The ski season is almost in full swing and finding a good ski resort can be a difficult choice to make. With so many travel companies offering packages to different spots around the globe it’s hard to decide where to go. Whether you’re a skier, a snowboarder or you just want to relax and make snow angels, you want to make sure that you have plenty of snow and magnificent scenery. Or, if you’re too uncoordinated to stand on skies like I am, you’re going to want to toboggan down a few slopes.
Here’s a list of the best 5 ski resorts in the southern hemisphere including local Australian, overseas and of course our neighbours from across the ditch in New Zealand. Whether you’re an expert or beginner skier, there’s sure to be a slope for you.
1. The Remarkables, New Zealand
Located a short 40-minute drive from downtown Queenstown this is a ski resort for everyone. The location offers a wide range of activities including snow tubing, as well as classes for beginners and more advanced skiers. Even without the skis, the scenery at The Remarkables is breathtaking. The location may also be fairly recognizable because the Lord of the Rings films were shot here, yes, you can be skiing in Middle Earth! Emirates can get you to Queenstown and if you book through Cashrewards you’ll receive 1% Cashback.
2. Perisher, Australia
A 2hr 45 min drive from Canberra and still within NSW, Perisher is the southern hemispheres largest ski resort. It encompasses four areas- Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Blue Cow and Guthega. Perfect for families, these terrains provide a variety of slopes for all skill levels, and if you don’t want to ski there’s the option to toboggan. There are also plenty of spa options if you need a little relaxation, and plenty of entertainment and dining options in and around the ski fields. Virgin Australia fly’s to Canberra with up to 3.50% Cashback and you can hire a car through Budget, Europcar and other car rental retailers and also receive Cashback. Booking.com also have a selection of accommodation to suit all budgets and you’ll receive 4% Cashback by clicking through Cashrewards.
3. Falls Creek, Australia
Located in Victoria about a 4.5 hour drive from Melbourne, Falls Creek has 21 cross country trails, 100 runs for downhill skiers and over 65 km of groomed trail. This is heaven for any avid skier, even those wanting to take up skiing will have an opportunity to do so against a gorgeous backdrop. The area has plenty of entertainment for the family and for adults as well as plenty of dining options. Virgin Australia has daily flights to Melbourne with up to 3.50% Cashback and Hotels.com can help you find accommodation with up to 5% Cashback.
4. Valle Nevado, Chile
Forget skiing locally, there are ski resorts open in countries other than Australia and New Zealand during our winter- and sometimes as Aussies, we may tend to forget this. Valle Nevado in Chile is less than 40 miles away from Santiago and is in the heart of the Andes Mountains. If you’re thinking of doing an overseas ski trip, this may be the one for you. The appeal is the resort’s terrain, with its steeps, vertical and wide-open bowls, activities also include snowboarding and heli-skiing. And the resort also has nighttime entertainment with a few bars and dining options. Expedia can get you some great package deals to this gorgeous ski resort, and when you book through Cashrewards at Expedia, you’ll also receive up to 5.50% Cashback.
5. Craigieburn Valley, New Zealand.
Located in New Zealand’s Southern Alps and situated 1.5 hours from Christchurch, Craigieburn Valley, New Zealand is the holy grail for expert skiers! It has steep narrow chutes, wide open powder bowls and un-crowned runs. There are no chairlifts gondolas or other luxuries like day spas or fine dining. This resort is for the hardcore skiers and snowboarders out there. So, if you’re expert level and are looking for challenging slopes and runs, this is the spot for you! Expedia has flight and accommodation packages to get you there and you’ll also get up to 5.50% Cashback.
Most of these resorts are a fair distance away from the closest airport so you may need to hire a car. Check out car rental retailers available on Cashrewards such as Budget, Europcar, Hertz plus many more and receive Cashback when you book your car hire.
If you’re planning on skiing this season, make sure you also take out travel insurance. Cashrewards also has a range of providers like Cover-More Travel Insurance who offer competitive pricing and Cashback on certain policies, just in case little accidents or blizzards happen.
And finally, remember…