Summer Skiing in Australia

Those who live in the Northern Hemisphere are currently enjoying the summer season, meaning ski trips are probably the furthest thing from their minds. For avid snow sport fans, however, the time to hit the slopes again cannot come fast enough. If you love to ski or snowboard, you could make plans to take an adventurous trip to Australia, where winter is just beginning. While not known for its staggering peaks, there are plenty of amazing resorts and mountains that suit all levels of skiers who wish to spend their time Down Under on a snowy holiday.

After purchasing travel medical insurance, which can come in handy for travelers who plan to partake in sports, you can look into all the different ways to enjoy some snowy fun in this great destination.

Snow throughout Australia

In some parts of Australia, snow begin to fall on the slopes as early as April, reports The Australian. Places like New South Wales receives a couple of inches in the mountains, which gives resort companies incentive to start planning for the season that usually starts in June. Even the cold weather can allow for artificial snow-making to begin, which can be a start to perfect conditions for months of ski and snowboarding activity.

The snowfall really begins to add up in June, especially near Victoria’s Mount Hotham. Nearly 30 inches of fresh powder falls on the peak, which can be enjoyed by resident skiers and visitors from all over the world. Snow should continue to fall through October, so travelers have plenty of time to plan the ultimate ski vacation in Australia.

Where are the best ski/snowboard mountains Down Under?

There are opportunities for skiing throughout the country, ranging from the mountains of Tasmania to the cross-country trails in Lake Mountain, Victoria. A great mountain to visit with the whole family is Mount Baw Baw, located close to the city of Melbourne. This area has all levels of trails, as well as a terrain park, toboggan area, ski school and snowshoeing activities.

One of the best resorts in Tasmania is Ben Lomond, which is also suitable for families but has more challenging runs as well. You can rent equipment and hit the slopes quickly, enjoying seven lifts that take you all over the mountain for amazing ski conditions and views. It can be easy to grab a flight from the mainland to enjoy some skiing while checking out the natural wonders of this picturesque region.

If you prefer to venture to Australia’s largest resort, Perisher in New South Wales covers several peaks and has nearly 50 lifts reaching dozens of trails. With the right conditions, skiers and boarders can navigate across all four peaks without ever reaching the base. The majority of the trails are intermediate, but there are plenty of professionals on staff offering brush-up classes or lessons for first timers.

Selwyn in New South Wales is also an option for skiing and tends to provide more wallet-friendly options for the avid skier. Roughly 10 lifts bring guests to where they’d like to go, with the longest trail stretching more than a mile and a half long. Travelers who enjoy cross-country skiing can also have their pick of 27 miles worth of trails that wind in and out of the snowy peaks.