Australia may be famed for its sun-soaked beaches and scorching summers, but come the colder months, parts of the country transforms into a winter wonderland. If you’re a snow bunny looking to hit the slopes this ski season, pick up your car hire from East Coast Car Rentals and discover some of the best ski resorts on Australia’s East Coast today!

Thredbo

Home to Australia’s highest ski mountain, a myriad of runs suited for all abilities and ages, and an average annual snowfall of two metres, it’s easy to see why Thredbo is the country’s most famous ski resort.

First timers will love the dedicated beginners area (Friday Flat) located near the base of the resort, ideal for perfecting those turns and boosting confidence. Skied a few times before? Not only is 67 per cent of Thredbo’s 480 hectare terrain catered towards intermediate skiers, the resort also boasts the longest vertical drop of all Aussie ski resorts, allowing for long, thigh-burning runs like no other! And of course, there’s plenty of black runs and off-piste opportunities for the more advanced skier looking for a challenge!

Along with incredible skiing, Thredbo is also famous for its European-esque ski village, superb après ski and tons of fun off-the-slope activities.

How to get to Thredbo

Forget stress and potential damage to your hire car – park at the village and make use of the various bus shuttle services!

Perisher

Perisher is the largest ski resort in the Southern hemisphere, boasting 3,000 acres of skiable terrain across four different areas: Perisher Valley, Blue Cow, Smiggens and Guthega. These four ski areas are easily interlinked, allowing skiers to enjoy the variety of runs and terrain with minimal effort.

With four different ski areas to choose from, you can bet there’s plenty of terrain for all abilities and ages to enjoy. Smiggin Holes is perfect for families and beginners who want to take things a little easier and spend time enjoying wider green and blue runs. Across the way at Perisher Valley, intermediate and advanced skiers will love tearing up the double blue and black runs that span this large mountain.

Due to many of the slopes being southeast facing, and the base elevation relatively high, the average maximum snow depth throughout Perisher has been about 1.9 metres for the last 15 years. Pair this great snowfall with an average of 70 per cent fine weather days during winter and you’ve got a recipe for superb skiing!

How to get to Perisher

Park your car hire at the Bullocks Flat terminal and take Perisher’s Skitube to Perisher Valley and other ski areas in the resort.

Mount Selwyn

Looking for a family-friendly ski resort with an emphasis on beginner ski terrain? Mount Selwyn is the place for you. Located a 5 hour and 45-minute drive away from our Melbourne city branch and a 9-hour drive from East Coast Car Rentals Sydney, it’s a great excuse for a winter road trip wherever you’re starting out.

Here, first-timers and families can enjoy learning how to master ski moves on beginner terrain before progressing to blue runs and even intermediate ski areas if confidence and ability sees fit.

Mount Selwyn also hosts a range of other fun snow activities for the whole family to enjoy, like snow tubing and tobogganing.

How to get to Mount Selwyn

Of course, it’s important to remember not to take your East Coast Car Rentals hire car on unsealed roads – so always check your route and rental agreement before setting off!

For all your East Coast car hire needs, get in touch with the team today and get a quote for your next trip.