Backcountry Skiing in Australia: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Stretching from southern New South Wales through the northernmost part of Victoria, the Australian Alps and Perisher Range are home to Australia’s only ski touring opportunities.
The vast majority of the country’s backcountry skiing is done in the famous Kosciuszko National Park, which is mostly located in New South Wales, but also a little bit in Victoria. Aside from climbing the mountain for the same name, backcountry skiers often head to the park to Twin Creek, Perisher Blue or Thredbo.

Thredbo is also home to the Bogong Creek Area, which boasts incredible natural beauty as well as Mt Bogong. The highest peak in Victoria is a great spot for beginner backcountry skiers to get some great experience.

Falls Creek is also in Victoria. While this part of the Australian Alps has fewer steep descents, it makes up for that with plenty of incredible scenery. Perfect for those looking for a more relaxed backcountry adventure.

Stunning scenery

Boasting prominent mountain peaks, thick woodlands and pristine lakes, the Australian Alps and Perisher Range are an incredibly scenic part of Australia. The incredible scenery becomes all the more magical after the first snow begins to fall in June. Head out on a pair of backcountry skis to discover a different side of the stunning land down under.

Something for everyone

The mountains of southeastern Australia are perfect for all kinds of incredible backcountry skiing adventures. For beginners, these modest peaks are the perfect place to head out on your first backcountry experience, learning the skills and having a blast. For more advanced ski tourers, there are also plenty of great options, from single-day free riding tours to hut-to-hut expeditions.

Mighty Mount Kosciuszko

Rising to 2,228 meters (7,310 feet) in elevation, Mount Kosciuszko is Australia’s highest peak. The summit can be easily reached on foot or with skis and the various rides back down are plenty of fun. For backcountry skiers looking for a challenge descending via Etheridge Ridge is widely considered to be the toughest ride in all of Australia and makes for an interesting and scenic day out on the slopes.

During the winter months, average temperatures in the Australian Alps hover around freezing. These decrease as you gain in elevation. Winter is also the wettest time of year, meaning plenty of fresh powder throughout the season.

Most backcountry skiing trips to Australia will begin with a flight into Canberra Airport (CBR). From here, Australia’s ski spots are an easy and scenic 2 to 2.5 hour drive south.

English

+61

Australian dollar (AUD)

July to September