Swap Beaches for Slopes: Summer Ski Adventures in Australia

While in Europe the asphalt burns under the July sun and bathers huddle in Mediterranean coves, on the other side of the planet, the snow begins to crunch under the boots of the first skiers of the day. On the misty slopes of the Australian Alps, flakes fall parsimoniously on century-old eucalyptus trees, alpine villages awaken amidst fog banks, and the sound of the wind rips the frozen cornices like a symphony for lonely soloists. Here, in the south of the world, winter blooms when the north forgets.

Australia, best known for its reddish deserts, endless beaches and sleepy koalas, is also – and perhaps surprisingly – a ski destination as unique as it is seductive. You won’t find four-thousand-meter peaks or eternal glaciers, but you will find something rarer: the perfect harmony of wilderness, alpine culture and pure adventure.

From the misty valleys of Thredbo to the high plateaus of Hotham or the vast domains of Perisher, each southern season offers a different winter experience, an invitation to experience skiing in a new light and against the rules of the calendar.

For those who dream of sliding down virgin slopes while at home their friends celebrate barbecues in the sun, the southern hemisphere is not an exile: it is a privilege. A well-kept secret. And perhaps, the most unexpected corner where you can meet the snow again when the summer seems to leave no room for it.

In the middle of the European summer (June-September), it is winter in Australia and you can ski in the Australian Alps (New South Wales and Victoria). The austral season 2024/25 started at the beginning of June, with the first early snowfalls and the activation of snowmaking systems to ensure good conditions. Below we describe the best ski resorts in Australia, with basic data (altitude, domains, access, snow quality) and a tourist review of their environment, public, accommodation, après-ski and ancillary activities.

Perisher (New South Wales)

• Altitude: 1,605-2,054 m (1,605-2,054 ft)
• Skiing area: 1,245 ha
• Lifts: 44

Perisher is the largest resort in the southern hemisphere, consisting of four areas (Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega and Blue Cow) linked by the Skitube and a network of slopes of all levels. For those who do not know what “Skitube” is, the Skitube Alpine Railway is a subway alpine cog railway that connects the town of Bullocks Flat with the ski resorts of Perisher Valley and Blue Cow, located in the heart of the Kosciuszko National Park, in New South Wales (Australia).

It is a unique infrastructure in the southern hemisphere and one of the most unique in the world in the field of skiing. Its continuous vertical drop is about 355 m and the slopes cover 22% easy, 60% intermediate and 18% advanced. Main access is by road (Snowy Mountains Highway) or by Skitube train from Jindabyne. Natural snow is moderate (average maximum depth ~1.9 m over 15 years), supplemented by snowmaking from crop snow systems on ~55 ha.

Perisher offers an extensive family atmosphere : it receives the largest flow of skiers in Australia, with many families and groups from Australia and foreign visitors. It is not a classic mountain “village”, but a valley with accommodation spread out (hotels and apartments in Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes and Guthega). There are ski schools, kindergartens and equipment rental at the foot of the slopes. Après-ski is limited: a few rustic-style mountain bars and restaurants (e.g. Schuss Bar, Lot 10).

It is important to know that Perisher lacks vibrant nightlife, but does offer snowparks, sledding, dog sledding (Mushing) and snowshoeing. Highlights include cross-country skiing on marked trails, occasional night lifts, and guided hikes to Mount Kosciuszko. Since 2024 you can ski at Perisher with the Epic Australia Pass, ideal for international skiers who combine it with Falls Creek and Hotham. But don’t worry, the Australian ski resort’s schedule is packed this season.

The official opening of winter will be held June 6-9 with the PEAK Music Festival, a free event that will transform Perisher Valley into an alpine stage with seven music platforms. Artists such as Nathan Cavaleri, Fat Picnic and Shantan Wantan Ichiban will headline the lineup, while the little ones will enjoy children’s entertainment, including magic shows, games and face painting, culminating with a fireworks show in Front Valley.

In addition, the schedule includes the return of the Perisher Parks Showdown, a freestyle competition that will bring together Australia’s best skiers and snowboarders in thrilling challenges on rails and jumps. Ski enthusiasts will also be able to enjoy the Subaru WRX First Tracks, which offers exclusive access to the slopes before the official opening, and Demo Days, where the latest equipment from renowned ski brands such as Black Crows, Volkl and Atomic will be presented.

