5 Top-Rated Places to Ski in Australia

Get ready to dust off your ski boots, pack your bags, load up the car and embrace the cold weather! People often overlook the fact that Australia is one of the best places to ski. The snowfields of Australia give the skiers a unique experience of fresh snow with a stunning backdrop. So, do your research thoroughly and take advantage of the ski resorts that hardly take a few hours’ drive.

Let’s look at the places that will give you a mesmerising experience of skiing in Australia.

Thredbo

As Thredbo has the longest ski run in Australia, it is ideal for those who like long runs. But it is not the only things that attract tourists. Its off-piste action, several ski-in ski-out restaurants on the mountain, plenty of shops, bars and cafes also make it a fantastic place to visit. You can also explore Threbdo Alpine Village and come close to the nature.

Perisher

Australia’s largest ski resort is made up of Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Blue Cow, and Guthega resort. It attracts thousands of tourists, but there is enough terrain to keep everyone happy and busy. The same village atmosphere of Perisher is different from its neighbour Thredbo, but more suitable for families, thanks to its self-sufficient lodges that have restaurants and bars. This is one of the best reasons why you should go skiing this winter.

Charlotte Pass

This excellent resort is only accessible through ski cat service from Perisher. Owing to its altitude (highest resort in Australia), one can expect the appropriate amount of snow in comparison to other resorts. Moreover, as it is ski-in-ski-out, it facilitates you to avoid the uncomfortable routine of carrying your equipment to the mountain daily.

You can also book lessons to polish your techniques to help you ensure a safe and sound skiing experience. Also, book your ski tour and find the most suitable accommodation to enjoy your trip without any hindrance.  Discover more about skiing tours in Australia and New Zealand for better experiences if you are a beginner.

Mt Buller

If you are coming from Melbourne, Mt. Buller is an excellent option for skiing. As the resort is a popular name among tourists and only a couple of hour drive, it gets busy on weekends. But if you don’t have any problems with crowds, this place is well worth the effort. Not only the location is excellent, but the high-tech lift let you move around the mountain smoothly.

Mt Hotham

Famous for its challenging terrain and steep verticals, Mt. Hotham is perfect for those who want a challenging ski holiday. It is one of its kinds because unlike traditional resorts, it is located on top of a mountain and not the bottom. It has an exciting mix of all types of terrain – intermediate, advanced and expert. The places mentioned above are some of the best places in Australia for skiing. So before you decide any particular area, it is advisable to do a proper search so that you can get the best available deals. Do not forget to find out 5 great reasons to go skiing this winter.

You can also participate in seasonal programs and we also provide lessons to kids and youngsters who are passionate about skiing. Mt Hotham is one of the best places where you can meet like-minded people and enjoy your trip on mountains.

Conclusion

These are some of the best places where you can unveil your passion for skiing in Australia. Make sure you do proper research on the internet and know more about these places and current offers or deals.

Beginner’s Guide to Dress for Skiing

If you are planning to go for a ski, keeping yourself warm is an essential thing. You need a couple of layers of clothes to maintain the ideal temperature of the body so that you can stay physically active and enjoy skiing in the snowfields of New Zealand. But when you are wearing clothes, you need to make sure that you are using only those materials that can keep the sweat away from your skin. As you will stay super active, you are most likely to sweat.

The proper way to dress for skiing is to wear layers of clothes one by one – first, the base layer, then the mid layer and finally the outer layer. And do not forget to take measures to protect yourself. Here is a list of clothes you need to wear for skiing in New Zealand. Let’s have a look.

Base Layer

  • An effective base layer can make a massive difference in the snow. Synthetic fibre or wool is considered as the best option as the material retains its heat properties even when it’s wet. You will require a long-sleeved layer on top and a thin pants layer.

Mid Layer

  • This layer will act as a shield against the cold weather. Fleece fabrics would be an ideal option for your mid layer as they are warm, breathable, light and comfortable. Try to wear a full-zip jacket so that you can remove it if you feel too warm.

Outer Layer

  • You need an outer layer that is waterproof (both jacket and pants). If you visit the best ski fields in New Zealand, you will have the option to hire the stuff, and it’s a great way to keep the expenses low! Go for jackets that have several pockets to keep your gear and a hood to protect yourself from the cold, snowy days.

 

Make sure you achieve look for good quality jackets that have multiple jackets. If you are interested in exploring Australia and New Zealand Ski tours, you can search on the internet and plan your tours accordingly. You can also take professional training from a reliable institute if you want to learn skiing professionally.

Gloves

  • Do not go skiing without a pair of gloves as frostbite is a serious threat. Wear a thin glove liner below a thick glove designed for skiing. Regular glove won’t help you as ski gloves are thicker in comparison to ordinary gloves and have a special rubber lining for a comfortable grip.

Goggles

  • Snow blindness is a serious issue and is painful, so do not forget to wear goggles. You can save your money somewhere else, but it is advisable to spend some extra money to purchase high-quality goggles. It will help you to navigate in cloudy conditions and protect you from flying debris and snow blindness.

