Ski Charlotte Pass
About Charlotte Pass
Charlotte Pass in New South Wales may not be the biggest ski resort, but it is the highest in Australia which means more reliable, good quality snow. It’s so high in fact that it has views of the highest mountain in Australia, Mt Kosciuszko and is only accessible by oversnow transport from Perisher eight kilometres away.
Snowbound Charlotte Pass in the middle of a southern winter
This is a resort that gets more natural snow than other Australian resorts because of its elevation. Of course, in a bad season when little snow falls, Charlotte Pass misses out like all the rest.
It’s claimed to be the oldest ski resort in Australia. The village got it’s name from Charlotte Adams who, in the 1980s, was the first European woman to climb Australia’s highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko.
Getting to Charlotte Pass
It’s a business getting to Charlotte Pass but, they tell me, well worth the effort.
By car
If you are travelling by car, make your way to the Bullock Flat Skitube and catch the train to Perisher Valley. From there the Charlotte Pass oversnow transport will take you into the village. The train is additional cost and the oversnow transport may be included in your tariff or additional, so check first.
By plane
The Snowy Mountains Airport is the closest airport with daily flights from Sydney by Aeropelican during the winter months. You’ll need to organise transfers from the airport to Perisher where you board the oversnow transport to take you into the Charlotte Pass village.
By Coach
You can travel to the Snowy Mountains by coach from from major cities in Australia. They only go as far as Perisher and from there it’s oversnow transport or nothing.
Greyhound Australia (13 20 30)
Murrays (13 22 51)
Accommodation at Charlotte Pass
The most people who can be accommodated at Charlotte Pass at any one time is just over 600 so accommodation is limited.
Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel
This chalet hotel with its old-world charm was built in 1938 but it now has all the modern cons. With great views over the resort, it is the ultimate in ski in ski out. The lifts are practically at the front door!
Ski Lodges
There are 12 commercial and club lodges at Charlotte Pass. Many commercial lodges offer breakfast, lunch and dinner as part of their tariff but you’ll need to check when booking.
Here’s some of the twelve.
What’s cool at Charlotte Pass
You won’t get barreled over by some out of control daytripper from Sydney. It’s small and intimate but there are coffee shops, fine dining and good entertainment most nights.
The ski school, has instructors from all over the world: Canada, USA who work with the local homegrown Aussie instructors.
It’s a great family resort.
Lift lines – what lift lines?
It’s snowbound and it’s high which means better and more natural snow.
What’s not so cool
The runs are short and limited. If you are a thrill seeker, you’ll be bored in half a day at the most.
It’s difficult to get to – more so than other New South Wales resorts such as Thredbo and Perisher. However, this is part of the Charlotte Pass charm.
Your oversnow transport to the resort costs $75.00 return for adults, $35 for children and your baggage allowance is one piece of luggage, one pair skis and stocks and one pair boots. Additional baggage costs extra.
Visit the official website for Charlotte Pass
