Skiing in Tasmania: Everything You Need to Know

When you think of Tasmania, the first things that probably come to mind are lush forests, rugged coastlines, unique wildlife, and perhaps a cozy cabin by a roaring fire. But skiing? It might surprise you to learn that Tasmania has a dedicated, albeit modest, ski scene that thrives during the cooler months. While not as expansive as the ski fields of the Australian Alps or New Zealand, Tasmania’s alpine regions offer scenic, uncrowded slopes and a raw, untamed beauty that makes skiing here a uniquely memorable experience.

Credit: Thomas Carpenter

Is There Good Skiing in Tasmania?

Credit: Melissa Findley

Tasmania may not be a world-class ski destination by international standards, but for adventurers looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience, skiing in Tasmania can absolutely be considered "good." There are two main ski fields in the state: Ben Lomond in the northeast and Mount Mawson in the south. Both offer downhill skiing and snowboarding, while cross-country skiing and snowshoeing can be enjoyed in several other alpine areas, particularly in Tasmania’s national parks.

Ben Lomond is the island’s most developed ski area, with a relatively reliable snow cover during the season, basic lift infrastructure, and ski hire facilities. It caters mostly to beginner and intermediate skiers, with a handful of runs and terrain features. It may lack the vertical drop and variety of mainland resorts, but its compact layout and stunning views make for a rewarding day on the slopes. The friendly atmosphere and lack of crowds are major bonuses.

Credit: Thomas Carpenter

Mount Mawson, located in Mount Field National Park, is more low-key and rustic. Run by volunteers from the Southern Tasmanian Ski Association, this resort is perfect for those who appreciate a back-to-basics experience. There are no chairlifts here—just rope tows—and you’ll need to carry your gear about 20 minutes uphill from the car park. It’s not for everyone, but for the hardy, it's a gem.

Credit: Jason Charles Hill

For ski-tourers and snowshoers, areas like the Central Highlands and Cradle Mountain offer breathtaking landscapes and the potential for real wilderness adventures. With unpredictable weather and rapidly changing conditions, though, they’re best suited to experienced backcountry enthusiasts.

What Months Can You Ski in Tasmania?

Tasmania’s ski season is shorter and more variable than what you might find on the mainland. Snow typically begins to fall in late June, with July and August generally offering the most consistent conditions. Occasionally, the snow lingers into September, especially in higher altitudes, but this varies significantly year to year. Unlike the snowfields of Victoria or New South Wales, Tasmania’s ski areas don’t rely heavily on artificial snowmaking, which means the quality and longevity of the snowpack are entirely dependent on nature.

Credit: Oscar Sloane

Winter storms can blanket the alpine regions with impressive snowfall, but warm spells and rain can just as quickly reduce the snow base. For this reason, many local skiers watch the forecasts closely and plan their trips at the drop of a snowflake. Flexibility is key.

It’s also worth noting that Tasmania's winter days are shorter and often colder than on the mainland, so dressing appropriately and planning for early finishes are wise. The snowfields tend to be quieter on weekdays, and if you're lucky, you may find yourself carving turns without another soul in sight.

Where is the Best Snow in Tasmania?

Credit: Tim Whybrow

When it comes to accessible skiing and reliable snow in Tasmania, Ben Lomond typically gets the gold medal. Its elevation—over 1,500 metres at the ski village—means it often gets the deepest and most consistent snowpack on the island. The resort benefits from occasional snow dumps driven by strong southerly systems and cold Antarctic air masses, which can quickly transform the landscape into a powder playground.

That said, Mount Mawson also sees excellent snow when conditions align, especially given its position within the wetter and cooler western half of the state. It sits at around 1,250 metres elevation, which is lower than Ben Lomond, but being further south and more exposed to snow-bearing weather systems, it can receive impressive snowfall during the heart of winter.

For backcountry fans, areas like Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, the Walls of Jerusalem, and the Central Plateau Conservation Area also receive reliable snow—sometimes more than the ski fields themselves. Another mount with easy access is Mount Wellington however these areas are not suitable for downhill skiing due to lack of infrastructure but are dreamlands for ski touring, snowshoeing, and mountaineering.

Wildlife and Snow: How Tasmania’s Fauna Adapts

While Tasmania’s winters might seem harsh, its native wildlife has evolved to handle the cold with remarkable resilience. In alpine and subalpine zones, animals adopt a variety of strategies to survive the snowy months. Bennett's wallabies and pademelons, for instance, grow thicker winter coats to insulate against the chill and reduce their activity during the coldest periods to conserve energy. Their short, sturdy limbs and strong tails help them move through snow-covered terrain, especially in places like Mount Field and Cradle Mountain.

Credit: Paul Fleming

Wombats, famous for their burrowing lifestyle, retreat into extensive underground tunnels that remain relatively warm and protected from snow. These burrows can even trap body heat and provide shelter for other species like echidnas during freezing nights.

Tasmanian devils, despite their nocturnal and scavenging habits, are surprisingly active even in snow. With their dense fur and strong immune systems, they can hunt and roam across cold alpine terrain in search of carrion.

Credit: Jason Charles Hill

Birdlife also adapts; species like the black currawong are commonly seen in the snowfields, scavenging for food left behind by humans or uncovered by melting snow. Some smaller birds, like silvereyes, enter a state of torpor—a form of temporary hibernation—during especially cold nights.

Tasmania’s flora also adapts ingeniously. Cushion plants and snow daisies are examples of alpine vegetation that hug the ground and trap heat, thriving in short growing seasons and freezing conditions.

Final Thoughts

Skiing in Tasmania isn’t about high-speed lifts, après-ski cocktails, or hundreds of kilometers of groomed runs. It’s a more rugged, soulful, and intimate experience—best suited for those who value solitude, scenery, and the sense of having discovered something truly special. Whether you’re carving up the slopes of Ben Lomond, embracing the retro charm of Mount Mawson, or forging your own path across a snowy plateau, Tasmania’s alpine winter has a magic all its own.

Add to that the sight of wombat tracks in the snow, the stillness of frost-covered eucalyptus forests, and the views stretching out to the sea from atop a white-capped peak, and you might just wonder why more people aren’t talking about Tasmania as a skiing destination. Just remember to bring warm layers, a sense of adventure, and a flexible attitude—because in Tasmania, snow and soul go hand in hand.