Freeride World Tour athlete and former Dartmouth College racer Hannah Melinchuk made her first ski trip to Australia over the summer and had keen eye on all the nuances that differentiate the North American ski experience vs what you encounter Down Under. Lots of interesting little idiosyncrasies including Aussie skiers tending stick to the left hand side of the slopes just like the flow of traffic in Australia. Here are the 15 key differences between skiing in Australia and North America:
15 key differences between skiing in Australia and North America:
- Ski Season Timing: Australia’s ski season runs from June to October due to its Southern Hemisphere location, unlike North America’s typical November to April season.
- Mountain Aspect and Sun Exposure: South-facing slopes in Australia receive less sun and stay more protected, opposite to North America’s north-facing slopes.
- Climate and Snow Conditions: Australia’s warmer climate results in denser, creamier snow compared to the often lighter, drier snow in North America.
- Unique Vegetation: Australian ski resorts feature distinct trees, like eucalyptus, creating a different aesthetic compared to North America’s coniferous forests.
- Wildlife: Australian slopes may have wombats, and kangaroos are commonly seen en route to resorts, unlike North America’s deer or bears.
- Driving on the Left: Driving to Australian ski resorts requires navigating the left side of the road, which can be challenging for North American visitors.
- Passing Etiquette: On Australian slopes and walkways, people tend to pass or walk on the left, contrasting with North America’s right-side norm.
- Snow Chains Requirement: Some Australian resorts mandate carrying tire chains, often necessary during snowfall, unlike many North American resorts.
- Superior Food and Coffee: Australian ski resorts offer higher-quality food and coffee compared to typical North American ski hill dining.
- Earlier Chairlift Hours: Lifts in Australia often open at 8:30 AM, earlier than the standard 9:00 AM in North America.
- Strict Chairlift Safety: Australian resorts enforce lowering the chairlift safety bar, with stricter oversight than in North America.
- Chairlift Line Dynamics: Lift lines in Australia feel more chaotic than in North America but less so than in Europe.
- Inward-Opening Doors: Resort doors in Australia typically open inward, which can be disorienting for North American visitors used to outward-opening doors.
- Presence of Snow Players: Australian slopes attract “snow players” from cities, non-skiers who visit to experience snow, less common in North America.
- Cultural and Environmental Contrast: The overall vibe, from wildlife to resort aesthetics, feels uniquely Australian, setting it apart from North American ski culture.
Related: Australian Man Sets Guinness World Record For Marathon In Flip Flops Carrying Surfboard
