The Best Affordable AU Ski Holidays

Chairlift at Mt Hotham. Photo courtesy of Tourism Victoria

By Emily Kennedy

To help you get the most snow for your dough, we've asked Richard Tribe of Ski.com.au for his top picks for affordable ski vacations in New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, and we just had to include the scenic and ski-tastic Tasmania.

Selwyn – the most affordable in NSW
Nestled in the Kosciuszko National Park, Selwyns Snowfields has long been a favourite of kids who love the Snowtube & Toboggan Park; and adults who love the two terrain parks, and the prices. "Selwyn Snowfields always wins the most affordable ski destination for NSW," says Richard. "Selwyn has been targeting families on a budget and first time skiers for many years and offers the best value ski tickets in Australia." Shorty's Adventure Park was launched in 2012 and is designed especially for young riders. Check out Adaminaby accommodation for great affordable vacation rentals close to the action.

Thredbo – Not just a winter playground for celebrities...
Although perhaps best known as a celebrity sightings hot-spot, Thredbo, in NSW, has its own stars like five of the longest runs in Australia, smooth groomed trails and a variety of terrain parks. It's also home to the highest lifted point, a cool village atmosphere, and great on-snow facilities for kids. Twilight Riding is on every Thursday and Saturday night all through July and August and it’s completely free. It starts at 4:30pm until 7:30pm and is available to skiers and boarders of all ages and abilities. Every Thursday night in July and August, make sure you also check out the family fun on Friday Flat. Keep the kids entertained with music, fire pits, Thredboland animals, face painting, snowman building competitions, twilight riding and the kid’s fibre optic flare run. Friday Flat will be open until 7.30pm and it’s all free. Also don’t miss the famous flare run and fireworks display every Saturday night (snow permitting) down the Supertrail. Find out about options for accommodation in Jindabyne. Or check out Thredbo accommodation.

Having fun snowboarding and skiing at Perisher. Images courtesy of Perisher.

Perisher – One of the big boys
You know you're playing with one of the big boys when a ski destination can boast figures like 7 mountain peaks, 47 lifts, 5 terrain parks and over 1,245ha of skiable terrain. Not suprisingly, they're the biggest alpine resort in the Southern hemisphere. If you can't afford to ski every day, or you want to take a day off to explore the village, Perisher's got a fantastic night skiing deal for just $29 for adults and $16 for children aged five to 14, on Tuesdays and Saturdays (from 25 June until 24 September, subject to conditions). Got kids? They'll love the free fireworks display every Thursday night through to September 6. Need accommodation? "My pick for Perisher is Aurora Ski Lodge or Guthega Alpine Hotel," says Richard, and it's just a half-hour drive (33km) from Perisher to Jindabyne, where you'll find some great accommodation deals.

Mt Baw Baw – For the "family-on-a-budget"
"In Victoria, Mount Baw Baw is the family-on-a-budget destination of choice," says Richard. Mt Baw Baw is just a 2.5-hour drive east of Melbourne and although not a huge resort, passes and accommodation are more affordable than some larger resorts. With 35 hectares of groomed runs, seven ski lifts, three snowplay areas, 10kms of groomed x-country ski trails and unlimited terrain around the snowgums, the snowboarder, downhill and cross-country skiier in your group will certainly be kept happy. You'll also easily findaccommodation in Melbourne. There's no better ski field so close to the city!

Mt Buller – Something for everyone & affordable accommodation

Mt Buller's lifts give you access to over 300 hectares of terrain, with something to appeal to all levels. Runs range from wide beginner’s slopes to challenging black runs like Chamois and the back of Summit. Mt Buller has three terrain parks designed for all skill levels, a half pipe and an ultra cross course, with a dedicated snow grooming team to keep them in top shape all season. In terms of accommodation, it's often the economical choice to stay off-mountain says Richard: "At the base of Mt Buller is a sleepy hollow of a place called Sawmill Settlement where some very affordable holiday homes (baches) can be found." And being an easy 3-hour drive from Melbourne, you can check out accommodation in town too!

Nicole Lewis carving in the spring sunshine off the Summit at Mt Buller. Image courtesy of Mt Buller.

Tasmania – ski the steepest and the cheapest
Ben Lomond ski resort is very family-friendly with a cafe and ski hire available. It is only a 70 minute very scenic drive from Launceston, (if you are driving, remember there is no fuel available on the mountain). Find accommodation in Launceston.

Mount Mawson, in Mt Field National Park, is a small club field and while the facilities are basic, the price for skiing is minimal and it is never crowded. Mount Mawson is located about one and half hours from Hobart city. Cross-country skiing is excellent, with beautiful high-level routes around tarns to huts. There are spectacular views over the south-west Tasmanian wilderness and one of the steepest runs in the country there. Remember that snow conditions do vary a great deal so check before you go. Find accommodation in Hobart.

Order your free Tasmania Travel Guide here.

Discover Australia

Spend an evening browsing Darwin’s street markets.

Head up and away on a hot-air balloon adventure in Alice Springs.

Relax by the river in Brisbane.

Stroll Sydney's harbour for panoramic coastal views.

See Southern Ocean wildlife on a cruise from Hobart.

Catch an important game or a sold-out show at Adelaide Oval.

Roam the exhibits in Melbourne Museum.

Relax in a sunny Perth park.

It's out there. Go find it.

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The Best Affordable AU Ski Holidays

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It's out there. Go find it.

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The Best Affordable AU Ski Holidays

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