Tasmania Skiing | Ben Lomond Ski Field

If you're looking for a skiing experience in Tasmania, Ben Lomond is your go-to. It's Tasmania's only formally operated commercial ski field, and a top choice for local tourists during winter. The unique basalt plateau combined with pristine white snow creates an incredible wilderness atmosphere. It's sparsely populated on weekdays and boasts stable snow quality. Whether you're a beginner learning to ski, a snowboarder practicing tricks, or a family with kids sledding and taking photos in the open sandy plains, all ages can find something suitable here. Mountain RoutesBen Lomond has no direct public transport from cities. You can only drive to the base of the mountain, then choose one of two ways to go up: driving over the famous Jacob's Ladder mountain road yourself, or taking the mountain Shuttle Bus.To reach the summit ski resort, Jacob's Ladder is an unavoidable part of the journey. If you want to ski and enjoy the views at the top, you can't avoid this impressive winding mountain road. Jacob's Ladder is an iconic alpine winding road in Tasmania, and the most memorable and visually striking section of the entire journey into the mountain. The entire road was carved out of a giant columnar basalt mountain, with 1.5 kilometers of continuous, tight switchbacks spiraling upwards. The road surface is a natural gravel dirt road with no dense guardrails on either side, offering expansive views and an inherent sense of adventure. After each sharp turn, the eucalypt forest of the valley unfolds below. From the simple observation deck at the summit, looking back, the entire mountain road resembles a ribbon winding through dark rock faces. Both the clear sky and snowfield on a sunny day, and the silver-white rock faces after snowfall, offer unique cinematic quality. Every snapshot captures an exclusive wild snowy mountain scene. As beautiful as it is, winter driving risks should not be underestimated: the official speed limit is 30km/h throughout, the road is often covered in snow and ice during the snowy season, and blind spots are large on curves. When vehicles meet on the way up and down, downhill vehicles must yield to uphill vehicles. There is no mobile phone signal in the middle section of the mountain road. In case of heavy fog or blizzard, visibility can drop sharply. It is not recommended to pull over and stop for photos midway; try to drive smoothly and continuously for the entire stretch. Option 1: Drive Yourself Over Jacob's LadderDuring the snow season (June-September), vehicles driving over Jacob's Ladder must be equipped with snow chains. These can only be rented at the mountain base; there are no rental points on the mountain. Without snow chains, staff will stop you from proceeding. You can only reach the summit ski area parking lot after completing the Ladder. It's best to plan your ascent and descent during daylight hours, as wild animals are frequently active on the mountain after dark, and the risk of icy roads doubles. Option 2: Shuttle Bus (recommended for those who don't want to drive mountain roads)The official shuttle service operates between the Lower Carpark and the summit ski resort parking lot, traversing Jacob's Ladder. Taking the shuttle bus means you don't need your own snow chains or have to face dangerous icy curves yourself. Leave it to the professional 4WD drivers and enjoy the mountain scenery from your window. 1. Pick-up point: The dedicated waiting pavilion in the free lower parking lot after entering the mountain. Look for the "Shuttle Bus" sign.2. Operating hours: Daily during the snow season from 8:30–16:30, with continuous departures. The last bus up the mountain departs promptly at 15:00; no more passengers will be taken up after 3 PM.3. Ticket prices (reference): Round trip for adults is AUD 22.50, for children under 15 years it's AUD 17.50, and infants under 2 years are free. Pre-booking online allows priority boarding.4. Tip: Expect long queues during holiday peaks, so try to arrive early. During off-peak times, you can call the station to book a pick-up/drop-off. Departing from Launceston | Day trip possibleThe city to Ben Lomond Base at the foot of the ski field is about 55km, a pure driving time of 1 hour 20 minutes. After driving along the C401 main road to the base supply station, obtaining a national park pass, and renting snow chains, enter Ben Lomond Rd to head into the mountains, and you'll soon reach the start of Jacob's Ladder. Departing from Hobart | Self-driving not recommended, consider chartering a carA one-way trip is 180km, with a pure driving time of 3.5 hours. Long-distance travel consumes a lot of energy. Opt for a car charter service so you can focus on skiing. 🏠 Accommodation Options1. Mountain Foot Town B&Bs | Closest to the mountain, suitable for early morning skiingPrioritize the towns of Upper Blessington and Evandale, located a few minutes to half an hour's drive from the mountain base supply station. Most are detached country cottages or private B&Bs, often with wood-fired heating and independent kitchens, offering peace and privacy.Pros: No long journey to the mountain on the next day; Cons: Very few supermarkets and proper restaurants in town, limited evening amenities. Accommodation is tight during the peak season of July-August, so it's advisable to book at least a month in advance. 