FAQs
Got a question about Ben Lomond, the resort, BASE or activities during the year here at Ben Lomond Alpine Resort? Check if it’s answered below.
If not, get in touch with us: info@benlomondalpineresort.com.au
bEN lOMOND FAQs
WHAT IS BEN LOMOND ALPINE RESORT?
HOW CAN I GET TO BEN LOMOND ALPINE RESORT?
The easiest way to get to Ben Lomond Alpine Resort is by car on an hour’s scenic drive east from Launceston, Tasmania. From Launceston, follow the signs to Ben Lomond National Park and turn right off Blessington Road onto Ben Lomond Road. Continue down this road until you reach the upper Ben Lomond car park.
The drive includes the famous Jacob’s ladder, a stunning, seven-corner stretch of road ascending Ben Lomond National Park.
It’s mandatory to carry chains in winter (June to September) and hold a valid National Parks Pass when entering Ben Lomond National Park. Our BASE operations at the foothill of Ben Lomond sells National Parks Passes and rents out chains so you can easily pick up both enroute to the mountain.
In the future we hope to run buses from Launceston to Ben Lomond – stay tuned in 2024.
ARE THERE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO REACH BEN LOMOND ALPINE RESORT?
Unfortunately, public transportation options directly to Ben Lomond Alpine Resort are limited. Private transportation, such as driving or carpooling, is the most practical way to access the resort. However, you can check with local tour operators for any seasonal transportation services.
In the future we hope to run buses from Launceston to Ben Lomond – stay tuned in 2024.
DO I NEED CAR CHAINS TO ACCESS BEN LOMOND?
During the winter season (June to September) its mandatory to carry chains in Ben Lomond National Park. When road conditions require it, Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service will indicate that car chains must be fitted.
We offer car chain rentals at our BASE operations, so you can collect them before entering the park.
IS THERE PARKING AT BEN LOMOND ALPINE RESORT?
Yes, there is ample parking available beside the Ben Lomond ski village, and a drop of area to make unloading equipment easier. From there you can walk to the lifts.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT BEN LOMOND?
That completely depends on you!
The best time to visit Ben Lomond Alpine Resort for skiing and snowboarding is generally from July to September. However, snow conditions may vary each season, so we recommend checking our website or contacting us for the latest updates.
If you prefer hiking, the trails are beautiful in summer when the mountain is covered in alpine wildflowers.
WHAT AMENITIES ARE AVAILABLE AT BEN LOMOND ALPINE RESORT?
Ben Lomond Alpine Resort’s Ticket Office is located in the ski village beside the Summit ski lift. The village has a day shelter for warming up and eating lunch, as well as public toilets and a variety of lodges.
Ben Lomond Alpine Resort’s BASE operations are situated at the foothills of Ben Lomond, as you turn off Blessington Road onto Ben Lomond Road. BASE has a café where you can grab a hot drink or packed lunch, a retail store for equipment and apparel, and rental services for skiing and snowboarding gear. BASE is also an official retailer of national parks passes and car chains to ensure your safety and compliance. Should you want to extend your ski day, BASE offers the perfect space for après by the fire pit.
IS ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE AT BEN LOMOND ALPINE RESORT?
There are a number of lodges located in the Ben Lomond National Park, although most are member only.
Creek Cabins Ben Lomond, Tasmanian Rover Ski Club and Northern Tasmania Alpine Club (NTAC) offer commercial accommodation on Ben Lomond. Find out more about where you can stay.
WHAT ARE THE OPENING HOURS OF BEN LOMOND ALPINE RESORT?
Our opening hours may vary depending on the season and weather conditions but in general lifts will open from mid-June through September from 9am to 4pm. Visit our website or contact us directly for the most up-to-date information on our operating hours.
WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE AT BEN LOMOND?
Weather conditions in alpine Tasmania can change very quickly so it’s best to be prepared for all seasons.
Up to date weather forecasts can be found here:
During the ski season we’ll post a daily snow report online and on social media so follow us for daily updates:
Facebook/ Instagram: @benlomondalpineresort
View detailed snow forecast for Ben Lomond at: snow-forecast.com
DO I NEED CASH FOR SKIING AT BEN LOMOND ALPINE RESORT?
bASE FAQs
WHAT IS BASE?
HOW CAN I REACH BASE?
BASE is located at the foothills of Ben Lomond National Park, at the corner of Blessington Road and Ben Lomond Road as you turn up the mountain road.
BASE is only 25 mins to the top of the mountain (subject to good road conditions).
WHAT AMENITIES ARE AVAILABLE AT BASE?
Ben Lomond Alpine Resort’s BASE operations has a café where you can grab a hot drink, breakfast or takeaway lunch, a retail store for equipment and apparel, and rental services for skiing and snowboarding gear and clothing. There’s toilets, changing rooms and a sizeable carpark.
