When you think of ski resorts, your first thought may not be Australia, but the land down under boasts some fascinating and fun-filled excursions for both the rugged and the pampered.
There are ski resorts with all of the expected amenities as well as snow country to satisfy the geologist in us all.
There are many resorts in Victoria and New South Wales and even a few in Tasmania.
Rather than hitting up the same old ski resort again this year, try someplace different while exploring a unique part of the world.
Or double up and ski both "winter" and "summer" months by heading "down-under.
" Mount Buller is a quaint little resort town in Victoria, Australia which is less than 130 miles from Melbourne.
Even though the population is only 251 the resort boasts 7000 beds and is the largest of any Victorian ski resort.
Mount Buller has some great promotions such as kids stay free in June through September.
They also have a no snow money back guarantee (although they do have the capability to make their own snow on site).
They also offer a free two-hour discover lesson for first time skiers or snowboards that comes with your lift pass.
The lesson will help you learn how to stop and turn.
Private lessons and classes are also available.
The area includes over thirty bars and restaurants along with boutiques, a post office and a supermarket.
With a variety of accommodations to choose from, Mount Buller caters to nearly every taste.
For a rustic feel there is the Polehouse Lodge that sleeps up to sixteen people.
The Candoux Ski Club penthouse offers beautiful views of the slopes, and the Duck Inn is a small, comfortable bed and breakfast.
Another interesting ski resort, which is the largest in the southern hemisphere, is Perisher, located in New South Wales.
While Perisher is not the first name one might choose for a ski resort, it does provide a variety of villages to choose from.
Previously called Perisher Blue until 2009, the villages available are Blue Cow, Guthega, Perisher Valley, and Smiggin Holes.
Perisher also has the ability to make supplemental snow since the snowfall has been much less in the twenty-first century.
The Perisher website advertises that you can ski, board and stay for ninety-nine dollars a day.
There is shopping in each village, including Perisher's seven sporting goods stores.
Perisher's vision for the future is to be Australia's preeminent (not premier) four-season destination with ecologically sustainable international class facilities.
They recently added a nineteen million dollar snow-making expansion.
With cafes, kiosks, restaurants and nightlife, Perisher has many options to keep you well fed and entertained.
Season tickets are available and passes can be purchased and reloaded online.
Thredbo is another resort in New South Wales.
It boasts the longest ski runs in Australia and attracts nearly three-quarters of a million visitors annually.
You can also rappel, or abseil as the Aussie's call it, fish, bicycle, or attend the summer blues festival.
It is located south of Sydney in the Australian Alps.
Thredbo's website offers a daily video report on the conditions.
The on site snow machines make over six-hundred thousand cubic meters of snow per season.
The Thredbo snowboarding competitions offer fifty-thousand dollars' worth of prizes throughout the winter season.
Celebrities can also be found at some of the winter events hosted by the resort.
Keep in mind that the ski season in reversed in Australia from what it is in the northern hemisphere.
It is wrapping up November while in the northern hemisphere things are just starting.
Most people associate Australia with its wonderful beaches, but as you can see, it boasts some great winter activities as well.
Obviously, winter is winter (even if it falls during June, July and August).
Be sure to plan accordingly, from packing the right clothing to emergency gear for your vehicle.
More information can be found online for each of the resorts mentioned above.