful winter wonderland. There's no cars, fewer crowds, and a real ‘back-in-time’ charm.

Best for: Tassie locals, budget trips, beginners

Snow in Tassie? Absolutely! Ben Lomond is a small but scenic option just outside Launceston. The terrain is beginner-friendly and there's a bit of old-school ski charm about the place.

For gentle terrain, plenty of instructors and family-friendly vibes, Falls Creek, Mount Buller, and Selwyn Snow Resort, a small NSW ski field, lead the pack for beginner skiers. These resorts prioritise learner areas, with slow zones, green runs and snow play parks. Plus, there's a decent hot chocolate game for parents who would rather just watch their kids from inside the chalet.

If you haven't skied before, no fear at these resorts. They all offer lessons for snowbirds as young as three years old.

Sure, skiing and snowboarding are fun, but the après ski is the icing on the cake.

Thredbo tops the list with its après-ski buzz, cosy chalets and riverside charm. Falls Creek is ski-in, ski-out bliss, with a walkable centre and a relaxed vibe. Over in Victoria, Hotham offers mountaintop stays with epic views. Just don’t expect to stroll between bars in stilettos.

Late June to early September is peak season, with July usually offering the most reliable conditions. August can bring the best powder, while September’s ideal for spring skiing and fewer crowds.

Midweek trips in June or September are your best bet for lower lift and accommodation prices. Although you may need to sacrifice the quality of conditions or the number of runs open to save some cash.

Avoid school holidays if you’re on a budget as accommodation prices soar.

Luckily, there are sometimes bargains during the first and last few weeks of the season.

Start looking out for early-bird lift pass deals in April–May and spring discounts in September. Accommodation often drops by 20–30% outside peak weeks.

Sure, we’re not clocking Alps-level powder dumps, but Aussie snow has its own magic.

Gum trees in the mist, ridge-top rollers, and that unbeatable feeling of thawing out with a pub pie after your last run. When the flakes fall right, it’s pretty special.

Plus, where else in the world could you come across a wombat wriggling its way across a ski slope?

New Zealand brings the big peaks and the deeper powder — no question. But Aussie resorts hold their own with charm, shorter drives, and snow villages that feel like home. For a quick fix or a winter weekend getaway, it’s hard to beat our side of the ditch.