The snowy
Off Season

Does it snow in Tasmania? Does it ever.

“Woah…check out that huge white mountain behind Hobart!” If the Off Season weather gods have been smiling, Hobart’s 1271m-high Kunanyi / Mount Wellington will be cloaked in winter snow when you arrive. The white stuff comes and goes here through the winter months, but accessible snow in a capital city backyard still scores some serious Off Season points.

Tasmania’s alpine heights catch plenty of Off Season snow. On a clear winter’s day flying in from the mainland, you’ll be looking down on snowy peaks right across the Central Highlands.

Where to see snow in Tasmania

Around 90min from Hobart is Mount Field National Park. Along with Freycinet on the east coast, it’s Tasmania’s oldest national park. Check-in at the visitor centre and plan a snowy bushwalk past glacial tarns, frost-dusted cushion plants and ice-crusted pandani.

Or head for the north west, where Cradle Mountain is particularly epic when cloaked in snow and reflected in mirror-flat Dove Lake. The new viewing shelter here frames the scene perfectly and will protect you from the winter elements.

To see snow in Hobart, the easiest access is on Kunanyi / Mount Wellington. Check how far up Pinnacle Rd you can drive on the Hobart City Council website, and survey the snow in advance via their snow-cam.

Or just drive into the central highlands and see what you can see. The sealed Highland Lakes Rd to Yingina / Great Lake, heading north from Bothwell or south from Deloraine, will take you into Tasmania’s snowy heartland.

Skiing and snow activities in Tasmania

Tasmania's ski scene is old-school, uncrowded and all about the scenery. When you ski in Tasmania you’re in for a genuine alpine adventure in some of Australia's wildest terrain.

Tasmania’s ski season typically runs mid-June through to September, although the snow can arrive on its own schedule. Ben Lomond offers downhill runs for skiers and snowboarders, while Mount Mawson brings classic club-field vibes. Both have dedicated zones for families wanting safe tobogganing and snow play.

You’ll also find plenty of opportunities for snow activities and sporadic snow play outside of the major snowfields.

Downhill skiing and snowboarding

For the best skiing in Tasmania, Ben Lomond and Mount Mawson are your two options - each offering distinctly different experiences.

BEN LOMOND ALPINE RESORT

Sitting atop Ben Lomond National Park, 60km from Launceston – Ben Lomond offers Tasmania’s only “commercial” skiing and snowboarding option.

• Lifts and terrain:
  Six lifts (three T-bars, three Pomas) service around 30 hectares between 1,460m and 1,570m elevation. Four snowmaking machines guarantee base coverage, making it the most reliable choice in Tasmania for a snow holiday.
  
  
• Skill level:
  Suitable for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, wanting to ski or snowboard in Tasmania.
  
  
• Mountain services:
  Hire everything on-mountain: skis, snowboards, clothing and toboggans. Ben Lomond Snow Sports runs lessons, and the cafe serves hot food and Tasmanian drinks.
  
  
• Access:
  Drive up Jacobs Ladder with snow chains or take the shuttle bus. Check conditions on the Ben Lomond snow cam before you go.

MOUNT MAWSON

Mount Mawson is entirely volunteer-run by the Southern Tasmanian Ski Association. It sits at 1,250m in Mount Field National Park – a 90min drive from Hobart. With ticket prices starting at $35, it might just be Australia’s most affordable ski field.

• Lifts and terrain:
  Three rope tows service the runs. These demand more fitness and skill than standard chairlifts. It’s a 30–45min uphill walk through alpine forest from Lake Dobson car park to reach the tows.
  
  
• Skill level:
  Rodway is one of Australia's steepest runs and is for advanced skiers only. The other runs suit beginners through advanced, all requiring rope tow technique and tow belts (included with ticket).
  
  
• Mountain services:
  There is no cafe, ski school or gear hire. Visitors must bring their own clothing, gear and food. A day shelter is available for use.
  
  
• Access:
  Opens weekends and school holidays, mid-July through mid-September, snow permitting. Check conditions on the Mount Mawson snow cam before you go.

Cross-country and backcountry skiing

Tasmania offers some of Australia's most scenic cross-country and backcountry terrain, suited to self-sufficient, experienced skiers.

• Ben Lomond:
  Marked cross-country trails on the plateau offer easy access.
  
  
• Cradle Mountain:
  Steep chutes require alpine experience – Tasmania's first recorded skiing in 1914 took place here.
  
  
• Walls of Jerusalem:
  Join a guided snowshoeing tour to explore this national park under snow.

Snow play and tobogganing

Tobogganing at snow fields in Tasmania is restricted to designated safe zones to prevent collisions with skiers and snowboarders. Here’s some top spots for snow play in Tasmania:

• Ben Lomond:
  Dedicated snow play area separate from ski runs. Build snowmen, throw snowballs and toboggan. Toboggans and warm clothing can be hired on-site.
  
  
• Cradle Mountain:
  There is often snow near Cradle Mountain Lodge and Dove Lake during winter that is excellent for snowman-building and snow play.
  
  
• Kunanyi / Mount Wellington:
  The summit offers snow sightseeing and snow play. On particularly snowy days, you can fling a snowball or build a snowman halfway up the mountain at the Springs.

Ready to see some snow? Start planning your Tasmanian winter holiday.