Ski season is upon us in the Southern Hemisphere and “powder hounds” from all over, are preparing to hit the slopes in some of Australia and New Zealand’s favourite winter destinations.
For those not up to speed on the skiing slang, a powder hound is a skier or snowboarder who is obsessed with finding the perfect snow conditions. These skiing enthusiasts may spend much of their time in the Northern Hemisphere’s top skiing locations, however keep reading to see the places they eagerly visit when travelling down under.
Perisher, New South Wales Australia
Perisher is located about a two-hour drive from Canberra and is the largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere. Located in the iconic Australian Snowy Mountains, this ski destination is strikingly picturesque all year round. It’s situated in the Jindabyne region which also includes Thredbo ski village. There are 12sq/km of ski fields with a summit elevation of 2,054 metres, 47 chair lifts and a choice of downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross country and tobogganing.
For all your creature comforts, stay in the country’s capital of Canberra. Ramada by Wyndham Diplomat Canberra puts you in the heart of the CBD just minutes from key attractions such as Lake Burley Griffin, the Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia, and Questacon Science and Technology Museum. There are shops, restaurants, and bars to enjoy while you plan your road trip out to the nearby ski fields.
For all your creature comforts, stay in the country’s capital of Canberra. Ramada by Wyndham Diplomat Canberra puts you in the heart of the CBD just minutes from key attractions such as Lake Burley Griffin, the Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia, and Questacon Science and Technology Museum. There are shops, restaurants, and bars to enjoy while you plan your road trip out to the nearby ski fields.
Mt Hotham, Victoria Australia
Mt Hotham in Victoria’s high country is Australia’s highest alpine skiing village, making for sunning panoramic views and a variety of snow-based experiences for all skill levels and interests. With 320 hectares of ski terrain, reaching up to a height of 1,861 metres and featuring 13 chairlifts, beginners to advanced skiers and snowboards will feel right at home. Family friendly activities include tobogganing, snow mobile rides and dog sled tours.
Place yourself in the heart of this alpine town at Club Wyndham Dinner Plain. With rustic charm and a location that is nestled in the stunning Alpine Snow Gums, you will be just 14km from Mt Hotham’s ski runs and other snow-based activities. After a long day on the slopes, you can relax and warm up in the hotel’s hot tub and sauna and enjoy modern Australian cuisine in Elements Restaurant complete with stone fireplace.
Place yourself in the heart of this alpine town at Club Wyndham Dinner Plain. With rustic charm and a location that is nestled in the stunning Alpine Snow Gums, you will be just 14km from Mt Hotham’s ski runs and other snow-based activities. After a long day on the slopes, you can relax and warm up in the hotel’s hot tub and sauna and enjoy modern Australian cuisine in Elements Restaurant complete with stone fireplace.
Club Wyndham Dinner Plain Trademark Collection by Wyndham. Photo courtesy of Trademark Collection by Wyndham.
Queenstown, South Island New Zealand
You’ll be spoilt for choice in New Zealand’s skiing capital with four world-class ski fields on your doorstep. You’ll see why this popular ski town is renowned for its stunning scenery as you fly into Queenstown over the snow-capped Remarkables mountain range. Queenstown is a skiing paradise with easy access to The Remarkables, Cardrona, Treble Cone and Coronet Peak ski fields.
You’ll also be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a Wyndham Hotels & Resorts property for your stay, with four hotels centrally located across the city. Wyndham Garden Remarkables Park Queenstown, LQ by Wyndham Queenstown, Ramada Suites by Wyndham Queenstown Remarkables Park and Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central will all put you in the heart of the city’s key attractions, restaurants, bars and cafes.
All hotels feature modern amenities and a variety of room types to suit families, couples and business travellers. Onsite food and beverage facilities are available for breakfast and lunch and free Wi-Fi can be enjoyed during your stay.
You’ll also be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a Wyndham Hotels & Resorts property for your stay, with four hotels centrally located across the city. Wyndham Garden Remarkables Park Queenstown, LQ by Wyndham Queenstown, Ramada Suites by Wyndham Queenstown Remarkables Park and Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central will all put you in the heart of the city’s key attractions, restaurants, bars and cafes.
All hotels feature modern amenities and a variety of room types to suit families, couples and business travellers. Onsite food and beverage facilities are available for breakfast and lunch and free Wi-Fi can be enjoyed during your stay.
The scenic views from Treble Cone Ski Fields near Queenstown. Photo courtesy of Tourism New Zealand.
Mt Hutt, South Island Canterbury region
Voted New Zealand’s best ski resort not once, but seven years in a row, makes Mt Hutt Ski Fields a must-visit for any skiing or snowboarding fan, from beginner or advanced. Mt Hutt is located in the Canterbury region, a short drive from the nearest city, Christchurch, and not surprisingly is surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery. With 365 hectares to explore, monster snow falls, ski lessons, tobogganing and plenty of dining options, the whole family will love a ski adventure to Mt Hutt.
Ramada Suites by Wyndham Christchurch City is the perfect place to rest your head and is just a one hour and 45-minute drive from the ski fields. Enjoy a leisurely road trip along the mountainous terrain for a day of skiing and return to the hotel for some R&R. The modern hotel in the heart of the CBD sits by the Riverside Market, the casino and Canterbury Museum. The hotel’s amenities include a gym, café and free Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay healthy and connecting during your stay.
Ramada Suites by Wyndham Christchurch City is the perfect place to rest your head and is just a one hour and 45-minute drive from the ski fields. Enjoy a leisurely road trip along the mountainous terrain for a day of skiing and return to the hotel for some R&R. The modern hotel in the heart of the CBD sits by the Riverside Market, the casino and Canterbury Museum. The hotel’s amenities include a gym, café and free Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay healthy and connecting during your stay.
Mt Hutt Ski Fields in Canterbury. Photo courtesy of Tourism New Zealand.
The ski season in Australia usually runs from June until October, with July and August usually promising the best snow and conditions. The New Zealand ski season typically kicks off in the South Island from mid to late June and finishes in October, while the North Island season starts slightly later.
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