2. Launceston City Hotels | Popular choice, convenient and hassle-freeThe best option for families, beginners, and short-term visitors. The city offers a rich selection of hotels, apartments, and B&Bs, with stable heating throughout winter. Supermarkets, Chinese and Western restaurants, and cafes are all readily available, providing comprehensive living and dining facilities.Departing between 7-8 AM daily allows ample time to catch the 9 AM lift opening, rent equipment, install snow chains, and take the shuttle bus. After skiing, you can return to the city for a proper dinner and rest. Ben Lomond Base | The only comprehensive supply center before heading up the mountainAll preparations for going up the mountain are completed here; there are no extensive shopping facilities on Jacob's Ladder section or at the summit ski area.- Ticket Office: Purchase Tasmania National Park passes and lift tickets. Booking equipment + lift packages online in advance offers better value and reduces queues at the site.- Equipment Rental: Full range of skis, snowboards, snow clothing, snow boots, and sleds available, so beginners don't need to bring large items.- Snow Chain Rental: A must for self-driving up the mountain, this is the only official rental point on the entire mountain.- Mountain View Cafe: Open daily during the snow season from 7:30–18:00, offering hot coffee, breakfast rolls, and simple hot meals, perfect for warming up and resting before or after skiing.- Small Retail Items: If you forget warm essentials like gloves, waterproof hats, or goggles, you can purchase them on-site. Ski Resort Operating Hours + Full Play Area Divisions | Ski slopes + dedicated sledding area + flat sandy plains all coveredThe snow season typically runs from mid-June to the end of September. All ski lifts on the mountain operate from 9:00–16:00. At 4 PM, all lifts stop operating, and the main ski area officially closes for skiing activities.In case of extreme weather such as strong winds, blizzards, or low temperatures, lifts may close earlier, with some tow lifts even stopping operations at 15:30. Be sure to check the official website for real-time snow conditions and announcements before your trip.After the lifts stop, the sledding area and the gentle sandy plains will also be progressively cleared. If you wish to go down the mountain, you must catch the shuttle bus before its last run at 16:30. Practical Dining Tips on the MountainThere is only one small, simple cafe at the summit, with very limited food options. It offers only simple hot dogs, snacks, and hot drinks. Hot food choices are scarce, and prices are relatively high, making it difficult to satisfy the meal needs of multiple people or children.It is highly recommended to bring plenty of your own food and water in advance. Bread, sandwiches, fruit, energy bars, and a thermos filled with hot water are all good to bring up the mountain. There are public heated rooms with tables and chairs at the summit where you can sit down for a simple meal. This saves money and avoids settling for limited, simple fare. The entire area is divided into three independent play zones, all within the ski resort boundaries. The zones are separated from each other to avoid interference, accommodating both ski enthusiasts and families with children. Skiing/Snowboarding Professional AreaThe ski trails are clearly graded, covering beginner green runs, intermediate slopes, and advanced black diamond runs, with a dedicated terrain park for snowboarders. Unlike the smooth ski resorts on mainland Australia, here, with giant basalt rocks as a backdrop, the white snow paired with dark rock faces creates excellent photo opportunities. Weekdays see sparse crowds, allowing for relaxed practice. Dedicated Toboggan AreaAdjacent to the heated day lodge at the summit, a gently sloping area has been separately fenced off, officially designated as an exclusive tobogganing zone. This separate area does not mix with ski slopes, ensuring maximum safety. Both adults and children with no prior experience can easily slide, with staff on-site for supervision, making it friendly for young children. Toboggans can be rented at the base of the mountain and brought up, allowing unlimited use throughout the day. It closes at 4 PM, in sync with the lifts. Sandy Plains Open Snow Play Area (Official Recreational Snowfield within the ski resort)Adjacent to the toboggan area, the vast, gentle, open snowfield is what locals call the "sandy plains." This entire flat area is fully within the ski resort's operational range and is an officially designated free snow play zone. The terrain is flat with no steep slopes and no high speeds, making it suitable for leisurely snowshoeing, building snowmen, and snowball fights. The entire area offers expansive views, surrounded by iconic basalt mountains, and is quiet with fewer people, so you don't have to crowd near the slopes. Most visitors not skiing or sledding spend their time here, easily experiencing the Southern Hemisphere's winter snowscape. It's perfect for capturing atmospheric snow photos and is also cleared at 4 PM along with the ski resort. Small TIPS:Before you go, be sure to check the ski resort's official website for real-time snow conditions, lift operating status, and shuttle bus announcements. Lifts and shuttle buses may be temporarily suspended during strong winds or blizzards. If you are interested in traveling to Tasmania:

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Tasmania Skiing | Ben Lomond Ski Field

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