How to make the most of snow season in Australia without breaking the bank
According to Snow Resorts Australia, visits have dropped by nearly 30 per cent since the pandemic began, with the cost of a ski holiday here in Australia simply too expensive for many.
For example, a one-day lift ticket at NSW's Perisher during peak season could set you back $264, while in Japan and New Zealand, it's considerably cheaper.
But for those still keen to get out onto the fields, is there a way to do it without breaking the bank?
In part, it comes down to Australia's particularly short snow season.
Resorts have only about 12 to 16 weeks to cover big operating costs, including paying lift operators, ski instructors, snowmakers, admin staff and emergency responders.
In addition, most ski resorts are privately operated, despite the land managed by the states as national parks.
"Lift prices are part of it, but it's everything. Resort entry, food, parking. There's an Alpine tax on everything," said Steve Belli, a local Chamber of Commerce chair who also owns several businesses in Victoria's Mount Hotham.
Resort entry fees — often misunderstood as a so-called ski tax — fund public services like road clearing, emergency services, environmental protection, signage, toilets and waste collection.
"There's a lot of expense because there's no local manufacturing for ski infrastructure — we import everything. And we just don't get the same volume of visitors as places like Japan," Mr Belli said.
Put it this way — it's going to cost you to fly outside of Australia. But that doesn't necessarily mean it's not worth it.
In fact, more Australians than ever are heading overseas for snow holidays — especially to Japan, where visits from Aussies rose by more than 50 per cent in 2024 alone.
Niseko in Japan
New Zealand
Perisher Valley
It is possible, if you're up for a little creativity and planning.
Mark, a Victorian skier who runs a popular Instagram account on local ski culture, is passionate about showing people how to do it affordably.
"People love to bag our mountains, but when you do that, you weaken the case to protect them," he said.
Here's Mark's tips for where to stay, when to buy lift passes, and how to travel to the slopes:
With on-mountain accommodation regularly topping $1,000 a night, Snow Resort Australia's CEO Josh Elliot recommended going for smaller resorts, visiting during the shoulder seasons (like June or September) and skipping weekends.
Possibly.
Mr Belli said the right investment and policy changes, such as abolishing short-stay accommodation taxes on the mountains, could turn the tide.
"People still want to come, we just have to make it possible," he said.
But there are big challenges ahead. Some resorts are still in limbo — the Victorian government is yet to find long-term leaseholders for Lake Mountain and Mount Baw Baw, which it took over after both ran at a combined loss of $8 million.
And then there's the bigger question — how long can the season even last?
The CSIRO has warned Australia's ski season could shrink by up to 55 days by 2050 due to climate change, putting pressure on resorts to make the most of every snowflake while they can.
Mark said the focus on affordability was important, but time is ticking.
For him, it's just as much about protecting the experience as it is about the price.
"Our high country is truly unique," he said.
"You won't find snow-covered snow gums anywhere else in the world."
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