Our Latest Posts
Thredbo Finally Opening For Skiing & Snowboarding
Thredbo ski resort is finally opening for skiing and snowboarding tomorrow, after receiving consistent snowfall over the past week. The Cruiser and Gunbarrel Chairlifts will be operating, allowing access to the Walkabout area in the Cruiser Area. Additionally, the Merritts Gondola and Kosciuszko Chairlift will be open for scenic rides. It's a delayed start, but the resort is now ready to welcome winter visitors and riders.
ANA Restarting Perth To Tokyo Service For Japan Ski Season
Great news for travelers from Western Australia! All Nippon Airways (ANA) is set to resume non-stop flights between Perth and Tokyo-Narita starting from October 29. This convenient option comes just in time for the 23/24 ski season in Japan, allowing West Australians to reach their favorite destination in a single hop. ANA will operate flight NH882 three times a week, departing from Tokyo's Narita Airport and arriving in Perth with a quick turnaround. The return flight, NH881, will bring passengers back from Perth to Tokyo. The flights will be serviced by Boeing 787 aircraft, featuring lie-flat business class seats and a premium economy cabin. This development eliminates the need for travelers to transit via Sydney, providing a seamless travel experience.
A Guide To Choosing The Right Thermal Base Layers For The Southern Winter Snow Season 2023
Prepare for your winter snow adventures in Australia and New Zealand with the perfect thermal base layers. This guide offers valuable tips on selecting tailored base layers for the upcoming season. Choose base layers made of merino wool for natural insulation and moisture-wicking properties. Consider the weight of the layers based on anticipated temperatures, and ensure a snug yet comfortable fit for optimal heat retention. Look for additional features like flatlock seams, thumbholes, and zippered necklines for enhanced performance. By selecting the right base layers, you'll stay warm and comfortable as you explore the snowy landscapes of Australia and New Zealand.
Hotham Resort Opening Lifts Today 16 June 2023
Hotham Resort in Victoria is gearing up for the much-awaited 2023 season, following in the footsteps of its sister resort located northeast. Starting at 1 pm, skiers and snowboarders can hit the slopes in the summit region, known for its exceptional snow quality as the highest point in the state. A cold front is expected to bring an impressive 45 centimetres of natural snowfall, complemented by artificial snow from the dedicated snow-making team. With luck, more terrain will open up by Monday, and we may witness the opening of Heavenly and Village slopes.
Falls Creek Spinning Lifts Tomorrow Friday 16 June
Exciting news from Falls Creek! With a remarkable 36cm of fresh snowfall this week, the resort is all set for an incredible skiing and snowboarding experience starting this Friday, June 16th. The highly anticipated opening of the Halley's Comet Quad Chair, Towers Quad Chair, and Mouse Trap Carpet means skiers and snowboarders will have access to thrilling runs like Main Street, Highway 83, Lower Nastar, and Mouse Trap.
Perisher Finally Opens V8 Lift On Front Valley
The season opening in Perisher, Australia, faced heavy criticism from Australian news outlets, branding it as the worst ski season of the century. However, this criticism may have been driven by clickbait trends. The season began on June 10, 2023, with limited snowfall and a single conveyor on Front Valley, which is normal for early season conditions. The initial lackluster start doesn't necessarily reflect the overall snow depth for the rest of the season. Surprisingly, a recent snowfall of 20-28cm (8-11 inches) in the Australian Alps caught everyone off guard. This allowed Perisher in New South Wales to open the Village 8 Chairlift, known as 'V8,' on June 14, 2023. It was the first chairlift opening in the state, with only Mount Buller in Victoria previously operating a chairlift on a narrow strip of snow jokingly called 'the Landing Strip' by locals.
Long Awaited Cold Front Blesses Aussie Ski Resorts With Fresh Snow
The long-awaited storm has finally arrived in Australia, transforming ski resorts into a winter wonderland. Following a disappointing opening weekend due to limited snow, Mother Nature has unleashed a powerful cold front, bringing substantial snowfall to resorts in Victoria, particularly Falls and Hotham, with over 25cm (10 inches) of fresh snow. This, combined with artificial snow from snow guns, has set the stage for the chairlifts at Falls Creek, Hotham, Perisher, and Thredbo to begin operation later this week. Excitingly, this cold front marks the beginning of a series of weather systems, as forecasted by OpenSnow, with a stronger system expected to arrive next week and persist for around five days. This extended period of snowfall holds the promise of ideal conditions and ample snow, leading to full operational capacity at the resorts by the start of July.
Falls Creek Resort | Mountain Review | Australia
Located in the stunning Australian Alps, Falls Creek is a winter wonderland that promises an unforgettable snow-filled holiday. Boasting an expansive 450 hectares of skiable terrain, 92 runs, and 21 lifts, this ski resort attracts snow enthusiasts of all levels. But Falls Creek offers much more than just skiing and snowboarding. Visitors can also enjoy activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, tobogganing, and a vibrant après-ski scene. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of Falls Creek, delving into its rich history, resort zones, lift and terrain options, lift ticket pricing, accommodation choices, and its fantastic location.
No Snow Doesn’t Stop The Opening Weekend Enjoyment Across Australia
Get ready for the opening weekend of the ski season! This year, the focus is on entertainment and socializing rather than skiing and snowboarding. Snow conditions are different from last year, with minimal natural snow and limited snowmaking due to warm temperatures. While there's a chance of snowfall, it's uncertain if there will be enough for skiing. However, each resort has planned exciting activities, from street parties to fireworks. Embrace the festive atmosphere and enjoy the weekend!
