Australia’s Best Family Ski Resorts

The votes are in, and the Best Family Ski Resorts in Australia have been announced.

John Williamson may have sang ‘Give Me a Home Among the Gumtrees…’ but how about a ski resort peppered with snow gums? There’s something special about skiing in Australia with our iconic landscapes and unique wildlife (a sheep or two, a kangaroo) to spot on the slopes or spy paw prints through the snow.

We’re always asked which is the best family ski resort in Australia. Australians are lucky to have a number of world-class ski resorts to choose from in both New South Wales and Victoria. Our winners have been selected by an expert panel who nominated their favourites across six categories. All have something different to offer, and some are more suited to beginners or experts, so sit back and plan the ultimate family snow holiday in Australia.

1. Thredbo, NSW

Thredbo is the best ski resort in Australia for families. This Snowy Mountains resort has plenty to offer both on and off the slopes and is home to the first alpine gondola in Australia. Thredbo has a variety of terrain, an amazing history and a buzzing village, along with an excellent ski school program. Friday Flat is a wonderful place for kids to learn in a safe environment, and when you need a break off the snow, head for the heated indoor pool at the Leisure Centre. The village is right at the base of the mountain and offers many ski-in, ski-out accommodation options plus restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops.

Thredbo also has Australia’s biggest winter calendar of events and experiences. During school holidays, the fun is non-stop with Thredbo’s Kids Snow Festivals, plus heaps of action-packed on-snow events and unique experiences that run on select dates throughout the season. Thredbo is a partner on the Ikon Pass, offering seven days on the Ikon Pass and five days on the Ikon Base Pass.

2. Falls Creek, VIC

Falls Creek is the largest resort in Victoria with 450 hectares of skiable terrain, 92 runs and 14 lifts. The family-friendly ski resort is home to the longest green run in Australia – Wombat’s Ramble.

The snow sports school is world-class, and off the slopes there’s a multitude of things to do. Families can try snowmobiling, backcountry tours, tubing and tobogganing. The European-style village ensures families have plenty of choices when it comes to places to shop, stay and dine. Falls Creek is part of the Vail Resorts stable, accessible on the Epic Australia Pass.

=3. Perisher, NSW

Perisher is the largest resort in the Southern Hemisphere with four linked resorts ensuring plenty of terrain for all levels. The resort has 47 lifts to access 1,245 hectares of skiable terrain. Known as one of Australia’s best family ski resorts, it sits within the picturesque Kosciuszko National Park in NSW with limited on-snow accommodation. Most families will stay in Jindabyne and catch the Skitube to the slopes each day, avoiding national park entry fees.

Perisher is part of the Vail Resorts stable, accessible on the Epic Australia Pass.

=3. Mt Buller, VIC

Mt Buller has 22 lifts carrying skiers and snowboarders to the various corners of its 300 hectares of legendary terrain. From the top of the summit to the many runs on the southern side, and over by Grimus, Buller is a fun mountain to ride.

The longest, and seemingly most favourite, run at Mt Buller Ski Resort is Little Buller Spur. The run spans 5.7kms and ends at Wombat Chair, named in honour of the furry little mammals that can sometimes be found on the sidelines of the run.

Mt Buller is part of the Ikon Pass and the Mountain Collective.

Keep reading:

• An Insider’s guide to Thredbo
• Everything you need to know about Hotham Alpine Resort
• 12 fun ways to experience snow with kids

4. Mt Hotham, VIC

With family-friendly dining options, a Kids’ Snowzone and snow sports school, and Harry the Snowdragon, children are spoilt for choice at Mount Hotham. Nestled amongst the Victorian Alps, this family ski resort is also the only one in the Southern Hemisphere where the village is on top of the mountain, and there’s more than 320 hectares to explore.

5. Charlotte Pass, NSW

The highest resort in Australia, Charlotte Pass is completely snowbound in winter, and being smaller than Perisher and Thredbo, has a special quality that appeals to families. There are no long lift lines here, and all accommodation is ski-in, ski-out. It’s also exciting just getting there, as the only way to access this family ski resort is by snowcat!

Expert picks

Best for beginners

Plenty of gentle runs, separate learning areas, great snow sports schools and crèches.

• Thredbo
• Selwyn
• Mt Buller

Best for advanced families

A variety of good-quality terrain for expert-level teens and their parents.

• Thredbo
• Perisher
• Mt Hotham

Best for all-round family activities

Fun off the slopes, including dog sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing, etc.

• Falls Creek
• Mt Buller
• Charlotte Pass

Best village

These villages have the best location, atmosphere and a magical vibe, lots to do, accessible, good shopping and dining.

• Thredbo
• Falls Creek
• Mt Buller

Best freestyle resort

Terrain parks, halfpipes and more slopestyle fun.

• Perisher
• Falls Creek
• Mt Buller

Best snow hotel

Best facilities for kids, great location, spacious rooms, good dining options.

• Astra Falls Creek
• St Falls Resort, Falls Creek
• Man From Snowy River Hotel, Perisher

Readers’ choice

1. Thredbo, NSW
2. Perisher, NSW
3. Mt Buller, VIC
4. Falls Creek, VIC
5. Hotham, VIC

BEST SKI RESORTS IN:

AUSTRALIA | NEW ZEALAND | JAPAN | EUROPE | USA | CANADA

Keep reading:

• Australia’s best five-star snow accommodation
• Guide to skiing in Australia with kids
• The best ski hotels in the USA for families