For music lovers, The Station at Jindabyne will host live performances by top bands such as Ball Park Music, Ruby Fields and Bliss N Eso, offering nights full of energy and rhythm. With this program, Perisher consolidates its position as an unmissable destination for those looking for summer skiing in Australia as well as combining sport, culture and entertainment in an incomparable natural environment.

Thredbo (New South Wales)

• Altitude: 1.365-2.037 m
• Domain: 480 ha
• Ski lifts: 14

Thredbo is a European-style mountain village, inspired by alpine resorts, with summits (Mt. Kosciuszko Express) at 2,037 m (8,037 ft). Its elevation gain is 672 m, with the longest trail in Australia (almost 6 km) and demanding terrain (67% intermediate, 17% advanced). Winter snowfall is around 2,040 mm per year. Access is via the Alpine Way from Cooma/Jindabyne (or tourist helicopter).

Thredbo is noted for its lively, village atmosphere. The village has about 4,150 beds and offers stores, restaurants, bars and 24/7 activities during the winter. The biggest difference compared to Perisher is après-ski: a variety of pubs (e.g. Brand Bar, The Bunker, Thredbo Alpine Hotel) where you can have a drink after skiing. The public is mixed: families with children (good offer of areas for beginners such as Friday Flat), young skiers and locals looking for challenges (black runs such as Friday Flat Valley or Central Spur). Accommodation is ample: hotels, apartments and ski-in/ski-out lodges in the village. Among the extra activities, Thredbo offers night piste (Thursday afternoon), adventure park (landboarding, mini-golf) and summer (mountain biking).

And what’s more, the 2025 winter season at Thredbo looks set to be one of the most vibrant and comprehensive in Australia, with a packed calendar of events combining sport, music and alpine culture. From high-level competitions to inclusive festivals, the resort offers activities for all tastes and ages.

The opening weekend, June 7-9, marks the official start of the season with a series of activities for the whole family, including live shows, fireworks and gastronomic events.

For freestyle enthusiasts, the Thredbo Triple Crown: Slopestyle, on August 1, offers high-level competition on a course that combines jumps and technical modules.

The Battle on The Bluff, scheduled for August 11, is a freeride competition that challenges skiers and snowboarders to descend steep and technical terrain, testing their skill and style.

From August 7-9, Rainbow Mountain celebrates diversity and inclusion with a series of events including themed parties, live performances and the iconic Pride Ride, making Thredbo a gathering place for the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies.

On July 13, the Redlands Cup brings together students from across the country in a ski and snowboard competition that fosters sportsmanship and camaraderie among young athletes.

To close the season, on October 5, the Thredbo Pond Skim will be held, a fun event where participants, dressed in summer attire, attempt to cross a pond on their boards, providing a fun spectacle for participants and spectators alike.

Falls Creek (Victoria)

• Altitude: 1,500-1,780 m (5,500-1,780 ft)
• Domain: 450 ha
• Headlands: 16

Falls Creek is Victoria’s largest resort. Its base is at 1,500 m, summit at 1,780 m, with 450 ha of skiable terrain and about 76 marked runs. The vertical drop is only 280 m, but it covers wide and wooded slopes. Advanced skiers have some black areas (e.g. Eagle’s Nest) and 4 snowparks. It usually accumulates a large snow cover (up to 4 m in season) and is famous for having very well groomed slopes. Access is via the Great Alpine Road from Bright/Albury (chain watch in season).

Falls Creek has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. The main village is ski-in/ski-out, car-free, with log cabins, alpine-style hotels and residences. It is a cross-country skiing paradise: more than 80 km of hard-snow runs make it the cross-country capital of Australia. There is also snowshoeing, sledding and snow tubing for children. The public tends to be families and intermediate skiers, appreciating the tranquility of the forest and the safety of the snow. After skiing, après ski is quiet: there are only a couple of pubs and cafes in the village (few late night bars). Comparatively speaking, Falls Creek is larger than Buller and Hotham, has better snow conditions than Buller, but offers less steep terrain than Hotham. Its forte is reliable coverage and family and backcountry activities.

