Ultimate ski guide: Head to the white wonderlands

Here's the lowdown on what's new at the ski resorts this winter.

The closest alpine resort to Melbourne, Mt Buller is abuzz as everything clicks back in gear. The mountain will be swinging into full operation come June, with an elevated apres offering around the resort. Alpine Leisure Tours is back offering its range of snowshoeing tours, from one to three hours, or they'll tailor a tour for you. They also offer three-hour sunrise or sunset tours, where you can watch nature's show from the summit. mtbuller.com.au; alpineleisuretours.com.au

Selwyn Snow Resort will welcome back skiers and snowboarders in an emotional return on June 10. The NSW resort lost most of its infrastructure in the bushfires of 2019/20, but has been rebuilt bigger and better than ever with a brand new and expanded base building, a new chairlift and the biggest toboggan park in Australia. Selwyn is an excellent resort for first-timers and families with younger kids, with gentle learning terrain, a swag of blue runs and a handful of black runs. selwynsnow.com.au

Women who want to go beyond the boundaries can sign up for a women's backcountry tour in Thredbo. All-female guides will conduct two different tours - the Introduction to Backcountry to help women gain skills to go out into the wild white landscape, and Beyond the Boundaries for experienced backcountry skiers. These tours will run over two weekends (August 18-19 and September 8-9). And guys, you don't miss out either, with a new half-day backcountry tour to Dead Horse Gap, available from August 3 to September 10. thredbo.com.au

Alpine Nature Experience has been operating for several years in the wilderness near Victoria's Mt Hotham. This winter, they are introducing a glamping experience in new, luxury snow domes complete with a woodfire heater. The domes mirror the environment from the outside, while from inside, you can see out to the snowy landscape. You can also choose to snooze in a real igloo made with snow - and enjoy hot tubs, snowmobiling and snowshoeing experiences. alpinenatureexperience.com.au

The Skitube, the train that has carried snow lovers from Bullocks Flat (20 minutes from Jindabyne) to the two stations at Perisher (Perisher Valley and Blue Cow) since 1987, is boasting a new look this winter, with its usual grey carriages now a moving work of art. Local artist Mike Shankster, known for his bold works on everything from skis to large-scale murals, has transformed the train into a blend of vibrant blues with white curves signifying mountains and dainty eucalyptus leaves. Guests at Smiggin Holes, one of Perisher's four linked resorts, will benefit from a substantial upgrade of the snowmaking system for winter with five new guns ready to service this beginner and family ski area. perisher.com.au

Kareela Hutte is legendary at Thredbo, a rustic cabin on the mountain with European-style flair infused with a party streak. It's popular for lunch or drinks during the day, or choose one of the special experiences - the Snowcat Dinners on select Wednesdays, with snowcat transport up the mountain, or the Supper Club dinners on select Saturdays. Travel up on Merritts Gondola - Australia's first alpine gondola that opened in 2020 - then switch to a snowcat to head across the mountain to Kareela to watch the famous flare run and fireworks from the Hutte's deck. thredbo.com.au

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Thredbo has expanded its range of on-snow experiences for 2023, including the in-demand Sunrise Sessions. Rise with the sparrows to head up the mountain in a snowcat to the highest lifted point in Australia to watch the sun rise before heading to Eagles Nest - the highest restaurant in the nation - for breakfast. Then you'll do first tracks down the SuperTrail - the longest run in Australia - on pristine, corduroy snow. Book well ahead. thredbo.com.au

NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park has installed new "glamtainers" at its lakeside park, with the converted shipping containers offering hotel-style luxuries and swish open-plan interiors. Each one has a queen bed as well as bunks for the kids, a kitchenette, living area, bathroom and outdoor dining area. nrmaparksandresorts.com.au

Ben Lomond Alpine Resort near Launceston might not spring to mind as a major ski resort, but it is beloved by locals and a fun experience (including the journey up the zig-zag Jacob's Ladder road) for visitors during a winter sojourn on the Holiday Isle. The team behind this local gem has big plans starting this season, with a new name, new website and new trail map, as well as a huge investment in snowmaking. Ski and snowboard hire is also available. benlomondalpineresort.com.au