The excitement & pulse of Australia's 2008 ski season has begun. As early as April saw heavy blankets of white settling on the southern mountain ranges of Mt Hotham, as an unseasonal cold snap moved across Victoria's alpine region towards Sydney. The cooler weather continued during May, which has set expectations for the best ski season since 2000!
Up to one million Aussie skiers and snowboarders are dusting off their winter gear and eagerly anticipating perfect powdery peaks! James Luffman a meteorologist from weatherzone.com.au said "The seasonal forecast indicates we can expect plenty more of these snow-bearing systems through the coming winter."
So with the official start to the ski season on June 7, the mind begins conjuring up thoughts of gliding down untouched snowy peaks, roaring log fires, and hearty winter fare. But before that first nervous chairlift dismount, there is the ritual of deciding just which vista suits you best. The NSW Snowy Mountains & the Victorian High Country are Australia's most popular ski areas, so here's a quick run down to assist in the decision making.
Victorian High Country
Mt Buller, Melbourne's closest big hill, will be kicking the new season early this year with its 'Light up Mt Buller' winter festival set to begin June 9. Famed as Australia's most accessible ski resort with 25 lifts capable of moving 40,000 people per hour, over the 80km of trails. With some promising snowfalls already recorded, this user-friendly mountain is gearing up for a booming 2008 season. Mt Buller will launch Australia's first 6 seat chairlift, running on wind-generated power and operating from Helicopter Flat to the top of Baldy. It will have the capability to transport 3200 skiers per hour making the 1100m trip in less than 4 minutes. Mt Buller offers something for every level of skier from the placid groomers to challenging off-piste tree runs for the more skilled. Additionally there has been $500K pumped into snow-making automated guns.
Mt Hotham is a mountaintop village, which also caters for every level and is known as 'The Powder Capital of Australia'. It is the only national resort which offers its own airport only 20kms away. 2008 brings exciting upgrades to Mt Hotham including snow-making being expanded into Heavenly Valley, 14 permanent tower guns erected on both Snake Gully and Imagine runs with snow-making extended to 25 ha. With a range of accommodation prices, bars, nightclubs and restaurants of all varieties, the après ski seems to be as popular a past time as the skiing and boarding. If you are a hot dog, this hill will satisfy with ridges dropping into chutes and river valleys. Or as a beginner there are still plenty of long sweeping green runs to keep you smiling all the way to village.
Falls Creek offers 14 lifts and 92 runs, from gentle bunny runs, to south facing bowls, and boasting some of the steepest alpine runs in the country. New to Falls this season like many other resorts is a snowmaking upgrade. Falls Creek ski lifts snow-making projects are finalised with completion of a 200mm pipe on Wombat's Ramble, Australia's longest beginner run, and 21 new air-water guns installed. The Towers snow making pipe replacement is also complete and ready for automated guns and there is a new Prinoth grooming machine. Additionally the resort has had 3 major pre season snow dumps in the last couple of months setting the stage for a fantastic season. If staying below the snow line away from the clicking and clacking of ski boots is more your speed, the off mountain accommodation available at Falls will suit you to a tee. The $50 million St Falls/All Seasons Gateway Project will provide a noticeably buzzy vibe to Falls Creek Alpine Village. The first stage, the East Wing, is complete in time for winter and will contain retail shops, supermarkets, restaurants and 38 apartments.
New South Wales Snowy Mountains
Thredbo, set at the foot of Australia's highest mountain, Mt Kosciusko, Thredbo is the self-proclaimed premier alpine resort in the country, with a European-style atmosphere, renowned long runs and vertical descents. With 1000 hectares of pristine mountain terrain to play with, Thredbo offers a huge variety of activities to its guests. While early indications are that nature has things well in hand this year, Thredbo's snow-making system has recently completed a cool $1.5 million upgrade boasting 155 snow guns covering 65 hectares of snow riding territory for all standards. Other additions for 2008 include a new $500K snow groomer, 3 new webcams (making 8 in total) and a $500K investment into new rental clothing, skis & snowboarding equipment.
Perisher Blue is Australia's biggest resort, created by the merger of four resorts; Perisher, Blue Cow, Guthega & Smiggin Holes. With so much diversity, the resort caters for everyone from beginners to the most extreme skiers and snowboarders. While Thredbo is home to Australia's highest mountain, Mt Perisher is home to Australia's highest chairlift, reaching an elevation of 2034m. The off season saw Perisher Blue spend almost $10 million to make sure the 2008 season is as white as can be, adding 34 new automated guns, bringing the number in service to 188, and increasing its snowmaking coverage by 10 per cent to almost 44 hectares. Other features include a new $100K ski carpet to assist beginners at Smiggin Holes, plus public guest information screens, providing minute-by-minute information and new snowcams on the Perisher Blue website.
Before wrapping up, one cannot forget Charlottes Pass - perfect for those wanting more extreme skiing or a private escape to a special destination. Charlottes Pass is Australia's highest alpine resort and is only accessible via snow transport from Perisher Valley.
And that concludes our look at Australia's top ski resorts. But before you race off in a frenzy to reserve your winter holiday, take just a minute to think of the moments you will spend off the slopes; after all what winter getaway is complete without great après ski activities to refuel, relax and revitalise tired muscles. Australia's alpine towns are bursting with culinary options – everything from cosy wine bars to award winning restaurants to lively cafes. Now get cracking, as this season is already proving to be one of the busiest.
Want to Book a Ski Holiday
Our partners Koki Alpine Travel can help you find the accommodation you need for your perfect ski holiday. They can provide bookings at Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mt Buller all in the one place.
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