And Falls Creek is not going to be any different from its neighboring Australian resorts: The 2025 winter season at Falls Creek is shaping up with a full schedule of events combining sport, culture and entertainment in an incomparable natural setting.

FEASTIVAL Falls Creek, to be held from February 28 to March 2, is one of the highlights. This three-day festival offers a mix of live music, art, comedy and food. The main event, Feast de Résistance, will feature performances by renowned Australian artists such as The Cat Empire, Slowly Slowly and Budjerah. In addition, there will be activities such as yoga sessions, local farmers’ markets and creative workshops.

For ski and snowboard enthusiasts, Falls Creek offers a variety of competitions and events throughout the season. The Rossignol Cup and Cranky Charlie Cup, scheduled for July 18, are competitions that attract skiers of all ages and levels. In addition, the Wombat’s Rambler, a unique night race, will be held on July 25.

Visitors can also enjoy regular activities such as night skiing and snowboarding at Wombat’s Ramble, available every Wednesday and Saturday from June 28 through August 30, and the Fireworks Fiesta, a fireworks show that lights up the sky every Thursday night during July and August.

In addition, the Kangaroo Hoppet, a 42 km cross-country ski race that is part of the Worldloppet circuit, will be held on August 23, attracting skiers from around the world.

With this diverse and dynamic program, Falls Creek has established itself as an unmissable destination for those looking to combine sport, culture and entertainment in an incomparable natural setting.

Mount Hotham (Victoria)

• Altitude: 1,450-1,845 m (1,450-1,845 ft)
• Domain: 30 km of trails (about 245 ha)
• Lifts: 14

Hotham is the highest village resort in Australia: its base, Hotham Heights, is at 1,750 m, and the highest skiing point reaches 1,845 m. Its vertical drop is lower (≈395 m) but it offers demanding slopes (40 % diff. difficulty). With 30 km of well-defined slopes and 14 lifts, it has terrain above the tree line. Snowfalls are usually good (very cold season) and in spring autumn it keeps snow due to its altitude. For amateur data: cat-skiing and heli-skiing are in fashion in the advanced sectors.

Hotham is known as the “powder capital” of Victoria* for its high elevation and light snow. The public here is looking for adventure: it is popular with experienced skiers and locals who head out to the nearby backcountry. The focus is pure skiing: the village is smaller than Thredbo or Perisher, with stores and several lodges (Hotham Alpine Hotel, Zali’s) but with less hotel offerings. There are only a few bars/restaurants in the village (The Northside, The Goldie) and no disco; in short, little after-ski. However, strong complementary activities stand out: connectivity to backcountry trails, winter hiking, snowplay trail and snowshoe tours. Hotham contrasts with Falls/Falls Creek: it offers fewer easy trails, but more open terrain and more abundant snow.

And now get ready as the 2025 winter season at Mount Hotham offers a unique combination of high-level competitions, family events and cultural experiences in an unparalleled alpine setting.

The Welcome to Winter Weekend, June 7-9, marks the official start of the season with activities for all ages. Visitors can enjoy free hot chocolate and donuts in the Big D area, live music, outdoor games and special offers at restaurants and stores. A traditional welcoming ceremony by the local indigenous community will be held on Saturday afternoon, followed by a night full of entertainment with trivia, open mic sessions and DJ performances at the resort’s most iconic venues.

Freestyle enthusiasts will have a must-see event on July 12 with the Hotham Rail Jam, a nighttime competition at the new Big D Terrain Park, where top skiers and snowboarders will showcase their skills in an electrifying atmosphere. In addition, on July 24, Mount Hotham will make history by becoming the first Australian resort to host a Freeride World Tour qualifier, attracting elite competitors from around the world.

For those looking to upgrade their equipment, Ski Demo Days on July 3-4 will offer the opportunity to test the latest ski models from renowned brands such as Black Crows, Volkl and Atomic, with advice from experts in the field.

On August 23, the Oakley Slopestyle will bring together the best freestyle talent in a competition that promises to be one of the highlights of the season. In addition, on August 29, the Snow Australia Children’s Carnival will offer youngsters the opportunity to participate in activities designed especially for them, fostering a love of snow sports from an early age.

