Summer, sun and beaches: when we talk about Australia, that’s probably what most travellers think of. But “Down Under” can also score points with winter sports enthusiasts during the cold season! SnowTrex has now put together 5 reasons why it’s worth thinking about the Australian winter in the European summer. So how about a trip to the Snowy Mountains or to the snow-covered Mount Kosciusko (2,228 m)?
1. Summery winter fun in the “land of contrasts”
When we think of Australia, we automatically think of heavenly beaches, kangaroos jumping through the desert and colourful schools of fish passing by the Great Barrier Reef. However, the fifth continent is not called “the land of contrasts” for nothing. When the winter season comes to an end here, winter really begins in Australia. For all those who don’t want to store their equipment in the cellar over the summer, Australia is the perfect place to go right away!
2. Large selection of slopes in south-east Australia
If you’re looking for winter fun in summer, south-east Australia is the place to be. In addition to 16 ski resorts, there is also the highest mountain on the continent, Mount Kosciusko (2,228 metres). The ski season starts here every year in June and ends usually in October. The Snowy Mountains in New South Wales are considered the “Australian Alps” due to their regular snowfall and are therefore ideal for skiing. The largest contiguous ski area in the country is Perisher with 65 kilometres of pistes and 49 lifts. Due to its altitude, it is also considered the most snow-sure and, with its short pistes, is particularly suitable for beginners and occasional skiers.
And in Thredbo (52 kilometres of pistes and 14 lifts) to the south-west of the capital Canberra, as well as in the entire surrounding mountain region, the ski season starts at the other end of the world when it is high summer in Europe. The petrol stations around the ski resorts “Down Under” offer a special service at this time of year. The potential of winter sports as an economic factor has also long been recognised here and, in addition to petrol and sweets, they also offer rental equipment for the slopes. The advantage for travellers: They can leave their bulky luggage at home and set off on an adventurous winter-summer holiday in Oceania in complete relaxation.
3. Musical highlights to start the season
The annual “Peak Festival” takes place in Perisher at the beginning of June. The self-proclaimed “coolest music show in Australia” is the official start to the new ski season. The opening takes place over a total of four days, with live music and other performances on several stages throughout the ski resort. The artists are mainly from Australia, but some bands from the rest of the world also heat up the audience, who enjoy the exuberant atmosphere and, above all, free admission.
4. Paradise for freestylers
Freestylers can let off steam in several snow parks in the Snowy Mountains. From mini rails to super pipes in the Perisher Valley sub-area, freestylers of all skill levels will really enjoy themselves. Beginners meet at the Yabby Flat Mini Park or the Mt. Piper Fun Park. Advanced riders can practice tricks at the Jump City Snow Park, Falls Terrain Park or Thredbo Snow Park.
5. Kangoroo Hoppet
Another highlight for winter sports enthusiasts on the fifth continent is the “Kangaroo Hoppet”, which takes place every year in August. And no, these are not kangaroos on skis! Rather, this is a special kind of ski marathon that is part of the Worldloppet series organised by the ski association of the same name. The aim for participants in the event series is to complete a total of ten different Worldloppet marathons on at least two different continents.
Those who achieve this goal are then awarded the title of “Worldloppet Master”. The “Kangaroo Hoppet” is one of three marathons in the southern hemisphere and takes place in the Falls Creek ski region in Mount Beauty in north-east Australia. Ambitious winter sports enthusiasts have to cover 42.195 kilometres like in a “normal” marathon, but on cross-country skis in the cross-country ski trail and not on the road in running shoes.
Fancy some more exotic ski areas? How about skiing in Georgia?
FAQ about skiing in Australia
What is the largest ski resort in Australia?
Australia’s largest ski resort is called Perisher. It is located in the Snowy Mountains in the state of New South Wales, around 200 kilometres southwest of the capital Canberra. Winter sports enthusiasts will find a total of 65 kilometres of slopes here in the Australian winter between June and October, which are accessed by a total of 49 lifts at an altitude of up to 2,034 m.
What is the highest mountain in Australia?
The highest mountain on the Australian mainland is Mount Kosciuszko at 2,228 metres. It is located in the state of New South Wales in the national park of the same name. However, it is topped by the highest mountain on Australian territory, Mawson Peak (2,745 metres) on Heard Island, which is part of the Heard and McDonald Islands. The volcanic archipelago is located in the Indian Ocean and therefore not on the Australian continent. The highest mountain here is the Carstensz Pyramid (4,884 metres) in New Guinea, which is one of the “Seven Summits”, the highest mountains on each of the seven continents.
When can winter sports enthusiasts ski in Australia?
According to the calendar, winter in Australia begins on 1 June of each year; meteorologically, it always begins on 21 June, the shortest day of the year in the southern hemisphere. The first snowfall in the Australian Alps in the states of New South Wales and Victoria is usually recorded at the end of May, meaning that the major ski resorts such as Perisher or Thredbo regularly open the piste season on the first weekend in June. However, due to the climatic conditions in Australia, most of the snow in the mountains melts again by the beginning of spring on 1 October at the latest.
