The Best Ski Resorts in Australia and Where to Stay

The best luxury ski resorts offer thrilling runs and very quick pistes, but not many realise the number of lodges, villages and ski fields perfect for your fix of winter sports action in Australia.

There are a number of alpine villages with luxury chalets and hotels where you can enjoy a piping hot cup of hot chocolate when you’re finished on the slopes, or something a bit stronger. The ski season in Australia runs from June to October, with July and August being the coldest and therefore snowiest months.

Falls Creek Hotel is perfect for ski enthusiasts, located very close to no less than three ski lifts. Owner, Lisa Allport said that there’s still availability at the luxe location this winter.

It’s not too late to book for 2023. The July school holidays book out very early and you need to get in before January to secure these dates but there are also cancellations so keep trying.

Five main downhill ski resort areas, each appealing to different skill levels and ages, are dotted around New South Wales’ Snowy Mountains and Victorian Alps. But just because you’re experiencing white-knuckle turns and sky-high ramps, it doesn’t mean you can’t relax and soothe tired limbs.

Many of the hotels and chalets surrounding these ski resorts are equipped with spas, saunas and heated swimming pools. Proximity to chair lifts and ski fields provides well-heeled guests with truly luxurious skiing experiences.

We’ve done the hard work for you and found the best places to stay on your next winter holiday down under.

Astra Falls Creek

Recognised as Australia’s best Ski Boutique Hotel in 2022 at the World Ski Awards, Astra Falls Creek offers guests an unrivalled luxury alpine experience in the middle of Australia’s largest area of skiing terrain.

Falls Creek is home to 92 marked trails and 14 lifts, with 450 hectares of gorgeous mountain terrain for you to explore. Australia’s hottest ski resort is a ski-in ski-out affair; no cars are needed and Astra Falls Creek even provides airport transfers in a Mercedes Benz V Class Avante Garde from Melbourne or Albury Airport.

From their award-winning wine list to their opulent day spa, guests are in for a treat. Not only will they get to spend their time on powdery white snow, but they’re also given access to Astra’s useful amenities and services, like a dedicated private over-snow taxi available from the hotel concierge.

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Breathtaker Hotel and Spa, Mount Buller

Even if Mount Buller’s famously unreliable snowfall fails to materialise, the Breathtaker Hotel and Spa is ready to make your stay very comfortable nonetheless. Enjoy some soothing spa treatment before snuggling into some thick fur and warm your toes in front of one of the fireplaces.

The Signature Restaurant is a fantastic place to enjoy some contemporary Australian cuisine, or if you’re looking for a nightcap, The Loft Bar can help with a selection of delicious cocktails and an extensive wine list.

Mount Buller is located around three hours from Melbourne depending on traffic. July and August are the best months to visit if you want to see snow, with average yearly snowfalls sitting at around one metre. If you’re going to stay in Mount Buller, make sure you choose your hotel wisely; a spa or heated pool will give you something to do if the snow doesn’t fall.

Breathtaker Hotel and Spa is very popular amongst day trippers or weekend warriors looking to relax their tired limbs. The quality amenities at Breathtaker provide guests with a “complete” alpine winter experience and members of the Breathtaker Club receive a range of benefits, including barista-made coffee in the morning and access to the 18+ heated water facilities.

We are the closest resort to Melbourne and, therefore quite popular for day-trippers. I believe we are also the only resort that offers dog sledding. We are also some of the last resorts that offer tobogganing.

Anne Schulz, Front Office Manager at Breathtaker Hotel and Spa

Thredbo Alpine Hotel

Thredbo enjoys a generous snow season and is considered by many to be one of the best ski resorts in Australia. Located a six-hour drive south of Sydney, there are a variety of lodges chalets and apartments on offer, many right on the ski fields or chair lift.

Thredbo is a vibrant skiing and snowboarding destination that is famous for its picturesque European style village, huge amount of terrain for all ages and abilities, excellent snow conditions, and its impressive line-up of on-mountain and village events.

Sophie Leicester, PR, Social & Content Marketing Executive for Thredbo Resort

The Thredbo Alpine Hotel could not be better placed to take advantage of Thredbo Village’s lively après scene, with bars and restaurants very close. But if it’s skiing you’re after, the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift is literally metres from the hotel, perfect for setting off early for some peaceful early morning skiing.

Guests enjoy access to a sauna, ski rentals, ski lessons and unlimited high-speed internet. It doesn’t even have to be winter for you to enjoy your time here. A year-round schedule of live music, festivals, special food events, hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing and everything in between means you can visit at any time of the year and still have something to do.

Marritz Hotel Perisher

Another highly regarded Australian ski resort is the Perisher Valley, located a six-hour drive from Sydney in the Snowy Mountains. The massive amount of high-quality ski fields makes it well worth a visit in the winter.

Perisher Mountain is actually home to no less than four alpine villages which you can on skis or snowboards from the Perisher Ski Resort. Marritz Hotel Perisher will bring a little European class to your snow holiday and is perfect for families and groups of friends.

Enjoy access to luxurious alpine amenities such as an indoor pool, spa and kids club. The roaring fire and glorious view at Marritz Bar make it the perfect place to unwind after a vigorous skiing session, while attentive, friendly staff are on hand to make your stay perfect.

Falls Creek Hotel

Under normal snow conditions, this hotel offers a true ski-in ski-out experience and their very well-stocked ski shop means you won’t be hitting the slopes unprepared. Located just over six hours from Melbourne, the historic town of Falls Creek is known as an alpine and cross-country ski centre with a huge amount of snow-covered alpine landscape in the winter.

Guests at Falls Creek Hotel can choose between bed and breakfast or the dinner, bed and breakfast options, the latter providing them with a full-cooked breakfast and three-course dinner, as well as an optional early kids dinner. There are three chair lifts located less than 150 metres from the hotel and every room offers a view.

Our guests love the authentic ski chalet experience with dinner and breakfast included, on site rental shop, swimming pool and houseguest lounge with a beautiful fireplace where you can mingle with other guests. 

Lisa Allport, Falls Creek Hotel

The hotel restaurant and bar are open daily and are the perfect place to sit, eat and watch the skiers and snowboarders descend white-blanketed slopes. An indoor heated pool and spa provide tired legs with therapeutic relief after a hard day on the mountain.

Mountain Dreaming Apartments, Mount Hotham

Mt Hotham is a collection of alpine buildings a little closer to Melbourne than other ski villages, situated in the Victorian Alps of the Great Dividing Range. It boasts a whopping 320 hectares of snow-covered winter goodness and is often referred to as the powder capital of Australia. Mt Hotham is also the only ski village located at the top of a mountain, affording you unbelievable views.

Mountain Dreaming Apartments are nestled behind The General, a well-known restaurant, bar, conference centre and wedding venue. The romance of waking up to silent, snow-covered fields and spending the day with your partner is not to be underestimated and these very well-located apartments would be the perfect setting for a luxury alpine wedding.

The apartments are also ideal for the environmentally conscious traveller as they’ve achieved a six-star energy usage rating and come equipped with high-efficiency appliances.

If you’re getting ready for a winter season on the slopes, take a look at some of these luxury designer brands and the chic winter sports gear they sell.