Helmet

  • Some of the ski places in New Zealand are challenging and that can cause serious head injury, if you are not wearing a helmet. A cap or hat can keep your head warm, but can’t protect from injuries. Apart from protection, if you want some added warmth, wear a fitted cap under your helmet.

You can also find out 5 top rated places where you can ski in Australia, such as Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, etc.

Harness and Caribiner

It is an ultra-light harness used for mountaineering and technical skiing. It packs down into a stuff sack that can easily be fit into a pocket of your jacket.

Safety should be listed at the top when you are going for skiing. It is one of the great experiences to slide on the slow when you are dressed well.

Important tips for first timers going to the snow

Skiing is an exciting sport, and if you are for a skiing holiday in Australia, you can expect a wonderful experience, great adventure and enough options in terms of locations. But if you are not prepared, you are most likely to spend more time in the queue, visiting the wrong place at the wrong time and struggling on your feet rather than whizzing down the mountain. So, if you are thinking of skiing for the first time, consider the following tips.

Plan your trip early

This is important if your vacation falls over a period when there is a break in the schools. You might struggle to find accommodation as Resorts and inns in Australia get booked quickly. So, if you want to spend the time to get attractive packages, start it as early as possible.

You can explore the best ski resorts in Melbourne and Australia before making a final booking decision.

You don’t need professional-grade gear

People usually require three layers of clothing for skiing purpose – a base layer, a mid layer, and finally, a waterproof jacket and trousers. Apart from it, you will need a scarf, hat, ski gloves, helmet, goggles, and tall socks. It will be a huge mistake to buy all these stuff if you are doing it for the first time because you don’t whether you will love it or hate it. So, try to borrow things from friends, use you already have, rent stuff if possible and finally buy whatever is left.

Start workout

You don’t require six pack abs for skiing, but this particular activity is quite challenging and will need the strength of your body. It is difficult for an unfit person to last very long on the slopes, particularly a beginner. So start doing workout to have a wonderful experience of skiing in Australia.

Join a ski class

If you don’t know the basic of skiing but have already paid for different equipment rentals and lift passes, you have made a mistake. If you don’t want to waste your quality time on the slopes, go and try to learn the basics first. Asking different people and watching tutorial videos can be confusing. To save you time, book the class. There are some top Australian ski resorts for families that have such facilities.

You can also teach kids to ski if you join classes together.

Get proper sleep to stay fresh

This may sound a very basic and obvious tip, but this is indeed a crucial one. Beginners often have the temptation to stay up late and enjoy the nightlife. They also experiment with foods and drinks, and that can cause health issue, and you don’t want that. Eat something light and healthy and go to bed early. This will make you more active the next morning.

Conclusion

These are some of the most important tips for those who are going to the snow for the first time. Keep your dress ready, learn the best skiing techniques and explore the best skiing tours in Australia for an unforgettable experience.

Important Tips For Teaching Kids To Ski

Learning the art of skiing is a challenging task for adults, but when it comes to teaching kids, it becomes even more challenging. It is a slow procedure and needs lots of practice and patience. The right approach to teach your children skiing is to develop the basic understanding for the sport. Let your kids participate in snow sports as this will boost their confidence.

It is crucial as professional ski lessons are not always helpful, especially when the kids are too young. Use the following tips and tricks to create an ideal environment where the kids can quickly grasp the techniques of skiing. Let’s have a look.

Let Them Play

Kids who are physically fit and more active are quick in learning. So, let them play in the snowfields of New Zealand and do not stop them. Just keep a close watch to ensure they do not get any serious injury. Experts believe that it helps the kids to become more familiar with the surroundings and they develop a natural curiosity for skiing. This will help them become a better skier in the next few years.

Teach Them To Skate Before Skiing

One of the essential activities your kids should learn before trying skiing is skating. In-line skating or ice skating prepares them physically and improves their reflexes. Skating also enhances the balance of the body.

Work On The Basics

Skiing requires some crucial movements like stopping and turning. So, the kids need to master these skills before putting their next step forward. They need to flawlessly execute these basic movements because these skills will protect them from crashing into something or someone during skiing in the fields of New Zealand.

Read on the beginner’s guide to dress for skiing properly to avoid accidents and injuries.

No Need To Rush

Learning to ski is a time-consuming process, so allow your kids to take as much time as they want. The important thing is that they should love this activity and only then they will fall in love with it. Putting pressure can develop a sense of burden, and it would be difficult to change.

Come Equipped

Whenever you head to the mountains, always remember that preparation is important. And it becomes more critical when you are going with kids for skiing in New Zealand for the first time. So, it is advisable to carry an extra set of gear and clothes. If your kids are old enough, you can also opt for the professional classes.

Conclusion

The tips mentioned above will help you to create a healthy environment for the kids . You can also learn about skiing tours in Australia and New Zealand and more importantly, generate interest in the sport. Being a parent, it is your job to guide your kids properly and let them enjoy.

