Falls Creek Mountain Resort
Pros: Reminds me of Northstar California
Cons: Dubbed 'Flat Creek'

Pros: Reminds me of Northstar California
Cons: Dubbed 'Flat Creek'

Pros: its the best in Australia, closest to Melbourne International Airport and the people are super-friendly,
Cons: . Short seasons in Australia from mid June to end of Sept.

Pros: snowmaking for ealy opening, convenience, ease of use, terrain parks
Cons: extremely busy on weekends,
“ Craigieburn is the classic club field (run by club members on a non-profit basis). It has rope tows which to the uninitiated can be hard work but once mastered whisk you up the hill, plus you can get off pretty much when you like. The terrain is a good skiers dream, chutes, faces and steeps, but don't come here to ski trees, like 99% of skiing in New Zealand it is all above the tree line...” --Kiwiski Andrew
“ Many people describe the experience of Temple Basin as lift accessed backcountry, and that really does sum it up. It is a 2 hour drive from Christchurch and a 40-60 minute hike to the lodges and lifts once you drop your gear at the goods lift. The hike puts a lot of people off and Temple is all the better for it. In general I find that the more inaccessible a ski area is the better the vibe...” --kiwiski
“ One of the best places to learn to ski or board in NZ and the rope tow is great for advanced/expert skiers and offers huge vertical and spectacular views. The beginners area and T-bar offer immaculately groomed gentle slopes ideal for those finding their feet on snow. There is a pretty well maintained terrain park on the T-Bar as well but the features are not that big as it is...” --kiwiski
“ Fox Peak is a hidden gem and often forgotten about club field in New Zealand. It is a little hard to get to but well worth the drive, 4WD with a little clearance is the best way to go. Once there three rope tows offer access to all kinds of cool stuff. A few times I was there I'd have winter snow in South Bowl and then spring like conditions on the sunny aspects of North Bowl. The...” --Kiwiski Andrew
“ Thredbo is my favourite resort in Australia due to its large vertical drop, long runs, open off piste opportunities at the top and great snow making down low (all comparatively for Australian Skiing). The main runs are also served by detachable lifts. The village is one of the best in the country (albeit expensive), with many accomodation, dining and apres/nightlife options. All of the...” --Jason King
“ Perisher is my home mountain, and although I'm well aware of its shortcomings, I love it with all the fond memories of a childhood spent sliding down its hills. The Australian Alpine is unique. Below the treeline, you'll be skiing amongst gorgeous twisted gums ('Snow Gums'), and at higher altitudes, you'll be flying past and riding over massive granite rocks and boulders. Any...” --sazbah
“ Mount Hutt is pretty much your generic New Zealand commercial ski area. It is usually able to open earlier than the club fields due to its snowmaking facilities. There are two fixed grip chairlifts plus one detachable six pack to get you straight to the top of the mountain. Compared with international resorts it is very expensive for what you get. There is a bar and cafe for those...” --kiwiski
“ There are no pine trees: they have snow gum trees instead. In the Southern Hemisphere and at Mt Buller the ski season opens around 9th June and can run until the first week in October. Locals tip: August is the best month. Local's tip: If you are skiing for a week or longer, buy the early bird season pass by mid December for $799 adults/$499 children...” --veteran
“ Remember: the most reliable snow is from mid July to the end of August or very early September. Yes the peak season is short. Australian ski resorts are different - skiing in the 'gum trees', rather than pine glades, is just one of many things that make skiing here different to skiing the northern hemisphere. Always check their websites for resort entry tolls,...” --veteran
“ Cardrona is super family friendly. It has a fantastic ski school and easy terrain for beginners. It also has one of the best terrain parks in NZ. Advanced and Expert skiers might get a little bored though as the high end stuff is a little limited. For back country skiers there is some good access to powder skiing. ” --Kiwiski Andrew