Amsterdam,
17
June
2021
|
08:14
Europe/Amsterdam

It’s snow joke - Australia’s ski season has arrived with a bang this week, so let’s get this snow on the road

Australia’s cold snap this week makes for a promising weather forecast that ensures Aussies will receive an epic start to the 2021 ski season. Officially kicking off this Saturday (12 June) ski fields will be open across Australia and after a rough 2020, hitting the slopes at some of our best winter destinations has never been more sought after. 

Confirming earlier optimism that while slow,recovery is on its way, Booking.com is seeing that more than one third of searches on the platform are for the upcoming winter months, back in line with the proportion of searches seen at this same point in 2019.*

Validating earlier indications that travelers value the ability to change dates or cancel now more than ever, Booking.com has also revealed that 90% of travelers are booking flexible rates for this winter.* 

Booking.com is also seeing a higher proportion of winter bookings for stays of seven days or more than at this same point in 2019. This aligns to earlier research, which found that over a third of Aussie travelers (37%) banked their annual leave days during 2020, so they are excited about the potential of taking longer holidays this winter in 2021.** 

10 of Australia’s favourite and frostiest ski locations are featured in Booking.com’s most searched destinations for check-ins July to August, confirming Aussie demand for a snow getaway this winter is top of mind. 

Further, two destinations from across the ditch, Queenstown and Whakapapa Village, placed second and third, highlighting Aussies are keen to travel internationally again now the bubble is open to Aotearoa. 

The Top 10 most searched*** snow destinations on Booking.com: 

  1. Jindabyne
  2. Queenstown
  3. Whakapapa Village
  4. Thredbo
  5. Mount Buller
  6. Falls Creek
  7. Perisher Valley
  8. Mount Hotham
  9. Cradle Mountain
  10. Bright

Booking.com has curated a list of the top places to stay in some of these destinations so you can be close to the action on the slopes and indulge your ski fix in a winter wonderland once again.

Whilst travel from and into greater Melbourne remains restricted, there are still allowances for regional Victoria. The Victorian snow destinations still need our support so if you’re a snow lover or just in need of a holiday, this is a perfect excuse to take some time and enjoy what our beautiful Australian winter has to offer.

1. Jindabyne, NSW: Scandinavian Castle

Overview: The 3-storey Scandinavian Castle offers 4 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, cinema room, fitness centre and a separate adults retreat. Guests can also enjoy a plunge pool with a hot tub and a sauna. The large balcony offers stunning panoramic views over Lake Jindabyne.

2. Queenstown, NZ: Stoneridge Estate

Overview: Stoneridge Estate offers 5 star luxury bed and breakfast accommodation and fine dining in a tranquil setting, 15 minutes’ drive from the heart of Queenstown and 30 minutes from Remarkables Ski Area. Set amongst 12 acres of vineyard and water gardens, this lodge offers beautifully furnished rooms, each with an en suite bathroom and a private balcony.

3. Whakapapa Village, NZ: Chateau Tongariro Hotel

Overview: The historical Chateau Tongariro Hotel impresses with its grand architecture and interiors. Located in the Tongariro National Park, the property includes a 9-hole golf course, a cinema, 2 restaurants and a bar.

4. Thredbo, NSW: Mowamba A1

Overview: Mowamba A1 in Thredbo is just a 5 minutes’ walk from restaurants, shops and bars. It offers a private balcony and a fully equipped kitchen along with ski racks and a ski drying room on site, ideal after a big day on the slopes.

5. Mount Buller, VIC: Duck Inn

Overview: Duck Inn features an on-site ski shop which offers ski and snowboard equipment rental and is located just a 5-minute walk from the Mount Buller ski slopes. A free shuttle to the town centre is also provided. During July and August, guests can dine at the Duck Inn Restaurant and enjoy drinks at the lounge bar.

6. Falls Creek, VIC: Frueauf Village

Overview: Frueauf Village is situated in Falls Creek, just a 7-minute walk from both Summit Chair and Gully Chair. Most rooms at the property feature a hot tub for you to relax in. Guests can also enjoy various activities in the surroundings, including skiing, cycling and hiking. Eagle Chair is a 5-minute walk from Frueauf Village, while Falls Express is 800 m away.

7. Perisher Valley, NSW: Smiggins Hotel & Chalet Apartments

Overview: Located at the base of Smiggins Holes ski lifts, Smiggins Hotel & Chalet Apartments boasts ski-to-door access and an onsite bar/restaurant. Guests enjoy a warm sauna after a long day on the slopes, a shared lounge area and a kids club each evening.