Psst… there’s a ski resort that Aussies have been skiing for over 100 years, with a nostalgia to it that’s hard to beat. And once you’ve been, you’ll want to go time and time again.
It’s Charlotte Pass Snow Resort, tucked away high in the Snowy Mountains. This resort isn’t just different; with no cars, no crowds, no lift queues and mega-affordable ways to visit, it’s in a league all of its own.
Here are six reasons Charlotte Pass delivers Australia’s most unique ski experience.
They’re fully snowbound in the winter
There’s no driving into Charlotte Pass. It’s Australia’s only fully snowbound resort, surrounded by pristine alpine wilderness. And that makes getting there all part of the magic.
Just make your way to the Perisher Valley Skitube Terminal to board one of their purpose-built oversnow transport vehicles (like a giant snowcat), and enjoy the scenic trip through the main range to Charlotte Pass.
The kids (plus those young at heart) will absolutely love it, and don’t worry, it can fit all your bags, skis and snowboards too.
It’s Australia’s highest snow resort
Sitting at 1,765 metres, Charlotte Pass is Australia’s highest resort, and that elevation brings perks in the forms of better snow.
This is a resort that’s intimate by design. The kind of place where you can ski straight from your door and feel like you’ve got the mountain to yourself. Where kids can do lap after lap while you watch on. And where the whole family can ski comfortably together without getting lost.
Although expansion is always on the cards at this ever-evolving resort; there’s a brand new chairlift being put in for 2026, opening up a whole new range of terrain to keep exploring.
The best value ski passes in the snow
Everyone knows skiing in Australia isn’t getting any cheaper… unless you ski at Charlotte Pass and then it really is serious bang for your buck.
There’s 2 Buck Tuesdays – if one person buys a full priced Daytripper pass, the second person pays just $2. This gets you a full mountain lift pass, return oversnow transport and lunch at China King. Perfect for grabbing a mate and booking a trip.
There’s also 82 Dollar Thursdays, where daytripper tickets are just $82 on Thursdays throughout the season. Including a full mountain lift pass, return oversnow transport and a hot lunch. Even better, you’ll receive a house beverage during your lunch.
The history is very cool
People have been skiing at Charlotte Pass since the 1900s, with the first lodge at Charlotte Pass built in 1930. And while that first lodge burned down, they rebuilt the Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel on the same site in 1939, which still stands to this day.
You can still stay in this five-star hotel, a true nod to yesteryear and still known as the ‘Grand Old Lady of the Mountains’. A stay here is all-inclusive, with breakfast and a three-course meal daily, plus a complimentary kids’ club onsite to entertain the little ones while you eat.
Of course, Charlotte Pass has expanded a lot over the last 87 years; there are now three hotels and ten independent lodges to choose from, so you can take your pick at your price point.
Experiences you can’t find anywhere else
This is where you can take a private groomer tour and ride in a snowcat as it carves out the next day’s runs; enjoy a massage at Australia’s highest alpine spa after a big day on the slopes; and stargaze under some of the clearest skies in the country. If it sounds dreamy, that’s because it is.
Love the backcountry? Charlotte Pass offers some of the best and easiest access to hit up Australia’s backcountry terrain (we suggest taking a guide).
You’ll actually unplug and unwind
No traffic, no crowds, no rush. Just fresh mountain air, incredible snow, and the chance to really switch off.
Whether you’re travelling as a couple, family, solo adventurer or with friends, Charlotte Pass is the perfect kind of escape.
Ready to make your next snow trip something truly special? Click here to find out more about Charlotte Pass.
