Skiing in Tasmania takes place during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter – June to October. You have the possibility of cross-country skiing within the wonderful Tasmanian Wilderness. In addition, two small downhill ski resorts can be found at Ben Lomond and Mount Mawson.
Tasmania, a mountainous island off the southern coast of Eastern Australia, is the most southerly of the places where skiing is possible, with at least occasional winter snow. Mountains include the highest: Mount Ossa, at 1,617 metres (5,305 ft), but Tasmania has a grand total of eight mountains exceeding 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) and 28 above 1,220 metres (4,000 ft). Also notable is the Central Plateau, at an elevation of around 900 metres (3,000 ft). The capital city of Hobart is built at the base of Mount Wellington, which at 1,270 metres (4,170 ft), usually wears a cap of snow in the winter.
Downhill-skiing locations
Ben Lomond
Ben Lomond, 60 kilometres (37 mi) from Launceston, about an hour’s drive, is the number-one place for alpine skiing, with a season that usually begins in mid-July. When the season is at its peak you have six lifts available to you.
The village, in the Ben Lomond National Park, 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 ever found yourself 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 quite a scenic affair, known locally as “Jacobs Ladder”. You definitely need to carry snow chains between June and September as this road is not designed for unmodified vehicles. Make sure that 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 visitors use the road at their own risk, and the PWS is not responsible for visitors who ignore the requirements 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 under an emergency situation.
You will find good visitor facilities, including a licensed inn and accommodation, as well as fine views which stretch 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 service runs from the snowline to the top car park. You will need an entry pass, these can be purchased at the park entry 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 north west 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 located 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 a visitor 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, on the other hand, skiing through the landscape of the Australian High Country is more likely to bring you close to the unique flora and fauna, which 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.
Mt Mawson, Mt Field National Park
Mount Mawson is located within the Mount Field National Park, an hour and a half’s drive from Hobart. Like other places in Tasmania, the facilities may be a little on the basic side, but the amazing scenery and the lack of crowds more than makes up for this.
The skiing areas are at an altitude of about 1250m and the area regularly receives reasonably consistent snow cover. Lifts include three ‘nutcracker’ rope tows and one small surface lift in the beginner’s area. This beginner’s lift is free of charge! The tow belts which you need in order to use the rope tows can be hired on the mountain and the tows can be accessed from the car park. The roadway tow is the steepest serviced ski area in Tasmania!
Obviously the weather is the one factor which nobody can control, so you would be wise to check the snow conditions before you come here.
