As the temperature begins to drop, it can only mean one thing: winter is around the corner. If you’re chasing adventure and looking for fun holiday ideas closer to home, you might be planning a skiing or snowboarding trip this winter.
While Australia is known for being a hot summer destination, pockets of the country offer fantastic opportunities to take part in snow sports.
To help you maximise your time on the slopes, we’ve curated your complete guide to having an epic, stress-free ski season this year (and why you might not want to hit the road without domestic travel insurance).
The best snow sports destinations in Australia
Many avid skiers and snowboarders flock to far-flung destinations like Whistler, Niseko and Aspen to hit the slopes. But did you know that Australia has plenty of great places to take part in snow sports?
If you’re looking to stay local and skip the hassle of a long-haul flight, here are five must-try snow sports destinations to visit in Australia.
Best ski resort 1. Thredbo (NSW)
Best known for: Australia’s highest ski mountain
Located in the Snowy Mountains, Thredbo is a must-see winter sports destination. Take the 5.5-hour drive from Sydney or Melbourne and get ready for some of Australia’s longest ski runs.
Not only does Thredbo have Australia’s only alpine Gondola, but this ski resort’s European-style village boasts over 30 spots to drink, dine and unwind after a day on the slopes.
Best ski resort 2. Perisher Ski Resort (NSW)
Best known for: The largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere
Perisher is also located in the Snowy Mountains in the Kosciuszko National Park. This is a top-notch alpine resort with 47 lifts servicing an incredible 1,245 hectares of skiable terrain.
With four ski resort areas to explore and picturesque ski runs from Perisher Valley to Smiggin Holes and beyond, there’s never a dull moment in Perisher.
Best ski resort 3. Falls Creek Alpine Resort (VIC)
Best known for: Victoria’s largest ski resort
Situated in the Hume region of northeastern Victoria, Falls Creek Alpine Resort is a five-hour drive from Melbourne. This ski resort is perfect for families and beginners, with over 80% of the runs dedicated to easy to intermediate skiers and snowboarders.
Expect a true ski-in-ski-out experience with this resort located 1,600 metres above sea level in the heart of the stunning Alpine National Park.
Best ski resort 4. Mount Hotham (VIC)
Best known for: The most elevated ski resort in Australia
Flock to Australia’s Powder Capital, Mount Hotham, and get ready for incredible panoramic views of rugged snow-capped mountains.
Take the 4.5-hour drive from Melbourne and get ready for 320 hectares of ski terrain. Situated amongst the Victorian Alps of the Great Dividing Range, Mount Hotham is one of the only ski villages loathed at the top of the mountain.
Best ski resort 5. Mount Buller Alpine Resort (VIC)
Best known for: The largest ski lift network in Victoria
Grab your gear and take the 3.5-hour drive from Melbourne to Mount Buller. This is one of Australia’s most accessible ski resorts, with a whopping 20 lifts capable of moving 40,000 people per hour up and down the slopes.
Expect runs suited to all abilities, from beginners to advanced snow sports pros. Plus, you can enjoy your time off the slopes with sled dog tours and even a treatment at Australia’s highest day spa.
How to plan the perfect ski season trip
Ready to get your snow trip out of the group chat and onto the slopes? Here’s how to plan ahead and prepare for a stress-free snow sports adventure in Australia.
- Pick your destination: Start with the list above and consider what kind of snow holiday you’re planning. If you’re travelling with non-skiers, consider a resort with plenty of non-ski activities (like tobogganing and spa facilities).
- Assess your ability: While every resort will have a mix of beginner to advanced runs, if you’re just getting started, look for slopes with plenty of green (easy) runs and experienced ski instructors offering group and 1:1 lessons.
- Create a budget: Make sure to factor in a range of costs, from equipment hire to lift passes and even park entry (as well as vehicle passes if you’re bringing a car).
- Pack the essentials: Bring plenty of warm, waterproof clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, a spacious backpack and ski gear (like boots, helmets and gloves).
- Consider domestic travel insurance: For added peace of mind, it can be worth taking out travel insurance with the Snow Pack add-on ahead of your ski trip—which can offer support in case you need to cancel your trip or become unwell at short notice and need to change your plans.
Protecting yourself with domestic travel insurance
Planning a snow trip is a big investment of time and money. As a high-value trip, you want to do everything you can to protect yourself against the unexpected.
That’s where domestic travel insurance can come in. Whether you’re hitting the slopes in Thredbo, Perisher, Mt Hotham or beyond, Stella’s Domestic Travel Insurance (with the Snow Pack add-on) can help you enjoy your trip without the added baggage of stress.
Curated for domestic trips, you can be covered for lost or stolen luggage, trip interruptions or cancellations and travel delays—with certain limits and exclusions in place depending on what level of cover you’ve secured.
From unforeseen illnesses that cause you to cancel your trip to losing your ski gear when flying interstate, domestic travel insurance is a popular choice for Aussies heading to the slopes to ski or snowboard.
Find out more about Stella’s Domestic Travel Insurance policy
Domestic travel insurance: your FAQs, answered
What activities are covered by Stella’s Domestic Travel Insurance policy?
Stella’s Domestic Travel Insurance policy does offer coverage for things like:
- Lost or stolen luggage*: We’ll pay you up to $5,000 in total (or up to $1,000 for a single item) if your baggage is damaged, stolen or accidentally lost during your trip (excess applies).
- Trip interruption or cancellation*: We’ll pay you the pre-paid or non-refundable trip costs up to $10,000 (excess applies) for a range of unexpected events.
- Trip delay*: If you’re unexpectedly delayed for more than six hours, we’ll cover $50 per six hours, up to a maximum of $1,000.
For specific terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, and sub-limits, make sure to download and read the PDS so you’re informed about what’s covered by your specific policy.
Are medical costs covered by Stella’s Domestic Travel Insurance policy?
Unfortunately not. Medical costs aren’t included in Stella’s domestic travel insurance policy.
I need to cancel my snow trip due to a medical condition. Can I make a claim?
Yes, you can make a claim if your trip is interrupted or needs to be cancelled due to an unforeseen medical condition. Make sure to download the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to check exactly what situations and events are covered by this policy.
Prepare for your next winter adventure with Stella Travel Insurance
Ready to head to the slopes and get your adventure started? Make sure you can enjoy your trip without the added baggage of stress. With Stella Domestic Travel Insurance, you can select the range of cover that suits your needs, with coverage that’s flexible and supportive.
Stella Travel Insurance is issued by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 83 169 311 193) (Pacific) and distributed by Stella Underwriting Pty Ltd (ABN 72 633 811 319, AR 001282046) acting as an Authorised Representative of battleface Insurance Services Pty Ltd (ABN 28 650 606 045, AFSL 536280) (battleface), also operating under the trading name Robin Assist, which is acting under a binding authority as agent for Pacific.
Any advice provided is general only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and may not be right for you. Benefits are subject to the terms and conditions including the limits, sub-limits and exclusions of the insurance policy. You should consider the appropriateness of any such advice, and read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), the Target Market Determination (TMD) and Financial Services Guide (FSG) for these products available at stellainsurance.com.au, before making a decision to acquire, or to continue to hold, the product.
