Sure, Australia’s downhill skiing won’t impress a veteran of Whistler’s back bowls, but here’s what might: Aussie party habits. So if you find yourself Down Under this time of year, might as well experience the post-piste scene firsthand. And maybe get in a toboggan run or two.
Slope Scene: You’ve probably ridden bunny hills more advanced, but it’s only two and a half hours from Melbourne, has three toboggan routes and just opened Oz’s longest snow tubing park. Also: fun to say.
Après Scene: Rider’s Bite Cafe now offers call-ahead Friday night pizza orders—for post-drive nourishment before an epic night at the Alpine Hotel.
Slope Scene: Oz’s best-known resort has the southern hemisphere’s largest snowmaking system and the country’s biggest vertical drop—two-thirds the size of Vail’s, but who’s counting.
Après Scene: Have a hot buttered rum at Après Bar (in the basement of the newly redone Denman Hotel) and encourage snow bunnies to dance on the glowing bar.
Slope Scene: The only resort with its own airport, Mt. Hotham’s known as much for its powder as for its rollicking bar scene. Just be careful about night skiing under the influence.
Après Scene: Swindlers has a new chef and a new dinner menu. Two words: ’roo salad. Four more words: yes, as in kangaroo.
Slope Scene: Chopper over from Mt. Hotham for snowcat skiing, freestyle parks, some of the steepest terrain in Australia and snocce—yes, snow bocce.
Après Scene: For ski-in, ski-out refueling (and sangria pitchers), head to the newly opened tapas bar at Mo’s at Feathertop Lodge. Because the snocce really took it out of you.
Slope Scene: The largest resort in Australia is actually a conglomerate of four: Perisher, Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes and Guthega. If cross-country skiing’s your thing, this is the place.
Après Scene: Happy Jacks at the Station in Jindabyne has a down-home, sports-friendly vibe with three giant flat-screens. And as for tabletop dancing: yes, it happens.
