10 of the Top Places to Go Skiing in Australia and New Zealand

Just a 2-hour ride from the nation’s capital, Canberra, Thredbo is an award-winning ski resort in the Kosciuszko National Park in New South Wales’ Snowy Mountains. The resort boasts Australia’s longest ski runs and the highest lifts, and the village of Thredbo puts on a variety of winter activities, including Saturday night fireworks shows and a flare run, during which expert skiers light up the trails after dark.

Also within the Kosciuszko National Park, Perisher Ski Resort is the largest ski area in Australia and in the whole Southern Hemisphere. It’s divided into four areas—Perisher Valley, Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes, and Guthega—and offers runs for every level of experience and ability. Book a private ride from Canberra to hit the slopes with ease.

Located in the Victorian Alps, Mount Buller is the place to go skiing from Melbourne, as it’s about a 3-hour ride away. In addition to numerous ski lifts and runs for all abilities, the resort offers other winter-friendly opportunities for fun and relaxation, including night skiing, husky sled riding, and even Australia’s highest-elevation day spa.

Established in 1947, Coronet Peak was New Zealand’s first commercial ski area. Although the natural snowfall levels here are not particularly high, a large number of snow cannons make up for what nature doesn’t provide. The field is also open late, until 9pm on certain days of the week. It’s conveniently located between Wanaka and Queenstown, too, so it’s easily accessible from both of these popular resort towns.

Another ski field near both Wanaka and Queenstown, Cardrona is a family- and beginner-friendly field that still offers enough challenges to keep more experienced skiers on their toes (er, skis). Shuttles run to the resort from Wanaka and Queenstown, or you can stay at an accommodation right on the mountain, just a minute’s walk from the ski lifts.

The mountain range you can see from high vantage points in Queenstown is not just there to look pretty: You can ski on it, too. The Remarkables are just a 30-minute drive from town, meaning you can easily fit a half-day of skiing into a busy schedule or a quick trip to Queenstown. If you’re looking for a day off from the slopes, take a helicopter tour of the mountains for spectacular views.

Near Wanaka, Treble Cone is New Zealand’s largest ski area and the one that generally gets the most snowfall. A whopping 90 percent of Treble Cone is classified as intermediate or advanced terrain, so this is a better option for skiers and snowboarders who have plenty of experience. That said, the views across Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring National Park are worth the effort of improving your skills.

Located just a 1.5-hour drive from Christchurch, Mount Hutt Ski Area is an award-winning ski resort, so you’re guaranteed well-maintained slopes here. It’s ideal for intermediate and advanced skiers, but beginner lessons also are available. For an extra thrill, the lifts at Mount Hutt are the highest in New Zealand—don’t look down if you’re afraid of heights.

The only ski resort at the top of the South Island, Rainbow Ski Area is smaller than many of New Zealand’s other options, but it’s super convenient if you’re traveling through Nelson or Blenheim. Rainbow is only about a 1.5-hour drive from either city, so you can enjoy the contrast between their mild sunny climate and the alpine conditions in the mountains, especially if you ski late in the season.

With views of turquoise Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook (Aoraki), Roundhill is a scenic place to ski. First-timers will enjoy the gentle gradient of the two large beginners’ slopes, while advanced skiers can take the world’s longest, steepest tow rope up to Australasia’s highest vertical drop.