The 9 best ski resorts in Australia

Falls Creek is located in the centre of the Victorian Alps, halfway between Melbourne and Canberra. Unlike other ski resorts, Falls Creek closes its on-mountain roads to vehicles for the majority of the ski season allowing for an authentic, ski-in, ski-out experience from lifts to the village. Falls Creek caters for all with downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, night skiing and some epic terrain parks for the thrill-seekers. Family-friendly activities include Thursday night fireworks and a visit from the resort’s very own snow dragon mascot.

If the name didn’t give it away, the Snowy Mountains region is the place to be in NSW for your cold fix, and this village, around five and a half hours from Sydney, will keep you entertained with adrenaline-inducing action throughout the day, through to vibrant nightlife, après-ski. Thredbo’s ski resort is home to the country’s longest ski and snowboard runs – the longest is the Village Trail which clocks in at five kilometres. For beginners, Thredbo is also home to one of Australia’s best ski schools offering programs and lessons for everyone.

Perisher is huge – there’s no denying it. It’s the largest snow resort operating in the Southern Hemisphere and combines Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Mount Blue Cow, Guthega, The Station and the Skitube Alpine Railway. As a result, there’s a huge number of lifts and some pretty reliable snow every season. Be sure to explore each area and its own distinct charm like the family-friendly resort of Smiggin, tucked inside a snow bowl. You can check out accommodation in the area here.

Located in the Shire of Mansfield, Mount Buller is one of Victoria's premier snow resorts and only within an easy three-hour driving distance from Melbourne. If you don’t feel like hitting up the slopes for the day, but want to bask in the rarity of snowy weather in Oz, Mount Buller has pulled out all the stops in terms of entertainment. Head to the spa, trampoline park, Australia’s highest cinema or meander around the sculpture trail.

Perched right in the middle of the Snowy Mountains, Charlotte Pass is the highest and oldest ski resort in Australia. At 1765 metres above sea level, the mountain receives some of the most consistent snowfall across the snow season (from June to October), which means less man-made snow and more of the real fluffy stuff. The place gets so much snow in peak season that you’ll need to access the slopes via some pretty monster truck-esque oversnow transport.

Mt Hotham has 13 lifts and more than 80 runs suited best to experienced skiers and snowboarders, and is one of Australia's highest ski resorts (the village is actually perched at the top of the mountain, instead of at the base). In fact, almost half of the terrain here has an advanced rating. Despite being a four-and-a-half hour drive from Melbourne, this opulent resort is worth the drive (or flight) for its 320 hectares of ski terrain, 18 restaurants and bars, its own airport, and even a luxe day spa.

Hiding in the Brindabella mountain range is the longest alpine slide in the Southern Hemisphere. Get towed up a steep hill by an automated pulley, then it’s bombs away down a series of curving slopes. Once you’re done sliding, there’s a café overlooking a little creek to kick back in – it has an open fire where toasting marshmallows is encouraged. During the colder months, snow machines make this a guaranteed slope spot for budding skiers and snowboarders – or just those who want to frolic in the snow. Corin Forest is only 45 minutes drive outside of Canberra.

Lake Mountain is an all-year destination a stone's throw away from the Yarra and Goulburn valleys. The resort offers an on-mountain ski school for first-time skiers, a beginners snowboarding terrain park, tobogganing and plenty of other activities including a flying fox, tube ride and laser skirmish. While there is no downhill skiing or snowboarding (and no lifts) Lake Mountain still offers 30 kilometres of groomed cross-country skiing. In the warmer months, the resort is an ideal day-trip destination for bushwalking, mountain biking, cycling, trail running, leisurely picnics and nature walks.

This picturesque alpine village is located just two-and-a-half hours away from Melbourne. It's smaller than Mt Buller (with seven lifts), but it still offers great downhill skiing, plus snow play areas for families. There are accommodation options that cater to all ages and budgets – from backpacker-style dorm beds perfect for solo shredders and budget private rooms to affordable family-friendly ski lodges, luxury private apartments, and chalets. Baw Baw offers an excellent selection of guided tours for all skill levels. Alternatively, try out laser tag or archery, fly fishing or glamping atop of the mountain.