Australia’s Best Family Ski Resorts 2020

Australians are lucky to have a number of world-class ski resorts to choose from in both New South Wales and Victoria. All have something different to offer and some are more suited to beginners or experts. Here are the best ski resorts in Australia for families as judged by our ski experts, to help you make your decision as to where to go.

Best family ski resort

1Thredbo
NSW

This Snowy Mountains resort has plenty to offer both on and off the slopes and now is home to the first alpine gondola in Australia. Thredbo has a variety of terrain, 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.

2Mt Buller
VIC

The closest alpine resort to Melbourne, Mt Buller has 22 lifts carrying skiers and snowboarders to the various corners of this legendary place. From the top of the Summit to the plethora of runs on the southern side and the fun runs over by Grimus, Buller is a fun mountain to ride. Mt Buller is part of the Ikon Pass and the Mountain Collective.

3Falls Creek
VIC

Falls Creek is the largest resort in Victoria with 450 hectares of skiable terrain including the longest green run in Australia – Wombat’s Ramble. The snowsports school is world-class and off the slopes there is also a multitude of things to do including snowmobiling, backcountry tours, tubing and tobogganing. Falls Creek is part of the Vail Resorts stable, accessible on the Epic Australia Pass

4Mt 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. As the village sits on the ridge top, you actually ski down from there, rather than catching chairlifts up to start your ski day. That means great views of the sunrise and sunset from the big range of family-friendly accommodation. Hotham is part of the Vail Resorts stable, accessible on the Epic Australia Pass.

5Perisher
NSW

The Southern Hemisphere’s largest alpine resort, Perisher sits within the picturesque Kosciuszko National Park in NSW. The varied terrain across the four resort areas caters for all ages and abilities making it a favourite ski and snowboarding destination for families. Perisher is part of the Vail Resorts stable, accessible on the Epic Australia Pass.

Best snow hotels in Australia

1Astra Falls Creek
VIC

Set on a mountain in the heart of Victoria’s Falls Creek ski-in ski-out village, Astra Falls Creek hotel caters to the family market with style and service that goes the extra mile. The chic lodge offers a long line of facilities, including a library with beautiful mountain views; a magnesium swimming pool, spa and sauna; a kids room filled with games and puzzles; and award-winning dining with complimentary marshmallows for the kids to roast over the fire. Families have the option of interconnecting rooms, studios and 2-bedroom suites – all with beautiful Alpine vistas.

2QT Falls Creek
VIC

3The River Inn Thredbo
NSW

Expert picks

Best for beginners

1. Thredbo

=2. Mt Buller

=2. Perisher

3. Charlottes Pass

Best for advanced families

1. Thredbo

2. Mt Hotham

3. Perisher

Best village

1. Thredbo

2. Falls Creek

=3. Mt Buller

=3. Dinner Plain

Best for all-round family activities

1. Thredbo

2. Mt Buller

3. Falls Creek

Best freestyle resort

1. Perisher

=2. Mt Buller

=2. Thredbo

3. Falls Creek

Readers’ picks
READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

1. Thredbo

2. Perisher

3. Falls Creek

4. Hotham

5. Mt Buller

Our expert picks are complemented by your favourite resorts in the Readers’ Choice category for the ultimate guide to kid-friendly snow adventures. Whether you’re a powderhound heading overseas or getting your ski legs in Australasia, our Best Family Ski Resorts 2020 will point you in the direction of a perfect snow holiday.

Click here to vote in the 2021 awards