If you’re counting down the days until winter, there’s one event that will instantly get you ready for snow: the Snow Travel Expo, coming soon to Melbourne and Sydney.
Think of it as your official kick-off to the 2026 ski season. A one-day hit of inspiration, planning and all things alpine-stoke-related, all under one roof: Melbourne’s MCEC in Southbank from 9am to 4pm on Sunday May 17, and Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion in Moore Park on Sunday May 24, also from 9am to 4pm.
Before the lifts even start spinning, this is where the season really begins.
Step 1: Start dreaming (big)
Nothing builds excitement like imagining where you’ll ski next, and this is the place to do it. With more than 70 resorts from across Japan, Canada, the USA, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and China, you can go from “maybe Thredbo next month?” to “oh, that looks good for a January trip…”
Chat to the people who live and breathe these destinations, compare options, get ideas you hadn’t even considered yet… and maybe apologise to your credit card in advance. But we hear that dollars spent on a ski trip don’t count anyway, or are cancelled by joy, or something like that.
Step 2: Turn those dreams into plans
It’s one thing to scroll ski reels on Instagram, it’s another to talk directly to the experts. At the expo, you can get insider advice, personalised recommendations and access to exclusive deals to help lock in your next trip.
Flights, accommodation, lift passes, even heli-skiing. It’s all here, and all designed to make planning your snow holiday easier (and often cheaper because: expo deals!).
Step 3: Get amongst the gear
From skis and snowboards to outerwear and accessories, the expo is packed with the latest equipment to check out in person. It’s the perfect chance to see what’s new, compare brands and start building your wishlist for winter.
Step 4: Soak up the stoke
This is a full-on snow culture experience. Catch expert talks from seasoned travellers, hear first-hand stories from those who know the mountains best, and pick up tips that’ll make your next trip even better.
Wander through themed zones, hang out in the Ikon Pass Après Lounge, grab a drink at the Colorado Ski Bar, snap a pic at the Ski Utah booth, and yes even pat the Saint Bernard dogs (unmissable!).
It’s like a little slice of the mountains right in the city.
Step 5: Win your way to the snow
If you needed one more reason to go, there are some seriously good prizes up for grabs.
Highlights include a multi-stop Utah adventure with flights, accommodation, lift passes and unique experiences; a week-long trip to Sun Peaks in Canada with skiing, tours and après activities; and an all-inclusive stay at Ski Portillo in Chile.
There are also two Niseko trips up for grabs, each including accommodation, lift passes and rentals, plus a 2026/27 Ikon Pass with access to 70+ resorts worldwide.
All you need to do is register for a ticket and show up!
Step 6: Do it all for free
Entry is completely free (which is something you can rarely say in 2026 about, well, anything).
All you need to do is grab a ticket and you’re instantly surrounded by everything that makes ski season so good.
If winter still feels too far away, this is how you bring it forward.
