Skiing in Oceania
Skiing and snowboarding in Oceania, from New Zealand's Southern Alps to Australia's Snowy Mountains.
Snow might not be the first thing that springs to mind in the South Pacific, but Australia and New Zealand both have thriving ski scenes through the southern-hemisphere winter, roughly June to October. New Zealand’s Southern Alps steal the show, with world-class terrain above the adventure town of Queenstown.
Australia’s snowfields, in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales and the Victorian Alps, are gentler and well set up for families and beginners. For counter-seasonal skiing when the rest of the world is in summer, Oceania is hard to beat.
Oceania's Best Ski Resorts#
Queenstown, New Zealand The adventure capital of the South Island is flanked by two fine ski areas, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, both a short drive from town. Coronet offers reliable snowmaking and night skiing, while The Remarkables suits families and freeriders. The lakeside apres-ski scene is the best in the country.
Wanaka, New Zealand A relaxed alpine town giving access to Treble Cone, the South Island’s largest ski field, and family-friendly Cardrona. Treble Cone is famed for its long groomers and off-piste terrain with views over Lake Wanaka. Cardrona doubles as a world-class terrain-park destination.
Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand The North Island’s skiing takes place on an active volcano, with the twin fields of Whakapapa and Turoa offering the country’s biggest vertical and longest season. Runs drop down snowfields flanked by lava formations. Clear days bring extraordinary summit views across the volcanic plateau.
Mount Hutt, New Zealand Rising above the Canterbury plains near Methven, Mount Hutt regularly opens earliest and closes latest of any Kiwi field. Its high, open basin catches reliable snow and offers wide groomers and steeper chutes. On a clear day you can see all the way to the Pacific.
Thredbo, Australia The jewel of the New South Wales snowfields, Thredbo boasts Australia’s longest runs and greatest vertical drop in the Snowy Mountains. A charming alpine village and lively apres make it a favourite. In summer it reinvents itself as a mountain-biking hub.
Perisher, Australia The largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere, sprawling across four linked areas and served by an underground ski tube railway. Its huge, gentle terrain is ideal for beginners and families. Snowmaking backs up the natural falls across the vast area.
Falls Creek, Australia Victoria’s largest and most snow-sure resort is a ski-in, ski-out alpine village high in the Victorian Alps. Wide beginner slopes sit alongside excellent cross-country trails through the surrounding high country. The car-free village has a cosy, sociable feel.
Mount Hotham, Australia Known as Australia’s ‘powder capital’, Hotham has the highest average snowfall in the country and genuinely challenging terrain. Uniquely, you arrive at the village at the top of the mountain and ski down. It links by over-snow transport to neighbouring Dinner Plain.
Mount Buller, Australia The closest major resort to Melbourne, just three hours away, making it the busiest in the state. A large, varied mountain with a bustling village, it suits day-trippers and weekenders alike. Extensive snowmaking keeps the runs open through the season.
Cardrona, New Zealand Between Queenstown and Wanaka, Cardrona is New Zealand’s terrain-park mecca and a reliable family favourite with gentle, sunny slopes. Adjacent Snow Farm offers the country’s premier cross-country skiing. The dry Central Otago climate delivers plenty of bluebird days.
Charlotte Pass, Australia Perched at the foot of Mount Kosciuszko, this is Australia’s highest and most secluded resort, reached in winter only by over-snow transport. Small and historic, it offers uncrowded slopes and a genuine back-country feel. It is the gateway to the summit of the continent.
Ohau, New Zealand A friendly, uncrowded club-style field above a turquoise glacial lake in the Mackenzie Country. Its single chairlift accesses surprisingly varied terrain, and the cosy on-mountain lodge is a highlight. It offers a taste of old-school, low-key Kiwi skiing.