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Snow

Australia’s top 10 ski runs

People skiing down the slope in Mt Buller
Robert Upe and Bronwen Gora

May 11, 2021

Love skiing? Here are 10 of the best Aussie ski runs to plough through this snow season.

Looking for a whimsical winter escape? Then a trip to the snow is about as other-worldy as it gets. The sweeping, icing-sugar dusted and chalet-dotted slopes, iridescent sunsets and rugged mountainous backdrops feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of suburban life. From Victoria's majestic Mount Hotham and family favourite Falls Creek to NSW's Thredbo, here are 10 not-to-be-missed ski runs to carve up this snow season.

Ski lifts over snow in Mount Hotham

Sunrise views over Mt Hotham

Wombat’s Ramble, Falls Creek (easy)

This is Australia’s longest green run at 2.4 kilometres. There’s top-to-bottom snowmaking and it’s lit for night skiing a few times a week. It’s wide and gentle.

Bourke Street, Mount Buller (easy)

Perhaps Australia’s most recognisable run. Legions of Victorian skiers have made their first nervous turns on Bourke Street, which forms a spine down the centre of the resort. There are cafes, shops, lockers and accommodation right next to the slope. Very convenient and easy access. Night skiing an option.

Ruined Castle, Falls Creek (intermediate)

A wide-open cruiser that is rarely crowded and has a fast lift. It faces south and has reliable snow, so much that it was still skiable last November. Perfect for skiers progressing beyond green runs.

Golf Course Bowl, Thredbo (intermediate/difficult)

Powder pig? Then take Karels T-Bar and follow the tracks out to Golf Course Bowl located far skier’s right on the area boundary. Roam free, laying fresh tracks among the snow gums. It is one of the most beautiful and wildly natural in-bound ski experiences in Australia.

International, Falls Creek (difficult)

This run is accessed by the 1149-metre International Poma, a much-loved retro lift built in 1969. It starts moderately, and then has tougher and narrower pitches. Good definition in bad weather. A FIS downhill race was held on it in 1961, finishing over a bridge 120 metres below the current poma base. 

Golden Point, Mount Hotham (difficult)

We rate this for its off-piste adventure factor. Half the fun is getting out there in an eight-seat snow cat (free with a valid lift ticket). Expect powder stashes and trees.
 

Man skis through the mountains in Falls Creek

Carving it up at Falls Creek

Mary’s Slide, Mount Hotham (difficult)

Long and steep, Mary’s Slide is located in the ‘extreme zone’. No crowds out there and you get a wilderness feel. The funnel-shaped Mary’s narrows to a bridge over Swindler’s Creek, and the narrow traverse out can be fast.

The Schuss, Thredbo (difficult)

Good skier who loves bumps? Then The Schuss, directly beneath Merritts Chairlift, is for you. Seldom open due to requiring so much natural snow coverage, this run’s true fall line is wonderfully satisfying to ski, as are the perfect little bumps that tend to form along its length. 

Yarrandoo, Perisher (difficult)

Perisher is Australia’s largest ski resort, amalgamated with Guthega and Blue Cow to offer 47 lifts. Yarrandoo is found by heading to the Guthega and Blue Cow side, taking the Ridge Quad Chairlift and then dropping down skier’s right. The top of this run is steep and a lovely place for fresh powder turns. The slope then morphs into the Yarrandoo run with a series of fun little glades and trees to duck in and out of. 

Fanny’s Finish, Mount Buller (difficult)

This chute-like descent is on the back of the Summit, next to the Fast One. For experts only. Can get bumpy and icy. Traverse out to Koflers T-bar and head straight for the bar for a stiff whisky.