21/7/2016 – Australia & New Zealand’s Best Ski Resorts. By GAO Snow.
There are many great things about a ski holiday in Australia or New Zealand.
From European style ski-in/ ski out villages situated in the unique Aussie landscape to lakeside ski townships at the base of New Zealand’s majestic mountains, there truly is something for everybody.
GAO Snow is your global snow travel specialist, here are their inside tips on where you can find the best of the best when planning your Southern Hemisphere ski holiday.
Best beginner / most family friendly resort –
Falls Creek (Australia)
With tree-lined streets covered in snow for much of the winter season, Falls Creek is a true ski in/ski out, European style alpine village.
Fun family friendly activities will keep the kids entertained all day long, including a free toboggan slope, Snowplay Park area, snowtubing, firework displays, live entertainment with Pete the Snow Dragon (the resort’s friendly mascot) and much more.
The rest of the family are also spoilt for choice with a vibrant après ski scene and over 35 dining options to choose from.
On the slopes you will find well-groomed downhill trails suitable for skiers and boarders of all abilities. The largest ski resort in Victoria, Falls Creek boasts 92 runs and 450 hectares of pristine snow fields, with beginner and intermediate terrain accounting for nearly 80% of the resort.
When and Where
11 June – 2 October 2016
Melbourne, Australia
How to Get There
Falls Creek is located 4.5 hours drive from Melbourne. The resort is accessible via bus, car or private helicopter transfer.
Stay and Play
Huski Apartments, QT Falls Creek, Astra Lodge, Falls Creek Country Club
Eat and Drink
Elk Restaurant, Milch Café, Huski Café, Oiishi Go, Astra Lodge
Other Beginner-Friendly Resorts
Mt Buller and Thredbo (Australia)
Coronet Peak and Cardrona (New Zealand)
Click Here to find out more about Falls Creek Resort, Australia
Most Welcoming Resort –
Cardrona (New Zealand)
Guests are given a warm welcome at Cardrona Alpine Resort, with a fantastic range of services specifically tailored to international guests.
Combine this with wide open beginner trails; pristine groomed runs; fun freeride terrain and world class terrain parks, and you have the perfect location for the whole family.
Cardrona is home to New Zealand’s most experienced and highly qualified ski and snowboard school and globally recognised ski racing program. Not only will you find instructors speaking a mix of international languages, including 10 Chinese instructors, but you will also see professional athletes from around the world (the national ski teams from Canada, UK, China and Japan visit Cardrona every year).
The Cardrona Visitor Centre and friendly guest services team will welcome you with open arms while the resorts 6 restaurants/ cafes, professional ski rental service and childcare centre provide everything you need for a great day on the slopes.
Cardrona is also the only resort in New Zealand to offer on-mountain accommodation in their 15 conveniently located studio, two, three and four bedroom apartments.
When and Where
11 June – 9 October 2016
Otago Region, New Zealand
How to Get There
Cardrona is located an easy 20 minute drive from the picturesque town of Wanaka or a 55 minute drive from Queenstown and the Queenstown International Airport.
Stay and Play
The town of Cardrona offers a number of options however most guests choose to stay in Queenstown or Wanaka. Here are some of our favourites:
Cardrona: Cardrona Apartments, Cardrona Hotel
Wanaka: Edgewater Resort, Lakeside Apartments
Queenstown: The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments, Matakauri Lodge, Hotel St Moritz
Eat and Drink
Cardrona: Mezz Café, Captains Pizzeria, Cardrona Hotel
Queenstown: Fishbone, Rata, Ferg Burger
Wanaka: Bistro Gentil, Shinaburo, Patagonia Chocolates
Other Great International Resorts
Mt Buller and Perisher (Australia)
Coronet Peak (New Zealand)
Click Here to find out more about Cardrona Alpine Resort, New Zealand
Best Ski Village –
Thredbo (Australia)
A playground for Australia’s rich and famous, Thredbo Alpine Resort is a true ski-in, ski-out resort with a bustling, European mountain atmosphere.
You are spoilt for choice as you explore the lively village, with over 40 cafes, restaurants and bars to choose from. You will also find plenty of shops full of designer ski gear and some of the best alpine accommodation in Australia, including Rockpool Lodge, winner of the Best Ski Chalet in Australia at the 2015 World Ski Award.
For the ski enthusiasts, the resort offers 480 hectares of riding terrain, Australia’s longest runs and an impressive 672 metre vertical drop – almost double that of any other Australian resort.
