Ben Lomond Alpine Resort is situated in Ben Lomond National Park, Tasmania’s largest alpine area and Australia’s biggest boulder field! It’s a stunning, winter wonderland (and a beautiful summer hiking spot), and is home to Tasmania’s only commercial ski resort but as with any alpine area, you need to be prepared for all conditions. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your time at Ben Lomond Alpine Resort in winter.
Things to consider before visiting Ben Lomond
Check The Ben Lomond Webcam
Our Ben Lomond Summit Webcam provides a live steam of conditions on the mountain so you can see what the main slope is like before heading up. Our snow report is updated daily and will give you information on recent snowfall and snow pack conditions as well as which lifts are likely to be open. Its updated by 7am each morning during the ski season.
How to get to Ben Lomond
There is no public transport to the mountain so you’ll need to have your own car, or hire one. Make sure you check with the car hire company that you are allowed to drive on gravel roads, and that your policy allows you to fit snow chains if necessary (if it doesn’t you may need to catch the shuffle bus from the lower car park but you will still need to drive 12km on unsealed gravel roads to reach it).
Where is the nearest fuel to Ben Lomond Alpine Resort?
The closest petrol station to Ben Lomond is in Launceston (or Fingal if driving from the East). Make sure you have plenty of fuel for the journey and factor in that you might burn a little more than usual as you drive up the mountain. Launceston is 38KMs from Ben Lomond Base, and 50Kms from Ben Lomond National Park
What clothing to take for a day on Ben Lomond
Alpine conditions can change quickly so its best to be prepared by bringing clothes for all occasions. Waterproof jackets and pants can be hired at Ben Lomond Base before you head up the mountain, you can purchase hats, neck warmers (buffs) and gloves here too.
Bring plenty of layers and spare clothing in case of cold and wet conditions, but sun cream is a must on those beautiful bluebird days!
If you’re planning on snowplay, think about your footwear. No one wants cold wet fit so consider bringing extra shoes or hiring snowplay boots from Ben Lomond Base.
Where can I get food and drink?
Food and drink can be purchased at Ben Lomond Base at the bottom of the mountain. You’ll find breakfast sandwiches and fabulous Tas Caffe coffee, as well as handmade pies, toasties, and a range of Tasmanian beer, cider and wine available.
There’s also a cafe on top of the mountain, and the day shelter for staying warm while eating a packed lunch. Bringing a water bottle will help you stay hydrated.
Book online and save money
Booking gear and lift passes online can save you time and money. Online prices are cheaper and by filling in all your details and signing waivers online first, you can speed through the Base as you collect your equipment. Book equipment and lift passes here: https://shop.benlomondalpineresort.com.au/
Is their phone signal or wifi at Ben Lomond?
The only place you’ll have consistent signal around the park is by jumping on our free guest wifi at Ben Lomond Base, or Ben Lomond Alpine Resort Ticket Office and changing your phone settings to enable wifi calling. If you’re arranging to meet friends at the mountain, consider deciding on a firm meeting time and place. Around the Base firepit perhaps? There is intermittent reception on the top of the Mountain but it cant be guaranteed (and each provider has different signal strength)
You may be able to briefly get phone signal on your way up Jacobs Ladder but its no place to stop for a call!
Once you arrive at Ben Lomond Base
Arrive early
Ben Lomond is becoming increasingly popular (for good reason!) especially on weekends and school holidays. Make sure you arrive early to ensure minimal queues and to grab gear before it sells out.
On busy days, it may take time to be fitted for ski and snowboard gear, especially if you’re in a larger group. Give yourself plenty of time so you can maximise your time having fun on the mountain.
Remember, ski lifts close at 4pm and it gets dark early in winter so get to the mountain as early as possible. Check the Base opening times and start having fun on Ben Lomond as early as possible.
Arriving at the Base after 3pm means you may miss the shuffle bus, and you may not have enough time to return snow chains to the Base before it closes at 5pm (weekdays).
Buy Your National Parks Pass before entering Ben Lomond National Park
As you’ll be entering a national park, you’ll need to have a valid Tasmanian National Parks pass. A daily, two-monthly, annual, and two-year pass can all be purchased at Ben Lomond Base.
Grab breakfast at Ben Lomond Base
Save time in the morning and grab breakfast and a coffee at Ben Lomond Base. We do a great breakfast sandwich and serve delicious Tas Caffe Coffee.
How to get to the top of Ben Lomond
You have two options for getting to the top of Ben Lomond: A- Drive yourself, B- Get the shuffle bus from the lower car park (12km beyond Ben Lomond Base).
Between June and September, its a legal requirement to carry snow chains in your car if driving to the top of the mountain regardless of the type of car you drive. These will only need to be fitted if conditions require it i.e. if there is snow or ice on the road. You can find out if fitting chains is required by calling the National Parks hotline updated at 9am each day – 0429 646 557 . Our awesome Base staff will let you know chain requirements for the day and show you a video on how to fit them (if required). Don’t forget to grab a picture of your tyre on your way into the rentals building as we’ll use this to select the right size chains for your tyre.
Waivers
Along with a picture of your tyre, you can speed up the process of hiring gear by filling out a waiver when you arrive at Base. Waivers are required to be completed by anyone hiring our equipment. You’ll see them on the table as you arrive.
What can you do at Ben Lomond in Winter?
Ben Lomond is the perfect spot for skiing and snowboarding, tobogganing and snow play. Decide what you want to do before you get to the Base, then our staff will be able to get you exactly what you need for a day on the mountain.
First time skiing or snowboarding? Why not watch a few how to videos on youtube before arriving to get you shredding the slopes as quickly as possible! First time snowboarders might also benefit from watching videos on how to use T-bars and Pomas.
For those experiencing snow for the first time, why not grab a toboggan and spend the day racing eachother before building snowmen, making snow angels and having snowball fights. Make sure you’re wearing waterproof clothing and boots! These can be hired at Ben Lomond Base.
Gloves
No matter what you’re doing at Ben Lomond, bring gloves! Wind chill can really nip at your fingers and once your gloves are wet, it can be hard to get your fingers warm again. Bringing kids for the day? Consider multiple sets of gloves as snowplay can quickly soak gloves through. We have a range of adult’s and children’s gloves for purchase at Ben Lomond Base.
How to get to Ben Lomond Alpine Resort
Ben Lomond Alpine Resort is about one hour from Launceston and 30 minutes from Ben Lomond Base depending on road conditions. The drive from the Base is entirely gravel road and includes a drive up the infamous Jacobs Ladder, a six-hairpin road to the alpine plateau. Make sure you stop at the viewpoint at the top of the ladder for fabulous views of dolerite cliffs and the surrounding area. On a clear day, you can see right to Flinder’s Island!
Ben Lomond Road ends in a large car park next to the 24/7 day shelter a short walk from the ski slopes.
Do I need to fit snow chains on Ben Lomond?
If required to fit chains, this is most likely to be needed from the lower carpark, 12kms up from Ben Lomon Base. To prevent wear on the roads, chains and tyres, do not drive from the Base with your chains on, they should be fitted and removed at the snow line only.
Where to Park at Ben Lomond
If driving yourself to the top of the mountain, you’ll park in the upper car park at the ski village. If getting the shuffle bus, you’ll park at the lower car park (not the Base car park). Both car parks are free to park in.
What to do when you reach the top of the mountain
Once your on top of the mountain, grab your gear and go enjoy the snowy wonderland! Toboggan on the toboggan area, ski and snowboard on the slopes and snow play everywhere else!
Return to Ben Lomond Base in time for close at 5pm to drop off your gear and warm up around the firepit with a mulled wine or hot chocolate and smores!