We also offer national parks passes and car chains to ensure your safety and compliance.
Should you want to extend your ski day, BASE offers the perfect space for après by the fire pit.
IS IT NECESSARY TO BRING MY OWN SKI OR SNOWBOARDING EQUIPMENT TO TASMANIA?
While you can bring your own equipment to Tasmania, if you’re a visitor, it may be more convenient to rent equipment from Ben Lomond Alpine Resort BASE. BASE provides rental services for skiing and snowboarding gear, plus toboggans and clothing hire, ensuring that you have the right equipment to keep you warm and dry on the slopes.
Our ski hire lift packages make sure you get the best deal on your day skiing or snowboarding at Ben Lomond.
CAN I RENT SKIS AND SNOWBOARDS AT BEN LOMOND ALPINE RESORT?
CAN I HIRE TOBOGGANS AT BEN LOMOND?
Yes, you can hire toboggans at Ben Lomond Alpine Resort BASE, located at the turn off from Blessington Road onto Ben Lomond Road.
BASE has a variety of rental options to choose from including snow play packages containing toboggans and winter clothing.
CAN I RENT WINTER CLOTHING AND SKI GEAR AT BEN LOMOND?
Yes, you can rent winter clothing and ski gear at Ben Lomond Alpine Resort. The resort has a variety of rental options to choose from including ski lift hire packages, giving you the best deal possible on a day skiing or snowboarding at Ben Lomond, Tasmania.
CAN I PURCHASE NATIONAL PARKS PASSES AT BEN LOMOND ALPINE RESORT?
Yes, we sell national parks passes at our BASE operations enroute to Ben Lomond.
A national parks pass is required to enter Ben Lomond National Park and provides access to the beautiful wilderness surrounding Ben Lomond.
CAN I HIRE CHAINS TO DRIVE UP BEN LOMOND?
Snow chains are required to be carried in all vehicles in the national park from June until September.
They can be hired from BASE at the foothills of the mountain, on the turn off from Blessington Road onto Ben Lomond Road.
IS THERE A BAR AT BEN LOMOND?
We hope to have a fully licenced bar at Ben Lomond Alpine Resort BASE. The bar is located in the BASE café, which is the resort’s base operations at the foothills of Ben Lomond, on the corner of Blessington Road and Ben Lomond Road.
Drinks can be enjoyed around the firepit.
WHAT ARE THE OPENING HOURS OF BASE
Our opening hours vary depending on the season but in general BASE will open everyday from mid-June through September from 7.30am to 6pm. On Friday and Saturdays it will be open until late.
WINTER FAQs
CAN YOU SKI IN TASMANIA?
Yes, you can definitely ski in Tasmania! Ben Lomond Alpine Resort, located in northeastern Tasmania, offers excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities during the winter months. It’s a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
IS TASMANIA GOOD FOR SKIING?
While Tasmania may not have the same scale as some well-known international skiing destinations, it offers a unique and memorable experience. The ski slopes at Ben Lomond Alpine Resort cater to different skill levels, and the resort provides a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Plus, Tasmania’s natural beauty adds to the overall charm of skiing in this region.
WHERE IN TASMANIA DOES IT SNOW?
The weather in Tasmania is unpredictable but the snow season typically runs from mid-June to September.
In Tasmania you’re most likely to see snow on mountains at high altitudes and Ben Lomond has the second highest peak in Tasmania (Legges Tor) so is a great place to start. You can also expect to see snow at Cradle Mountain, Mt Wellington, Hartz Mountains, the Central Highlands and Mt Mawson.
WHERE’S THE CLOSEST SNOW TO LAUNCESTON?
Ben Lomond Alpine Resort is located about an hour’s drive from Launceston. It generally has the most accessible and closest snow to Launceston and is the only commercial ski resort in Tasmania.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BEN LOMOND ALPINE RESORT FOR OPTIMAL SNOW CONDITIONS?
The winter season in Tasmania generally provides the best snow conditions at Ben Lomond Alpine Resort. It’s recommended to plan your visit during this time, which typically spans from July to September. However, keep in mind that weather conditions can vary, so it’s advisable to check the snow report for accurate information.
WHAT IS THE SNOW QUALITY LIKE IN TASMANIA?
Tasmania receives regular snowfall during the winter season, which contributes to the snow quality at Ben Lomond Alpine Resort. The resort has recently purchased four state-of-the-art snow makers to boost snow production and elongate the ski season.
Stay up-to-date with the latest snow conditions at Ben Lomond Alpine Resort by visiting our website’s snow report page. We provide real-time footage of the slopes and up to date information on snow depth, weather conditions, and groomed trails to help you plan your visit.