It’s no surprise it was recognised as the best resort in Australia at the 2015 World Ski Awards.
When and Where
11 June – 2 October 2016
Snowy Mountains, Australia
How to Get There
Thredbo is located approximately 6 hours drive from Sydney and 2.5 hours from Canberra. If you don’t want to drive yourself, there are regular bus services or GAO Snow can arrange private tours, luxury transfers and charter flight services.
Stay and Play
Thredbo: Rockpool Lodge, Thredbo Alpine Hotel, Ski-in Ski-out Chalets
Nearby: Novotel Lake Crackenback Resort.
Eat and Drink
Thredbo: Central Road 2625, Black Bear Inn, The Denman
Nearby: Wildbrumby Café, Cuisine on Lake Crackenback
Other Great Alpine Vilages
Falls Creek and Mt Buller (Australia)
Wanaka (New Zealand)
Click Here to find out more about Thredbo Alpine Resort, Australia
Best Advanced Skiing / Snowboarding –
Treble Cone (New Zealand)
Treble Cone is home to some of New Zealand’s most spectacular backcountry terrain, making it the perfect destination for those seeking a more advanced snow experience.
Accessible via lift, the backcountry area includes several challenging bowls offering varying degrees of difficulty (all expert only). Guided tours are available and are the best way to discover this vast and highly technical area.
Back within boundaries, Treble Cone is also renowned for its fun natural terrain, genuine ‘Kiwi’ feel and spectacular views over Lake Wanaka and the snow-capped Southern Alps.
Home to some of NZ’s best powder skiing and snowboarding, Treble Cone is the largest ski area on New Zealand’s South Island, boasting 550 hectares of skiable terrain.
It also offers the longest vertical drop in the Queenstown/ Wanaka region (700 metres).
When and Where
11 June – 9 October 2016
Queenstown / Wanaka Region, New Zealand
How to Get There
Treble Cone is located 30 minutes drive from Wanaka or 95 minutes from Queenstown. It is easily accessible with ample parking, a daily shuttle bus service or you can book a private transfer with GAO Snow.
Stay and Play
Wanaka is the most convenient destination if you are planning a visit to Treble Cone however it is also a great day trip from Queenstown for the more adventurous travellers:
Wanaka: Riverrun Lodge, Edgewater Resort, Mecure Oakridge, Alpine Resort Distinction Wanaka.
Queenstown: Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments, Hilton Queenstown
Eat and Drink
Treble Cone: Altitude Espresso & Pizza
Wanaka: Speights Ale House Wanaka, Relishes Café, Amigos Mexican Grill
Queenstown: True South Dining Room
Other Advanced Ski Areas
Mt Hotham and Perisher (Australia)
The Remarkables and Mt Hutt (New Zealand)
Click Here to find out more about Treble Cone, New Zealand
Best Heli-skiing –
Mt Hutt / Methven (New Zealand)
One of the most spectacular and thrill seeking ways to experience skiing in the Southern Hemisphere is with a guided heli-ski tour. Mt Hutt is the only ski resort in New Zealand with its own heli-pad – providing unparalleled access to pristine slopes, full of untracked powder.
Mt Hutt and Methven Helicopters provide thrilling tours perfect for skiers or snowboards looking for a one-of-a-kind snow experience. They also offer scenic tours over the spectacular mountain range, ideal for those seeking a gentler pace.
Mt Hutt was recognised as the best New Zealand Ski Resort at the 2015 World Ski Awards and consistently receives the most natural snow over one of the largest ski areas in New Zealand. Combine this with one of the longest snow seasons in the Southern Hemisphere and you’ll never want to leave.
When and Where
10 June – 9 October 2016
Canterbury/ Christchurch Region, New Zealand
How to Get There
Mt Hutt is located in the centre of New Zealand’s South Island. It is located two hours from Christchurch or just 35 minutes from the ski town of Methven.
Stay and Play
A short drive from Mt Hutt, Methven offers a range of accommodation with great local Kiwi hospitality.
Methven: Whitestone Cottages, Brinkley Village Resort, Mt Taylor Lodge
Eat and Drink
Mt Hutt: The Sky High Café, Huber’s Hut Restaurant
Methven: Brinkley’s Restaurant, Ski Time Restaurant & Lodge, The Last Posts Café
Other Locations for Heli-Ski Experiences
Queenstown and Wanaka (New Zealand)
Click Here to find out more about Mt Hutt, New Zealand
