Even in winter, Tasmania does not immediately come to mind as an Australian skiing destination unlike the New South Wales and Victoria ski slopes.
Some reasons for skiing in Tasmania:
- You prefer uncrowded ski slopes and ski fields and don't mind the paucity of ski resorts.
- You like the challenge of fresh, new skiing venues.
- You want to combine skiing with Tasmania sightseeing.
- You are in Tasmania during the ski season and you don't particularly want to travel to New South Wales, Victoria or New Zealand at this time.
Who knows but it becomes your best Australian skiing experience yet?
Ben Lomond
Tasmania's major downhill ski resort is at Ben Lomond National Park some 60 kilometres southeast of Launceston. It is an hour's drive along the North Esk River Valley and is more than 1300 metres above sea level. From Hobart, it would be two and a half hours' drive.
The Ben Lomond ski resort offers a full range of facilities for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. On-snow accommodation is available at the Ben Lomond Creek Inn. The Alpine Village is located at the base of the lift system.
If you're driving, be warned that there are steep grades, hairpin bends, sheer drops and no safety barriers. You need to carry wheel chains.
The snow season is from the middle of July to the end of September.
Mt Field
Cross-country and some downhill skiing is available at Mt Mawson in Mt Field National Park. Facilities include a visitor centre, cafe/shop, playgrounds.
Mt Mawson is about an hour and a half by road from Hobart. Its ski fields are at an altitude of about 1250 metres and normally get sufficient cover for downhill racing from mid-July to mid-September.
Getting up the ski slopes is by rope tows.
Cradle Mountain
You can go cross-country skiing in some other Tasmanian national parks, such as Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair.