 

Top Commercial Ski fields in New Zealand and Australia

Planning a ski vacation to Southern Hemisphere can be a daunting task as the alpine regions of Australia, and Southern Alps of New Zealand have more than 30 ski resorts. And you have all the reasons to get confused when deciding the destination as some ski fields are famous for powder skiing, some have more snow, some have the best lifts while some are off-piste. Some commercial ski fields are value for money while others offer excellent nightlife.

Here is a list of top commercial ski fields in New Zealand and Australia that attracts thousands of tourists throughout the year. Let’s have a look:

The Remarkables (NZ)

The Remarkables is popular for its high altitude, north-facing slopes and friendly atmosphere. And the best part is, from central Queenstown it takes only 40 minutes to reach there. From sufficient space for the beginners and excellent slopes to some breathtaking views, this place has something for every person. This place is one of the top commercial ski fields in New Zealand and has sealed roads, high-speed chairlift (6-seater), purpose-built base lodge, etc.


  • Cardrona (NZ)

    Cardrona is a popular location among snow lovers as it has facilities for everyone – whether it is for beginners, families or Olympic medalists. With different restaurants and cafes, apartments on, a covered conveyor to learn skiing and fully-licensed childcare centre, this place is an ideal location for skiing. It also has the most extensive terrain parks in Southern Hemisphere and most extensive lift facilities in the South Island.


  • Treble Cone (NZ)

    With only 30 minutes’ drive from the beautiful Wanaka, Treble Cone gives you the actual New Zealand mountain experience. This top commercial ski field in NZ has licensed cafes, snowboard and ski rentals, accessory shop, snow sports school and medical centre. They also offer childcare for children between 3 to 6 years. They also accommodate children below 3 years if accompanied by any of the parents.


  • Mt Hutt (NZ)

    Voted as the best ski resort in New Zealand for four consecutive years (2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018) is some achievement! This is one of the highest and largest ski areas in the South Island and gives a breathtaking experience to the skiers and snowboarders. It takes around 90 minutes from Christchurch International Airport while 30 minutes from Methven town.


  • Coronet Peak (NZ)

    Coronet Peak is perhaps the closest mountain from Queenstown. Its exceptional high points and smooth rolling trails are something that always excites the experienced skiers and riders. But it also has a proper area for the beginners. The Snowsports School in Coronet Peak offers valuable ski lessons and programs for all age groups.


  • Perisher (AUS)

    With 3076 acres area, Perisher has the most extensive ski terrain in Australia, and is the largest resort in the Southern Hemisphere. For the beginners, this top commercial ski field in Australia has easy slopes and the flat terrain to boost the confidence. When it comes to the advanced riders, it offers steep runs in between the gum trees. In total, there are around 28 accommodation options that include hotels, bed and breakfasts, inns, and chalets.


  • Falls Creek (AUS)

    Falls Creek is just 217 miles from Melbourne and located in the northeastern side of Victoria. This place has one of the best snow covers among all the Victorian ski resorts. It also offers an exceptional scenic beauty of the Alpine Village. It is a fantastic place for families, beginners as well as intermediates. Falls Creek offers skiing and snowboarding lessons kids and adults. You also have the option to avail day passes or season passes (as per the requirement) and ski in, ski out accommodations at a reasonable price. This kind of place make Australia the best value place to ski.

 

You can explore the best ski resorts in Melbourne if you are planning to visit Falls Creek for your skiing tour in Victoria.


  • Hotham (AUS)

    Hotham is located inside the Alpine National Park along with the Great Dividing Range in Victoria. This place is around 8 hours drive from Sydney while 4.5 hours from Melbourne. The Village of Mt. Hotham sits above the treeline and has several restaurants, nightlife and lodging options. The visitors also have the option to stay in Dinner Plain- an amazing alpine village that only 10km away.


  • Thredbo (AUS)

    Thredbo is one of the famous Australian commercial ski fields. It is located within the boundaries of National Park of Kosciuszko. It is considered an ideal access point for people looking for Australia’s highest point- Mt. Kosciuszko, through the Kosciuszko Express chairlift. It is known for Australia’s steepest and longest trails and its snowmaking capabilities. Thredbo contains ski in, ski out accommodations, restaurants, bars, etc. and organise numerous events and activities throughout the year for the outdoors enthusiast. Apart from skiing, it is a perfect place for mountain bikers, hiking, golf and fly-fishing.


  • Buller

    If you are looking for the most accessible commercial ski area in Australia, Mt. Buller has to be the one. It offers the spectators stunning mountain scenery and exceptional accommodation options. With only 3 hour drive from Melbourne, this place has ski in, ski out accommodations and numerous choice for restaurants and bars. It is a large resort with around 25 lifts that offers the skiers 400 metres (1312 feet) of vertical descent. You can train yourself and become a better skier in the coming holidays.

EndNote

The ski fields as mentioned above in New Zealand and Australia are quite popular among the visitors as they have all kind of facilities for different age groups and easy access. If you are planning for ski holidays in this part of the world with family and friends, these places would be perfect. These locations are some of the most exciting destinations for snow lovers of all age groups.