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Ski in Australia?

What is the Skiing like in Australia?

When and how can you get to the snow from Sydney, Australia? Is it worth travelling to the snow from Sydney?

Skiing in Sydney?

Thankfully it is too warm in Sydney for it to snow. However, the snow fields are not too far away.

Closest Ski Resorts to Sydney

From Sydney, the closest places for skiing in New South Wales are Thredbo and the Perisher ski resorts. Depending on the weather, it takes approximately 6 hours to drive to Thredbo and Perisher.

When is the Ski Season in NSW?

The ski season runs from June to October. The official opening of the ski season coincides with the Queen's Birthday Long Weekend on the second Monday in June. The chances of skiing in 'real' snow improve from July to the end of September. If we were to rely on nature the ski season would be a "marginal event". Technology comes to the rescue courtesy of snow making equipment. There shouldn't be too many issues once the season starts.

How good is the Skiing in Australia?

Small is Beautiful

Australia is the flattest continent on earth so it is easy to look down on skiing in Oz. We suspect quite a few skiers like it that way. It helps to avoid the crowded ski slopes that can detract from a skiing holiday in Europe.

But size does matter

Compared to New Zealand, Australia has twice the total skiable area and more than three times the number of lifts and twenty terrain parks.

Easy access, more actual Skiing

It is also usually far easier to get to the snow from your snow accommodation than it is in New Zealand. There are less hairpin bends to navigate and less time getting up and down the mountain each day.

Child Friendly

Australian resorts have excellent facilities for children including on-snow childcare. For children learning to ski, there are great ski schools offering flexible lessons tailored for your child's enjoyment.

Skiing in Sunshine

But perhaps the biggest advert for skiing in Oz is clear for all to see. The sunshine. It doesn't get much better than skiing in the sunshine and Australia provides plenty of it. Overseas resorts can often be overcast with less than pleasant conditions, Australian resorts enjoy the same blue skies that Australia is famous for giving you much better odds of great skiing conditions. Just don't tell anyone who scoffs at skiing in Australia. Just smile and keep it to yourself.

Do I need to bring my own equipment for the snow?

You don't need to bring your own gear as your ski resort will be pleased to hire out the equipment to you. As with most things, it's a quality and price decision. You might find it advisable to make your own arrangements in Sydney and bring your gear with you.

Ski Accommodation at Thredbo and Perisher

So where are you going to stay for your skiing holiday? Well unsurprisingly the Thredbo and Perisher Ski Resorts do offer accommodation. You'll find links below to their websites.

"On Snow" Ski Accommodation

The majority of ski accommodation in Australia is 'on snow', meaning you can start skiing with the minimum of fuss and effort. This will maximise your ski time and help to ensure you enjoy a more relaxed snow holiday.

Winter Holiday Accommodation Deals

Thredbo Ski Resorts

Perisher Ski Resorts

Things to do in Sydney

For things to do in Sydney over winter you should visit the top things to do in Sydney, if you can't find anything in the list of 150 things plus (a number of which are just outside of Sydney) there's the What's on in Sydney pages to consider.