Travel to Charlotte Pass with ski insurance from Essential Travel

Charlotte Pass boasts several titles that other ski resorts can only dream about. Firstly, it is Australia’s oldest ski resort, established at the turn of the 20th century, while it is also the county’s highest ski resort, with a base elevation of 5,775 feet. Finally, it is the only snowbound resort in the country, meaning visitors need to board over-snow transport from Perisher Valley to reach the ski resort in Charlotte Pass. Its relative isolation attracts many visitors as chairlift lines are non-existent here, there’s plenty of untouched snow and genuine ski-in ski-out lodging available.

Ski resorts in Charlotte Pass offer visitor an intimate and friendly atmosphere, in large part due to the fact that only 600 guests are allowed to visit at any one time. The small village offers all you’ll need, including a range of chalets and lodges to suit all budgets, ski school, ski hire, general store, childcare facilities, restaurants and plenty of entertainment.

Charlotte Pass lacks the verticals of nearby Thredbo or Perisher, but it more than makes up for it in the quantity and quality of natural snow and the slopes that never get crowded. There are just five chairlifts available, two of which take you up to the main ridge line from where you can choose from challenging tree skiing, wide groomed trails or chutes. The bulk of the runs are aimed towards beginner and intermediate skiers, while the main attraction of the Charlotte Pass ski resort is its limitless cross country skiing.

There are a generous number of lodges to choose from here, while Kosciusko Chalet offers the resort’s premier accommodation and boasts a long history as the birthplace of skiing in Australia. It is also home to the largest choice of après-ski activities including a fine restaurant, kids club, public bar, cocktail bar, bistro and regular entertainment, all set among inviting lounges and log fires.

The ski resort of Charlotte Pass is within close proximity to the popular ski resorts of Perisher and Thredbo, which offer a greater number of longer runs along with snowboard facilities. The nearest town of Jindabyne, which makes a great base for exploring the Snowy Mountains as well as offering a myriad of non-ski activities, is 25 miles away.

Due to its elevation, ski resorts in Charlotte Pass enjoy the first and last snowfalls of the season, with the main season running from late June to late September. The only way to get here is via one of the Snow Cats which operate from the Perisher Valley Skitube Terminal.

Skiing in Charlotte Pass

Charlotte Pass is Australia’s oldest and highest ski resort, and although it is located only five miles from Perisher, it becomes snowed-in during the winter, with Snow Cats being the only form of transport in and out of the resort. Its popularity lies in its relative remoteness, meaning empty slopes and untamed skiing in an intimate atmosphere.

Trails in Charlotte Pass are geared towards beginner and intermediate skiers, with plenty of untouched powder to explore, nice drop-offs, groomed runs and more challenging tree-skiing available, making skiing in Charlotte Pass suitable for all levels. A total of five chairlifts serve the runs, with the longest run coming in at 1,640 feet and a vertical drop of 620 feet. There are no terrain parks or half pipes, but the cross country skiing here is unlimited and one of Charlotte Pass’ biggest drawcards.

Several licensed restaurants can be found at a number of lodges, while the Kosciusko Chalet is home to a couple of bars, regular live music performances and various special events. The resident masseuse is available to soothe any aching muscles after a hard day on the slopes.

Charlotte Pass is an intimate resort boasting a friendly atmosphere. Facilities include a popular ski school, ski hire, gift shop, general store and all-day childcare facilities. A number of lodges located in the large bowl offer magnificent ski-in ski-out accommodation.

The ski season runs from late June through to late September, with the best months being July and August. Discount packages can often be found at the end of the ski season. Snow Cats are the only way in, leaving regularly from the Skitube Terminal in Perisher Valley, while overnight parking is available at Bullocks Flat.

Transportation to Charlotte Pass

Charlotte Pass is Australia’s highest ski resort and it becomes snowbound during the winter. The only form of transportation to Charlotte Pass during the winter is aboard one of the Snow Cats, which departs from Perisher Valley Skitube Terminal.

The drive from Canberra takes you through Cooma and Jindabyne, with a journey time of 2 to 3 hours, depending on the weather. Overnight security parking is available at Bullocks Flat, from where the skitube leaves for Perisher. Head for the Charlotte Pass Oversnow Counter in the northeastern corner of the terminal, where you will need to show proof of hotel booking before boarding a Snow Cat for Charlotte Pass.

The small airport at Cooma serves regular flights from Sydney and Melbourne, as does Canberra Airport. Car hire and transfers are available to take you to the skitube terminal.

Buses are a popular way of getting to the slopes and several companies operate regular services from Sydney and Canberra, including all-in-one ski packages.

click here for a ski insurance quotation

australia