Ski resort comparisons
Which resort is right for you?
Side-by-side breakdowns covering terrain, snowfall, lift systems, season dates, and pass coverage — so you can stop guessing and start planning.
Kirkwood
Heavenly
NorthstarKirkwood vs Heavenly vs Northstar
Kirkwood vs Heavenly vs Northstar California
Got yourself an EPIC PASS and thinking of making a trip out to Lake Tahoe to ski or snowboard the world class ski resorts which call this region their home? The good news is that there are three major resorts to choose from, the hard thing might be choosing which resort to visit or even base yourself at as they aren’t exactly close to each other. Combined the resorts offer over 10,000 skiable acres, have unlimited access on range of epic passes, each roughly see the same amount of snowfall as well as sunshine per season and offer terrain which is suitable to all skill levels. But, not all skiers and snowboarders are made equal and nor are the ski resorts.
Falls Creek vs Hotham
Falls Creek vs Hotham
Falls Creek and Mt Hotham sit about 65 kilometres apart in Victoria's Alpine National Park, both on the Epic Pass, both opening the same weekend in June - and yet they are remarkably different mountains. Not just in terrain, but in how they feel, how you get there, what the village is like, and honestly, who they're actually built for.
Kitzski / Kitzbühel
Saalbach-HinterglemmKitzski / Kitzbühel vs Saalbach-Hinterglemm
Kitzbühel vs Saalbach Hinterglemm
Kitzbühel and Saalbach-Hinterglemm are two of Austria's most recognised resorts, and on paper they look comparable - similar vertical, similar difficulty mix, similar ticket prices. But they ski very differently. One has the name, the history, and the snowfall numbers. The other has more terrain, more high-speed infrastructure, and more room to move. Which one is right for you depends almost entirely on what you actually want from a week on the mountain.
Coronet Peak
CardronaCoronet Peak vs Cardrona
Coronet Peak Vs Cardrona
Coronet Peak and Cardrona are the two resorts most Queenstown visitors end up choosing between - close enough in location that you could ski both in a trip, different enough that they genuinely suit different skiers. Cardrona has more terrain, more vertical, and more snow. Coronet Peak punches above its size on expert terrain and has the only night skiing in the South Island. The right answer depends on what kind of skiing you're actually after.
Perisher
ThredboPerisher vs Thredbo
Perisher vs Thredbo
Perisher and Thredbo are Australia's two biggest resorts, sitting within the same national park and opening the same weekend - but they are genuinely different mountains. Perisher is the largest ski area in the Southern Hemisphere by acreage, with more runs and more lift infrastructure. Thredbo has nearly double the vertical drop and the longest descent in Australia. They're also on different passes - Epic for Perisher, Ikon for Thredbo - which for a lot of skiers is the deciding factor before terrain even enters the conversation.
Mt Buller
Falls CreekMt Buller vs Falls Creek
Mt Buller vs Falls Creek
Mt Buller and Falls Creek are both Victorian alpine resorts, both opening the same weekend in June - but they suit different skiers and sit on different passes. Mt Buller is closer to Melbourne, cheaper on a walk-up ticket, and has the better lift infrastructure. Falls Creek has more terrain, more snowfall, and a higher base elevation that keeps the bottom of the mountain in better shape through the season. If you're on Ikon, the decision is largely made for you. If you're choosing fresh, there's more to weigh up.
Falls Creek
HothamMt BullerFalls Creek vs Hotham vs Mt Buller
Falls Creek vs Hotham vs Mt Buller
Falls Creek, Hotham, and Mt Buller all open the same weekend in June, all sit within Victoria's alpine region, and between them cover every type of skier. But they are three very different mountains - different passes, different terrain characters, different vibes. The resort that's right for a first-timer is not the same one that's right for someone chasing a challenge, and the one that's cheapest on a day ticket isn't on the same pass as the other two. This is the breakdown that sorts all of that out.
Coronet Peak
The RemarkablesCoronet Peak vs The Remarkables
Coronet Peak vs The Remarkables
Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are Queenstown's two home mountains, close enough that most visitors end up skiing both - and both on the Ikon Pass, which makes that easy. But they ski very differently. Coronet Peak is the harder mountain, with 52% of its terrain rated advanced or expert and the only night skiing in the South Island. The Remarkables sits higher, gets more snow, and weights its terrain towards beginners and intermediates. If you're travelling with a mixed group, the answer is probably both. If you're picking one, it comes down to ability level.
HothamMt BullerHotham vs Mt Buller
Hotham vs Mt Buller
Hotham and Mt Buller are both Victorian alpine resorts opening the same weekend in June - but they suit very different skiers and sit on different passes. Mt Buller is closer to Melbourne, significantly cheaper on a walk-up ticket, and has the better lift infrastructure for moving around the mountain efficiently. Hotham gets considerably more snow, sits at a higher base elevation, and is the stronger option for advanced and expert riders looking for genuine challenge. If you're on Epic, Hotham is your Victorian mountain. If you're on Ikon, or watching your budget, Mt Buller makes the most sense.
CardronaThe RemarkablesCardrona vs The Remarkables
Cardrona vs The Remarkables
Cardrona and The Remarkables are two of New Zealand's most popular resorts, similar in size and close enough in snowfall that neither has a clear edge on conditions. The difference is in who they suit. Cardrona tilts harder - 50% of its terrain is advanced or expert, it has the more vertical of the two, and the cheaper day ticket. The Remarkables weights its terrain towards beginners and intermediates, sits at a higher base for better early-season snow, and is on the Ikon Pass. If you're holding Ikon and skiing as a group with mixed abilities, The Remarkables is the easier answer. If you're after challenge and flexibility on price, Cardrona.
Cardrona
Treble ConeCardrona vs Treble Cone
Cardrona vs Treble Cone
Cardrona and Treble Cone are Wanaka's two mountains, sitting close enough that you could ski both in a trip - but they attract different skiers. Treble Cone is the bigger, harder mountain with the most vertical of any New Zealand resort, only 10% beginner terrain, and a remote feel that suits experienced riders looking for space. Cardrona is more accessible, better lift infrastructure, a longer season by nearly a month, and a terrain mix that works for everyone. If you're an intermediate or expert who wants challenge and quiet slopes, Treble Cone. If you want a well-rounded day with good flow and flexibility, Cardrona.
Coronet PeakCardronaThe RemarkablesCoronet Peak vs Cardrona vs The Remarkables
Coronet Peak vs Cardrona vs The Remarkables
Coronet Peak, Cardrona, and The Remarkables are the three resorts most New Zealand visitors end up choosing between - and all three are on the Ikon Pass, which makes combining them straightforward. But they suit different skiers. Coronet Peak is the hardest mountain of the three, with more than half its terrain rated advanced or expert. The Remarkables gets the most snow and is the strongest option for beginners and mixed-ability groups. Cardrona sits in the middle - the most vertical of the three and a well-rounded option if you want one mountain that covers everything.