The Australian ski season officially kicks off on June 11, with New Zealand’s snowfields not far behind, although a warm autumn and a lack of snow locally means that it’s unlikely that too many runs will be open this weekend. Of course that can change overnight, and most resorts have advanced snowmaking facilities, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed. However, New Zealand resorts have already seen good snowfalls. Most seasons continue until late September or early October
Here’s a roundup of news from resorts on both sides of the Ditch.
Falls Creek, Victoria
Why go here?
Falls Creek has a true ski in, ski out, European style village. The food and beverage options match the best cities with over 30 restaurants to choose from. The terrain is suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders, along with 65km of cross country trails and back country touring to explore further afield.
New for 2016
New tobogganning area at the Village Bowl. Permanent kids’ snowmobile course. Kids pass age limit increased to 17 (from 15). New pop-up food vendors at Slalom Plaza and the Village Bowl.
Courtesy Falls Creek Resort. Photo by Chris Hocking.
Mt Hotham, Victoria
Why go here?
A true alpine experience in the heart of the high country, Mount Hotham offers 320 hectares of skiable terrain for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders as well as tobogganing, dog sled tours and 18 bars and restaurants. Accommodation is on mountain as well as in the alpine village of Dinner Plain, 10 kilometres away.
New for 2016
New snowmaking guns in Heavenly Valley. Teens included in child ticket prices till age 18, while seniors (age 64-69) also benefit from child prices and those over 70 ski free.
Mount Buller, Victoria
Why go here?
Just 208 kilometres, or a three-hour drive, from Melbourne, Buller is Australia’s most easily accessible resort and a pretty alpine village to boot.
New for 2016
Mt Buller has invested in further snowmaking for the 2016 season. New facilities in the village include renovations and upgrades to businesses including the Black Cockatoo Restaurant and Bar, and the Buller Grocer as well as enhancements to the 3G and 4G coverage in the resort to meet demand. Kids can stay free in June and September when sharing with two adults.
Courtesy Falls Creek Resort. Photo by Chris Hocking.
Perisher, NSW
Why go here?
Perisher Valley has its roots in the early pioneer days, when graziers used the surrounding valleys for summer pasture. It is the largest snow resort operation in the Southern Hemisphere, with the highest terrain, the greatest number of lifts and the most reliable snow in Australia.
New for 2016
A significant expansion of the Playstation Leichhardt Terrain Park for intermediate riders. Rex Airlines has resumed flights from Sydney to Snowy Mountains (Cooma) year round.
Thredbo
Why go here?
Perched high in the Kosciuszko National Park, Thredbo boasts the longest runs in the country and a great mix of terrain for all abilities. It has arguably more history than any other mountain resort and is equally vibrant in summer months.
New for 2016
Kids ski free in June and September. Plenty of on and off mountain events all season.
The Remarkables, Queenstown, NZ
Why go here?
Just 45-minutes’ drive from Queenstown, The Remarkables lives up to its name. With sunny, north-facing slopes across three natural bowls it offers superlative skiing and boarding and extraordinary views of the Southern Alps and the Wakatipu Basin below. Catering to all abilities, with a wide open basin perfect for novices, it is famed for its off-piste runs, dedicated freestyle areas (complete with an airbag for jumpers) and superb natural snow supported by state of the art snowmaking facilities. Season opens June 18.
New for 2016
The access road has been sealed to the 10km mark. This is on the back of a new base station opened in 2015 and the Curvey Basin chair in 2014.
Coronet Peak, Queenstown, NZ
Why go here?
An easy 20-minute drive from Queenstown, Coronet Peak is the most accessible of all New Zealand ski resorts and as a result, extremely popular with families. The varied terrain suits all abilities, with 45 per cent of runs perfect for intermediates. The well-designed Base Station feeds skiers through the equipment hire process smoothly, meaning getting onto the slopes is hassle free.
New for 2016
Not new as such, but convenient regardless, your pass for Coronet Peak is interchangeable with The Remarkables (they are owned by the same company) so you can move between lessons at both resorts. Night skiing from July 1.
Cardrona, Wanaka, NZ
Why go here?
Cardrona is arguably New Zealand’s most family-friendly resort, with a colourful base station that wouldn’t look out of place at a Disney resort, and excellent ski school and child care facilities for families. There’s a spacious beginners area, and at the other end of the spectrum, several freestyle zones, plus two half pipes.
New for 2016
The Sun Kids gallery conveyor tunnel which sits over the top of the existing Learner Conveyor, protecting beginners from the snow and wind while still giving a full outdoor mountain experience. And the addition of NZ’s longest beginner run – “A Real Journey”.
Treble Cone, Wanaka, NZ
Why go here?
The last of the NZ skifields to open (on June 23), Treble Cone is close to Wanaka and has the largest skiable terrain of any of the South Island ski fields, including excellent expert-only runs in the Montatapu Basin. The Jazz Fun Park and Jazz Kids’ Fun Trail have jumps and boxes, including some for beginner freestyle riders.
New for 2016
new Family Chill Zone will provide a dedicated indoor room for parents with infants and toddlers specifically furnished as a child and parent friendly environment. tables and chairs for drawing, children’s books, high chairs for feeding, bean bags, and play toys such as a dolls house and train set.
Home Basin Express six-seater chairlift will be undergoing a $1 million upgrade and the mountain has invested in new grooming machines.
Mt Hutt
Why go here?
The favourite ski resort for the Canterbury area, Mt Hutt is about 112 kilometres from Christchurch (or an hour and 45 minutes’ drive). With some of the best natural snowfall of all New Zealand resorts, and plenty of wide groomed runs, Mt Hutt has one of the longest vertical drops in the South Island and the greatest variety of terrain.
New for 2016
Mount Hutt was voted New Zealand’s best ski resort in 2015. If there’s enough snow the season is extended beyond official dates.
