Where to ski in Australia to avoid the crowds

Lake Mountain, VIC
Although Lake Mountain is Melbourne’s closest and most affordable resort, most skiers go a little further afield to Mt Buller and Mt Hotham, especially as Lake Mountain is a day resort. However, the 37km of cross-country trails are well worth a visit, and you may just find yourself alone on the slopes.  

Charlotte’s Pass, NSW
The highest ski resort in Australia, Charlotte’s Pass is snow-locked and very, very pretty. It’s a small resort, popular with families, but as it’s accessible by oversnow transport it tends to be less crowded than other NSW ski resorts.

Ben Lomond, Tas
Even though Tassie is our coldest state, it’s not known for being a ski destination. However, there are a couple of places were you can ski fresh Tassie snow – Cradle Mountain has expansive back country skiing for confident skiers, Mt Mawson has limited downhill runs, and Ben Lomond is the premier but rustic resort on the second highest peak. Don’t expect too many facilities, but the views are incredible.   

Falls Creek, Vic
Australia’s best ski-in/ ski-out resort, Falls Creek is well-known but as it’s a little further from Melbourne and a flight from Sydney, Falls Creek can still be the place to avoid the massive crowds of Thredbo and Mt Buller. There are 90 marked trails, and 450 hectares of skiable terrain to explore.