DO YOU NEED SNOW CHAINS TO GET TO BEN LOMOND IN WINTER?
WHAT ARE THE CURRENT SNOW CONDITIONS AT BEN LOMOND ALPINE RESORT?
You can check the current snow conditions at Ben Lomond Alpine Resort on our website by visiting our snow report page. We also provide real-time footage of the slopes and up to date information on snow depth, weather conditions, and groomed trails to help you plan your visit.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get regular snow updates on social media.
CAN I VIEW LIVE WEBCAMS OF THE SLOPES AT BEN LOMOND ALPINE RESORT?
DOES BEN LOMOND ALPINE RESORT HAVE SNOW MAKING CAPABILITIES?
Yes, Ben Lomond Alpine Resort is proud to announce the addition of four state-of-the-art snow guns to enhance our snow making capabilities. These advanced snow guns allow us to produce snow even in times of limited natural snowfall, ensuring optimal skiing and snowboarding conditions throughout the season.
HOW DOES THE SNOW MAKING PROCESS WORK AT BEN LOMOND ALPINE RESORT?
The snow making process at Ben Lomond Alpine Resort involves using the latest snow gun technology to convert water into tiny ice crystals, which are then blown onto the slopes. The combination of cold temperatures and efficient snowmaking equipment ensures a consistent and high-quality snow base for our guests to enjoy.
HOW DOES THE ADDITION OF SNOW GUNS IMPROVE THE SKIING EXPERIENCE AT BEN LOMOND ALPINE RESORT?
The addition of state-of-the-art snow guns at Ben Lomond Alpine Resort significantly improves the skiing experience by providing reliable snow coverage on the slopes. This means that even during periods of low natural snowfall, we can maintain excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions, extending the season and enhancing the overall guest experience.
Snow guns allow us to focus on maintaining and improving our beginner slopes as well. With the ability to produce snow as needed, we can ensure that beginner areas have consistent and appropriate snow coverage, providing a safe and enjoyable learning environment for newcomers to skiing and snowboarding.
WHAT IS THE SNOW DEPTH AT BEN LOMOND ALPINE RESORT?
The snow depth at Ben Lomond Alpine Resort varies depending on the weather and snowfall. You can check the current snow depth on our website.
DO I NEED CAR CHAINS TO ACCESS BEN LOMOND?
During the winter season (June to September) its mandatory to carry chains in Ben Lomond National Park. When road conditions require it, Parks Tasmania will indicate that car chains must be fitted. We offer car chain rentals at our BASE operations, so you can collect them before entering the park.
DO I NEED TO BOOK MY LIFT TICKET IN ADVANCE?
We recommend booking your lift ticket in advance during peak periods to guarantee availability. You can book your lift ticket online or contact us for assistance.
CAN I USE THE SKI LIFT WITHOUT SKIS?
No, you cannot use the ski lift without skis. The ski lift is only for skiers and snowboarders.
WHAT IS THE COST OF A LIFT TICKET AT BEN LOMOND ALPINE RESORT?
The cost of a lift ticket at Ben Lomond Alpine Resort varies depending on the duration of your visit and the time of year. You can check our website for the latest pricing information or contact us for more details.
You can book your lift ticket online or contact us for assistance.
IS THERE SOMEWHERE TO WARM UP?
Yes, there are a number of places to warm up on Ben Lomond. The newly built day shelter opens for 2023 providing a place to warm up and eat.
There is also a firepit at the BASE where you can warm up with a drink after skiing.
CAN I BRING MY OWN EQUIPMENT TO BEN LOMOND ALPINE RESORT?
Yes, you can bring your own skiing or snowboarding equipment to Ben Lomond Alpine Resort.
Forgot something? At our BASE, you can hire equipment including boots, board, skis, clothing and helmets, or buy items like gloves, buffs and socks.
SUMMER FAQS
WHAT AMENITIES ARE AVAILABLE AT BEN LOMOND ALPINE RESORT DURING SUMMER?
During summer the Ben Lomond Alpine Resort lifts and Ticket Office, along with most of the ski village are closed. The public toilets and day shelter are open year-round.
Ben Lomond Alpine Resort’s BASE at the foothills of Ben Lomond, operates on reduced opening hours during summer. The café and retail store will be open on weekends. Along with food and drink you’ll also be able to purchase your compulsory national parks passes from the venue.
DO I NEED CAR CHAINS TO ACCESS BEN LOMOND IN SUMMER?
No, it is only mandatory to carry chains between June and September.
IS ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE AT BEN LOMOND DURING SUMMER?
Ben Lomond National Park has a lovely campsite several kilometres before the summit, complete with a toilet, drinking water and lookout.
The lodges on Ben Lomond’s summit are run by various ski clubs, most of which are closed during summer. Find out more.