Perisher’s Legendary Ski Tube Gets A Glow Up
The Skitube in Perisher, Australia, is a popular mountain rack-railway that transports skiers from Bullocks Flat to Perisher Valley and Blue Cow. After 36 years of operation, the Skitube's exterior required an update, and two artists, Mike Shankster and Arina Apostolova, were commissioned to add a colourful mural inspired by native fauna. The refurbished carriages are a sight to behold and are sure to enhance the passengers' overall experience during the winter ski season.
Perisher Replacing Ridge Lift Haul Rope
Winter is on its way to Perisher, and anticipation is building among snow enthusiasts. While the lifts are currently closed for preparations, the dedicated team at Perisher is working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a fantastic and safe skiing season. This past week, they undertook the impressive task of replacing the haul rope for the Ridge Quad Chair. The haul rope, a long steel cable that supports the chairs, spans a distance of 1.7 kilometres. The meticulous process involved removing, replacing, splicing, and threading approximately 13 tonnes of heavy steel cable. The splicing phase, in particular, is a sight to behold, with no welding involved to maintain the rope's integrity and strength. The end result is a seamless loop that suspends the Ridge Quad Chairs, ready to transport skiers on an exhilarating 1.7-kilometre journey up the hill. Stay tuned for an unforgettable skiing experience at Perisher this winter.
Enhanced Bus Operations From Jindabyne To Perisher & Thredbo
Cooma Coaches has launched new bus routes and timetables for the 2023 season to address traffic issues faced by skiers and snowboarders heading to Perisher and Thredbo. The public transport bus service will run from June 10 to October 1 and offers a round trip service from Jindabyne to Bullocks Flat Skitube and Thredbo, as well as Jindabyne to Perisher. The fares range from $6 to $57 and are inclusive of the Kosciuszko National Park fee. Customers can book ahead to secure their seat or just turn up and go. With the new routes and timetables, Cooma Coaches aims to provide an affordable and reliable transportation option for sustainable travel.
Hotham Auctioning Chairs From Their First Chairlift
Bid on a piece of Hotham's history! The iconic double chair from Hotham's Playground, the resort's first chairlift, is now available for auction. Own a unique slice of Hotham and get creative with its use in your garden, lounge, or lodge. Don't miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of Hotham memorabilia while supporting local charities. Place your bid online or in-person and make Hotham's legacy a part of your own.
ADLI Snow Gear Sale Back For 2023
ALDI Snow Gear Sale is making a comeback on May 20, 2023, offering over 70 items for skiers and boarders, with the promise of outfitting a family of four for under $1000. The outerwear comes with wind resistance and DuPont™ Sorona® wadding for added protection and features such as media and goggle pockets, snow skirts, and hoods. Products are available for adults and kids, with prices starting at $8.99 and going up to $99.99 for adult jackets. Although not offering the same technical specs as specialist brands, ALDI provides affordable options for those on a budget. Shoppers are advised to go prepared and well-fed to avoid carnage in the middle aisle.
Perisher Wakes Up To 15cm of Fresh Snow
Australia has received its first cold front of the year, just in time for the winter season. The snowstorms typically begin in May and continue until early June, covering the mountains in snow. Recently, Perisher has received nearly 6 inches of fresh snowfall, which is not enough to start riding but has cooled the ground and prepared the resort for making snow. This marks the beginning of the winter season in Australia, and more snowfall is expected in the upcoming weeks.
Perisher General Manager Off To Whistler As COO
Belinda Trembath has been appointed as the new Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Whistler Blackcomb, effective May 15, 2023. With over 30 years of experience in the ski industry and mountain operations, Trembath has previously served as the Chair of the Australian Ski Areas Association since 2018. She played a key role in leading Perisher, Falls Creek, and Mt Hotham through the pandemic and borders reopening, all of which are part of Vail Resorts. Trembath's appointment comes just weeks before the start of the Australian ski season and is expected to guide the next chapter of Whistler Blackcomb.
Air Canada Increases Number Of Seats For Australia and NZ For 23/24 Season
Air Canada is increasing its flights from Australia and New Zealand to Vancouver for the winter season to meet high demand from travellers. The airline will be using larger aircraft, such as the 400-seat Boeing 777-300ER, and adding extra flights to its daily Sydney-Vancouver service. Air Canada's winter service to Vancouver is not only a great way to access the city's attractions, but also the gateway to winter sports mecca Whistler and the Alaska cruise circuit.
Massive Investments Into Tasmanian Ben Lomond Ski Resort
Ben Lomond Alpine Resort in Tasmania is set to make waves in the upcoming winter season with ambitious plans. They've invested in snow making technology, purchased a snow grooming machine, lodged plans for new base buildings, and will launch two new snow cams for live streaming conditions. These developments will bring the resort up to the standard of other ski areas in Australia, making it a game changer for skiing and snowboarding.
Easter Brings First Snowfall For Australian Ski Resorts
Over the Easter long weekend, lower eastern Australia experienced its coldest weather in 70 years. A small snowstorm accompanied this blast of cold air, bringing the first snowfall of the 2023 winter season to local ski resorts. With the Aussie snow season approaching in less than two months, this is a great sign for ski resorts to begin their snowmaking and prepare for opening day on the Queens Birthday Long Weekend.
Thredbo Launches 2023 Lift Pass & Season Pass Pricing
Thredbo resort has announced their lift pass and lesson offerings for the 2023 season, which runs from June 10 to October 2. The resort's season passes are highly sought after, and this year they have limited the number of passes available to ensure that lift lines remain manageable. Thredbo offers a variety of season passes, from the full season pass to value and mid-week passes, as well as day passes with a discount for advanced bookings. See full details here.