Why ski towns like Mount Buller and Thredbo are in high demand
Waking to the scent of snow in the air, peaks glowing in the early light, and the muffled swish of skis beyond the balcony – this is daily life in a handful of Australian alpine towns.
It’s a rare privilege and a lifestyle many dream of: one where weekends hinge on snow reports, evenings are spent fireside, and each season brings its own set of rituals.
Among Victoria’s snowfields, Mount Buller stands out as a premium property market and an invitation to a different pace of life.
Just over three hours from Melbourne, it draws buyers seeking spontaneous alpine trips, where crisp mountain air is favoured over sea breezes.
“The alpine market has long competed with coastal favourites,” says Castran managing director John Castran.
“There’s a strong crossover between buyers with homes on the Mornington Peninsula or Surf Coast and those investing here.
“Since COVID, that connection has only strengthened — many now favour the cooler alpine climate during the summer.”
Today, entire apartments are leased for the ski season, with families sharing costs, working remotely and enrolling their children in alpine schools. Race programs and freestyle clubs are booked out well in advance.
“There’s serious competition for seasonal rentals,” Castran says. “Ski programs and school access are key drivers. And, with private flights via Hotham Airport, the mountain’s never been more accessible.”
Further along the range, Falls Creek feels more like a town than a ski resort.
With its winding laneways and snow-covered chalets, it’s as if the village has been pulled from a fairytale. It’s a place where locals know each other by name, and the mountain feels like a shared backyard.
“The village, lifestyle and personal connections make Falls Creek special,” says Grace Falconer-Smith, people and culture coordinator at Alpine Resorts Victoria.
“In winter, the whole place comes alive with staff and guests. [It’s] especially magical when covered in snow. I get to ski every day – on my lunch break.”
That magic extends into the warmer months, when hikes, lake paddling and gatherings for raffles and roasts keep the village humming. A growing hospitality scene has helped maintain this off-season momentum.
“When I arrived 15 years ago, only one or two venues opened in summer,” Falconer-Smith says. “Now, there can be seven.
“The blue pools near Pretty Valley Pondage are a local favourite, and sunset at Mount McKay never disappoints.”
Across the NSW border in Thredbo, the tempo is unmistakable – early coffees, ski boots on footpaths, and the lifts spinning to life each morning.
It’s where snow-filled holidays evolve into long-term ties, with many families returning year after year before eventually buying on the mountain.
“What I love about living here is the shared excitement,” says Thredbo general manager Stuart Diver. “Every day in winter starts with a buzz.
“It’s a bit chaotic, but there’s a rhythm to it. Whether it’s someone’s first time or their 50th, everyone’s here to make memories in the mountains.”
Even in summer, the village stays active. Mountain bikers, hikers, and those chasing cooler alpine air fill the trails and rivers, while the Alpine Coaster ride adds another layer of all-ages appeal.
“Even in the off-season, there’s plenty happening,” Diver says. “From swimming spots along the Thredbo River to cocktails in the Lounge Bar or just the view from the top road at first light, Thredbo proves it can be both a holiday and a home.”
Set on the edge of Lake Jindabyne and framed by the Snowy Mountains, Jindabyne has transformed from stopover to sought-after address.
Acting as the gateway to both Thredbo and Perisher, it offers buyers not just access to the slopes, but to a town with its own growing momentum.
“It’s competitive, especially as winter approaches,” says Belle Property Snowy Mountains principal Dani Kell.
“The best homes are usually snapped up by April. But this year we’re seeing quality listings coming to market later than usual, which is great for buyers still looking.”
The appeal lies in flexibility. Buyers want homes that serve as a weekend base, short-term rental, and future investment all in one, and Jindabyne delivers on all fronts.
“Lifestyle is usually what gets people in — skiing, lake days, that laid-back feel,” Kell says. “But they’re hooked once they see the income potential and year-round appeal.
With upgrades to local schools and plans to become a major biking hub, Jindabyne just keeps evolving.”
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