Downhill-skiing locations
Ben Lomond
Ben Lomond is 60 kilometres (37 mi) from Launceston, about an hour’s drive. It is the number one place for alpine skiing, with a season that usually begins in June – July ( Winter 2024 opens June 7th ). When the season is at its peak, you have six lifts available.
The Ben Lomond National Park village is at 1,460 metres (4,790 ft), and the top elevation is 1,570 metres (5,150 ft) above sea level, making it Tasmania’s second tallest peak. Ben Lomond and the surrounding area, covering 16,527 hectares, has been home to downhill skiing since at least the late nineteen twenties.
The alpine village sits at the foot of the ski slopes, where you will find all the food, accommodation, ski lifts, ski lessons and equipment hire. You will probably appreciate the heated shelter, especially if you have been waiting for a skiing partner who takes considerably longer to make their descent than you do!
The ski lifts include three T-Bars and four Poma lifts, so anyone from a beginner to an intermediate skier has something to get them to the top. When it comes to the ski runs, you may notice that they are not as steep or fast as some of those in other resorts. However, there is something of a trade-off here because the lack of crowds, the stunning scenery and the diverse wildlife make this a truly memorable alpine experience.
The access road is scenic and known locally as “Jacobs Ladder.” Between June and September, you need to carry snow chains, as this road is not designed for unmodified vehicles. Ensure you get them before you set out on your journey here, as they are not available on the mountain itself. It would also be a good idea to stock up on some anti-freeze while you are at it. And fill up the tank beforehand, as there are no petrol stations here.
Please note that visitors use the road at their own risk, and the PWS is not responsible for visitors who ignore the requirement to fit or carry snow chains. Unfortunately, due to liability and occupational health and safety issues, the PWS will not assist in vehicle recovery activities except in an emergency.
You will find good visitor facilities, including a licensed inn and accommodation, and fine views stretching to the ocean. Snow-making machines are on hand for seasons when the natural snowfall doesn’t quite make the grade for skiing.
During the ski season, a shuttle bus runs from the snowline to the top car park. You will need an entry pass, which can be purchased at the park entrance or at the Creek Inn.
Ben Lomond is the perfect place for the family. As well as skiing and snowboarding, you even have tobogganing on offer.
Mount Mawson
Mount Mawson, in the Mount Field National Park, also has some limited downhill ski operations. It is approximately 89 kilometres northwest of Hobart and varies in altitude between 1,200 and 1,320 metres (3,940 to 4,330 ft) above sea level. It should take no longer than an hour and a half to drive here from Hobart.
Mount Mawson is more of a small club field, with a car park about thirty minutes away on foot. The three lifts consist of two intermediate rope tows and a third steep-incline rope tow, which allows you to access the steeper terrain. Accommodation here includes a number of self-catering huts within the National Park.
Mount Mawson is staffed entirely by volunteers, doing a good job too, as many visitors will testify that this is an excellent choice for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and general snow play.
Cross-country and back-country skiing locations
Mention mountains here, and the one name you are bound to hear is Cradle Mountain, in Tasmania’s UNESCO World Heritage Wilderness Area.
When conditions permit, this region of Tasmania offers cross-country skiers some impressive scenic terrain. Being a protected area, there is less commercial development. However, skiing through the landscape of the Australian High Country is more likely to bring you close to the unique flora and fauna, including wombats, wallabies, echidnas, and Snow Gums.
If cross-country and back-country skiing is your thing, other locations in addition to the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park include the aforementioned Ben Lomond National Park, the Mount Field National Park and the Walls of Jerusalem National Park.
