How to take a ski trip when there’s no snow
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Ski resorts in NSW and Victoria have had a mediocre start to the season, with low amounts of snowfall resulting in bare slopes.
Though some people with ski holidays booked are disappointed by the snowfall, it’s a good reminder that there is plenty to do in these snowy regions, even when there isn’t that much fresh powder.
A snow cam depicts snowfall at Mt Hotham on June 27. Mt Hotham
Thankfully, the snow has come. After a multi-day snowstorm and snowmaking efforts working overtime, Perisher celebrated a major milestone on July 16 as lifts in all four resort areas are now operating for the first time this winter.
But now that the slopes are open, there are still plenty of off-mountain things to do to fill out your holiday itinerary.
What happens if there is no snow on a ski holiday?
When the snow is low, the alpine regions aren’t just empty spots with nothing to do. These are year-round destinations, so there are still plenty of ‘green season’ activities that are draws in their own right.
Kyong Pang, General Manager at Oaks Lake Crackenback Resort told nine.com.au that tourists disappointed by the weather should “embrace the broader alpine experience and build flexibility into your itinerary. The Snowy Mountains are a year-round destination.”
“Every season brings a different experience... a visit here isn’t just about the snow, it’s about embracing everything the region has to offer,” he said.
The “apres-ski” lifestyle... without the ski
Let’s be real, people go to the snow 50 per cent for the skiing and 50 per cent for the vibe. Even without hitting the slopes, you can embrace the vibe of a ski trip – fireplaces, local schnapps distilleries, craft breweries, and hearty mountain food.
A trip to the famous Wild Brumby Schnapps Distillery in the Snowy Mountains should be on the list. It has an outdoor sculpture park and schnapps tastings that feel distinctly “apres-ski” even without the snow.
Taprooms like Jindabyne Brewing or the Kosciuszko Brewhouse inside the Banjo Paterson Inn provide the exact cozy vibe people crave on a mountain holiday.
You don’t have to actually ski to enjoy the apres ski vibe. iStock
Or why not take yourself on a self-drive food and wine tour through the region?
Head to the area around Bright (Vic) for the Milawa Cheese Factory, Billy Button Cellar Door, and the Harrietville Trout Farm where you can rent a rod, catch a rainbow trout, and have it grilled for lunch on site.
In NSW, take the route from Cooma to Jindabyne via Dalgety, and pull over at Berridale or the Shut the Gate local providore, Eucumbene Trout Farm and Dalgety Brewing Co.
Adrenaline fixes for thrill-seekers
There are still ways to get your heart pumping, without barrelling down a mountain on planks of wood. Like Thredbo’s Alpine Coaster (the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere), where you hurtle down the mountain track loop regardless of snow cover.
The Thredbo Alpine Coaster is a new attraction. Destination NSW
The Snowy Mountains and the Victorian High Country (like Falls Creek and Mt Buller) are world-class mountain biking hubs. When the lower slopes are bare, resorts often open up their pump tracks and lift-accessed gravity trails early so you can take your bike out.
If you prefer four legs to two wheels, horse riding is an easy way to take in the scenery – most regions offer guided trail rides.
Hiking in alpine regions is usually only possible in the warmer months, but if there’s less snow than normal, hikers can actually tackle the Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk or portions of the Snowies Alpine Walk much more comfortably.
It’s easier to walk when there’s less snow. Destination NSW
Families and those who want to take it easy
An alpine holiday doesn’t have to mean expensive lift passes and activities that drain your bank balance. Think scenic chairlift rides, indoor rock climbing, lakeside picnics, and wildlife spotting – wombats and emus are much easier to see when they aren’t hiding from the snow!
You don’t need skis to ride the Merritts Gondola in Thredbo, you can head up just for the breathtaking panoramic views and a long lunch at the mountain-top restaurants.
Hire a canoe and head out on Lake Crackenback for epic mountain reflections (without the freezing wind chill that comes from being on the slopes).
Need a relaxing break? Lean into the wellness offerings: resorts like Lake Crackenback offer thermal mud wraps, mountain spas, and indoor heated pools to escape the wind.
Or simply take a walk. If there’s a light dusting that isn’t deep enough to ski on, it’s often perfect for renting a cheap pair of snowshoes and doing a peaceful, low-impact nature walk.
Canoeing is a good way to explore the region. Oaks Lake Crackenback
Practical tips for a ski holiday when there’s no snow
Check in with the resort where you’re staying. Many resorts pivot quickly to host live music, trivia nights, and kids’ holiday programs when the lifts aren’t running.
Hired gear? Call the rental shop ahead of time, see if they’re happy to swap a pre-booked ski package for a mountain bike or snowshoes.
If you have pre-purchased lift tickets, contact guest services before you arrive. Under their snow cover guarantee, you should be able to convert them into resort credits for restaurants, retail, or activities.
Can you ski if there is no snow?
Some of the ski resorts in Australia can produce artificial snow to cover the slopes even when there’s no actual snowfall. Check with each resort individually to see if there’ll be a place to ski during your holiday. For example, Thredbo’s Friday Flat, a beginner area, opened to skiers at the beginning of the season.
Resorts like Perisher, Thredbo, Mt Buller, and Falls Creek have hundreds of automated snow guns lining their runs, which can turn bare grass into a perfectly groomed run overnight if its cold enough.
