Australians are blessed with the option of several snow resorts within a short distance of the east coast capital cities.  Cheap flights both domestic and over the Tasman have made a snow holiday feasible when once it was hard work and only the domain of the truly committed snow fan.

Southern Hemisphere resorts offer great accommodation, restaurants and nightlife and (more often than you think) snow conditions to rival the established resorts 'up north'.  One of the best bits about a local snow jaunt is that it can be feasible to fit 2 or more into a season - a couple of long weekends here in Australia plus a week in NZ.  Or go the whole hog and try South America...

• Snow season runs from June to October (depending on the resort)
• Destinations include Australia, New Zealand and South America
• Downhill skiing and snowboarding available at all resorts
• Cross country skiing available at all Australian and some New Zealand resorts
• On-snow accommodation available in Australia, South America and some New Zealand snow fields (not extensive selection)
• Shortest ‘Australian capital city to major resort’ access time is Hotham and Dinner Plain, which have direct flights from both Melbourne (50mins) and Sydney (85mins) or, by car, Mt Buller is 2.5-3 hours from Melbourne.
• If you are travelling to NZ for a short break, you can fly directly into Queenstown or consider Methven/Mt Hutt, as it is within 90mins travel of Christchurch by car.
• For the South American experience, expect international flight times of approx. 19 hours, with the shortest transfer (approx 1.5hrs) being from Santiago to Valle Nevado.

What's NEW for 2009?
Well, there's been lots of investment in snowmaking on both sides of the Tasman, plus several facilties re-furbed and extended - so at least we're being well catered for...  Terrain Parks are high on the agenda over in NZ, with new lifts and general upkeep becoming a priority for Australian resorts. 

Suffice to say that our SH resorts are not standing still and are worth a visit this coming winter!

(Falls Creek, Victoria)