Forget everything you remember from antipodean ski holidays before 2010. The latest generation of accommodation options is so cool, you’ll want to go in summer
Keep it local with our guide to the most chic mountain-side accommodation in Australia and New Zealand right now
It’s easy to assume that jetting to Japan or the United States is the only sure-fire way to stay in beautiful places during ski season. That’s because Australia and New Zealand haven’t always offered the most design-oriented of accommodations in their mountain peaks. But, dear reader, all that has finally changed. From Scandi-style Airbnbs in the Snowies to big, bold lodges in Wanaka, and minimal, modular architecture in Queenstown, the antipodean ski season has never been so chic.
The Eastern, Thredbo
Looking at The Eastern, situated right in Thredbo Village, it’s a wonder no one has tried to create something like this before.
The Eastern constitutes two Airbnb apartments decked out in Scandi-style apparel – all muted tones, pale timber ceilings and floors, antler decor and linen sheets. It’s an influencer’s paradise; check out Instagram @ theeasternthredbovillage and you’ll see what we mean.
The Oak Apartment is the older of the two, but its interior is just as gorgeous as the newer Cedar Cabin, designed by Sydney designer Nicholas Gurney in a Daryl Jackson Robin Dyke building. Both apartments have breathtaking views over Mount Kosciuszko, so even though you’re inside, you’re never far from that mountain air. From $670 per night in peak season; theeasternthredbovillage.com NEAREST SKI FIELD THREDBO
West Elm Apartment, Mount Hotham
Mount Hotham in Victoria doesn’t get as much attention as Perisher and Thredbo, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be top of your list. In fact, thanks to its low-key reputation and advanced-level terrain, going early enough in the season might mean you find yourself swishing through powder on the quietest slopes in the country.
Happily, the accommodation has just gone up a notch, with West Elm teaming with Hotham Holidays to create a customdesigned apartment right near the slopes. The apartment features mid-century-style furnishings, a warming fireplace and cosy window seating, with two bedrooms and a balcony overlooking the ski fields. There’s even a private drying cupboard and ski locker – and at only 70m from the slopes, you really couldn’t be closer to the action. From $1968 for two nights, depending on the season; mthotham.com.au/discover/connectwith-us/latest-news/west-elm-collaboration NEAREST SKI FIELD MT HOTHAM
Forty Nine Post Office Lane, Crackenback
Situated in Thredbo Valley, a short drive from Jindabyne and both Perisher and Thredbo ski resorts, Forty Nine Post Office Lane can sleep up to 12 across four bedrooms in a building designed by Currarong firm Myson+Berkery Architects. It’s perfect for guests with kids, thanks to its six-bed bunk room, dedicated media room and outdoor fire pit complete with fun tree-stump seats.
There’s a mudroom with a boot and glove drier – just like you’d find in locker rooms at ski resorts – so you can put on dry gear each and every morning. Inside the house, the high-end fitout includes a suspended fireplace and generous dining area for all-in après-ski meals. From $990 per night for the entire house; fortyninepostofficelane.com.au NEAREST SKI FIELD THREDBO
Tom’s House, Queenstown
If staying in a big, fancy lodge isn’t your idea of a good time, you’re in luck, because New Zealand’s Airbnb game is strong, and Queenstown has one of the best.
Tom’s House won Home magazine’s Best Small Home award in New Zealand three years ago. Designed by architect AnnaMarie Chin, three bedrooms are spread over 120 square metres, with nooks for solo chilling and crannies in which to eat.
There’s even a timber hot tub to soak up the house’s views of The Remarkables, and a projector for cinema nights once you’ve had enough of the outdoors. From $743* per night; airbnb.com.au/ rooms/5549420 NEAREST SKI FIELD THE REMARKABLES
Kinloch Manor & Villas, Taupō
Catering to a range of outdoor pursuits, Kinloch Manor & Villas is the destination for a mixed group of travellers.
Near the shores of stunningly beautiful Lake Taupō in the centre of New Zealand’s North Island, the hotel features an 18-hole golf course, with excursions to water-ski, hike, skydive and quad bike. Plus it’s only about 90 minutes to the North Island’s only commercial ski fields at Mount Ruapehu.
Ten villas designed by Kiwi architect Andrew Patterson take their inspiration from Kinloch Castle, a Victorian mansion on Scotland’s western Isle of Rùm. But this is no stuffy castle; it’s contemporary architecture with Scandi furnishings and touches of tartan (hinting at its Scottish inspo) dotted around the interiors. From $908* for a double room with breakfast and five-course dinner; kinlochmanor.co.nz NEAREST SKI FIELD MOUNT RUAPEHU
Matakauri Lodge, Queenstown
A Relais & Chateaux hotel, Matakauri Lodge just south of Queenstown is a home away from home – as long as your home is a luxurious, lakefronted slice of majesty.
The rooms are understated, which is what makes them so appealing, because, after all, what is more luxurious than total comfort? Interior designer Virginia Fisher has created big, comfy spaces in which to lounge and recharge, in muted, calming colours and tactile fabrics.
Coronet Peak is a 30-minute drive away, but there’s a heliskiing package if you feel like something more extreme. From $1405* per night for a double room, including breakfast and dinner; robertsonlodges. com/the-lodges/matakauri NEAREST SKI FIELD CORONET PEAK
Piwakawaka Point Villa, Wanaka
Overlooking spectacular Lake Wanaka, Queenstown’s little sister town offers a less-busy approach to ski season, while also providing lodge-style accommodation.
Piwakawaka Point Villa is a 133-hectare property styled like a top-tier Aspen lodge – all roughly hewn timber, exposed stone feature walls, open fireplaces and the obligatory taxidermy. (Piwakawaka is the Māori word for ‘fantail bird’, by the way.)
There’s a gym and tennis court if skiing hasn’t already taken it out of you, as well as a sauna to warm tired muscles and a spa pool to stretch them out again. A private chef comes with the booking, catering for all your meals, and the house can sleep up to 14 guests in its six bedrooms.
This place has 6km of lakefront as part of the property, and is only 25 minutes by car to the Treble Cone ski area. POA; piwakawakavilla.co.nz NEAREST SKI FIELD TREBLE CONE
Your own chopper will take you to the tops of peaks so you can glide down via skis or snowboard, without strangerskiers chasing your heels
Blanket Bay, Glenorchy
So you thought Piwakawaka was impressive? Well, Blanket Bay in Glenorchy, just down the road from Queenstown, offers private heliskiing. That’s right, your own chopper will take you to the tops of peaks so you can glide down via skis or snowboard, without stranger-skiers chasing your heels.
Guests stay in anything from a lodge room with views over Lake Wakatipu and the Humboldt Mountains, all the way up to the Villa, where four expansive guest suites share one central great room – allowing for both privacy and company options on your holiday. Both breakfast and dinner are included in the price, and the interiors are to die for: think stacked-stone walls, vaulted timber ceilings, plush sofas and open fires. Just the ticket for snowy evenings in paradise. From $1092* per night for a double room; blanketbay.com NEAREST SKI FIELD OFF PISTE