Mount Buller (Victoria)

• Altitude: 1.375-1.780 m
• Domain: 300 ha
• Backcountry: 22

Mt. Buller resort is about 3 hours from Melbourne, on the Great Dividing Range. It covers 300 ha with 85 runs and 22 lifts (capacity 40,000 pers/h). The vertical is about 405 m, between 1.375 and 1.780 m. It offers a mix of green, blue and black runs (64% easy/intermediate) and its snowfall is regular, complemented by canyons and 4 snowparks. The village is at the top of the mountain: there is no chairlift leading from the valley, creating an integrated resort “on the mountain”.

Mount Buller has a lively alpine mountain atmosphere. It is especially popular with Melburnians because of its proximity: many go there on weekends. The village has numerous ski-in/ski-out hotels and lodges, including luxury options. After skiing, enjoy the bustle of Boulder Bar, cafes and restaurants on the main street. The public is very varied: from families with children to university students and groups of friends. Victoria’s liveliest après-ski area is worth mentioning: multiple bars, live music on some weekends and a social atmosphere in the square area. Buller also offers night skiing on Saturdays, children’s sledding and cross-country trails. As the official website notes, it is an “alpine wonderland” with “lodges, family options and luxury hotels”. By comparison, Buller surpasses Falls Creek in nightlife and urban access, but has lower altitude and less snow than Hotham.

And if you’re looking for a unique combination of high-level competition, family events and cultural experiences in an unparalleled alpine setting, pay attention to the events the Australian resort has in store this season.

King’s Birthday Weekend, June 7-9, marks the official start of the season with activities for all ages. Visitors can enjoy free hot chocolate and donuts in the Big D area, live music, outdoor games and special offers at restaurants and stores. A traditional welcoming ceremony by the local indigenous community will be held on Saturday afternoon, followed by a night full of entertainment with trivia, open mic sessions and DJ performances at the resort’s most iconic venues.

Freestyle enthusiasts will have an unmissable date on August 9 with the Buller Slopestyle, a competition that brings together skiers and snowboarders of all ages at Skyline Park. With categories ranging from juniors to adults, participants will demonstrate their skills on a specially designed course.

On August 10, the Buller Big Air will offer a gravity-defying show of acrobatic jumps, attracting the best freestyle talent in a competition that promises to be one of the highlights of the season.

For those looking to upgrade their equipment, the Ski Demo Days on July 3 and 4 will offer the opportunity to test the latest ski models from renowned brands such as Black Crows, Volkl and Atomic, with advice from experts in the field.

On August 23, the Oakley Slopestyle will bring together the best freestyle talent in a competition that promises to be one of the highlights of the season. In addition, on August 29, the Snow Australia Children’s Carnival will offer youngsters the opportunity to participate in activities designed especially for them, fostering a love of snow sports from an early age.

For the little ones, Kids’ Week, September 1-7, will offer a week full of activities designed especially for them, including ski lessons, games and entertainment throughout the resort.

Other Australian resort highlights

• Charlotte Pass (NSW). With 50 ha and 5 lifts, it is the smallest, but the highest resort in Australia. The village-Kosciuszko Chalet is at 1,765 m (skiable up to 1,954 m). It is only accessible by special vehicles (over-snow), which keeps it very quiet. It is ideal for families and intermediate skiers, with good late thickness (average base ~2 m in September). It has little lodging infrastructure (a few chalets) and basically a bar/restaurant. As après offers relaxation by the chalet fire. Among its activities: sledding, snowshoeing and observation of pristine alpine views.
• Mount Baw Baw (Victoria). About 2½ h from Melbourne, it is the most accessible for day trips. It covers about 30 ha with 5-6 lifts, elevation 1,450-1,560m. It is simple (ideal for beginners), with eucalyptus forest bordering the slopes. Its main clientele are families and beginners. It has only one small village (a hotel-cabin and a couple of cafes), so the après is practically nil. It offers children’s snowpark and toboggan runs, but does not have difficult slopes or much snow in warm years. According to Visit Victoria, “Baw Baw is the closest to Melbourne, popular with families”.