Ski Down Under in 2027

The Worldloppet circuit is made up of 19 races around the world on five continents. Nearly all take place in the northern hemisphere during our chilly winter months. Two events, however, are a little outside of the norm and promise skiers a truly unforgettable experience: the Kangaroo Hoppet in Australia and the Merino Muster in New Zealand, both of which take place during the peak of the southern hemisphere’s winter season every August. Lumi runs trips to both of these far-flung races, offering skiers the chance to participate in two of the most unique ski marathons in the world. Read on to learn more about each destination and what makes them such a draw for skiers from around the world.

Ski to your heart's content on Snow Farm's groomed trails

Exploring the Trails of Falls Creek, Australia

Australia’s nordic skiing destination of choice is Falls Creek, deep in the country’s southeastern interior. Dense forests full of tropical plants and animals carpet the region, including the country’s most famous marsupial, the kangaroo. These mammals can be found almost everywhere on your journey through Australia, with the exception of the trails themselves at Falls Creek, high above the valleys below. Although the nearby community of Mount Beauty boasts a relatively lofty name, in reality the town is located at around 360m (1200’) in elevation – far below Falls Creek, which sits at over 1600m (5200’). For comparison, that’s nearly the same elevation as Seiser Alm in Italy and the Engadin Valley in Switzerland.

Spend time in the coastal city of Melbourne before your trip

Falls Creek’s high elevation makes it a winter sports hotspot in this otherwise warm region. Trails for both downhill and nordic skiing take full advantage of the snowfall at altitude. Lodging here is ski-in, ski-out, similar to Silverstar in Canada, making it easy to explore the trails at your leisure before returning to your hotel to relax.

Be on the lookout for Australia's most reputable creature during your visit

One of the most unique aspects of skiing at Falls Creek are the beautiful, twisted snow gum trees that thrive along the trails. Snow gum are the hardiest of all Eucalyptus trees and are important species on Australia’s highest plateaus. As their name suggests, they do well in snowy conditions and are totally unlike the conifers typically found near nordic trails in the northern hemisphere. At lower altitudes throughout the region, towering mountain ash or swamp gum trees can reach heights of over 90m (300’), contrasting the more stunted stature of the snow-hardy trees higher up the mountains. It’s a landscape totally unlike anywhere you’ve skied before.

Ski beneath the Snow Gum trees at Falls Creek, Australia

Discovering Snow Farm, New Zealand

Across the Tasman Sea on New Zealand’s south island are the nation’s only cross-country ski trails: the appropriately named Snow Farm. Located between the communities of Queenstown and Wānaka, Snow Farm’s high elevation and open plateau make it the perfect place to explore over 55 km of trails for skiers of all abilities. The views of the surrounding landscape are extensive, especially given the trails sit at over 1500m (4900’) in elevation, high above the Cardrona Valley below. In a nation full of adventure, Snow Farm is a nordic skiers paradise.

Enjoy views of Lake Wānaka from atop the plateau

Explore New Zealand's only cross-country ski trails at Snow Farm

Lumi’s lodging on our Merino Muster trip to Snow Farm is located in the community of Wānaka, a short drive to the north. Our lakeside location is a stone’s throw from the famous Wānaka Willow Tree, a solitary tree that grows in the shallow waters along the shoreline. Although the willow may not have the stature or snow-tolerance that Australia’s gum trees do, few individual trees on Earth are as celebrated as this single, scenic tree. After exploring Wānaka’s quiet downtown, join the group for a visit to a nearby winery and distillery in Cardrona to taste some of the region’s best spirits.

The Wānaka Willow tree, one of New Zealand's most cherished trees

Get a taste for New Zealand's cuisine at our lakeside accommodations

Worldloppet Skiing: The Hoppet & Muster

For those collecting stamps in their Worldloppet Passports, few are more coveted than those earned by skiing Australia’s Kangaroo Hoppet and New Zealand’s Merino Muster. Taking place on back-to-back weekends each August, the Hoppet and Muster give skiers the chance to mingle on the race course with local nordic aficionados and visitors from around the world. Neither race is very big, but what they lack in long starting lists they make up for with a friendly atmosphere. Most importantly, skiers are here to have fun. Who knows, maybe you’ll run into Olympic and World Cup champions on the course: Jessie Diggins won the 2022 Hoppet, while Julia Kern often trains at Snow Farm in August.

Participate in Australia's Kangaroo Hoppet next August

If skiing down under has been on your bucket list, Lumi is taking reservations for our 2027 Kangaroo Hoppet and Merino Muster trips. Spend two weeks exploring these two nations and skiing some of the most exotic nordic trails in the world. Space is limited; reach out to reservations@lumiexperiences.com to receive a detailed itinerary or to reserve your spot. Save $300/person when you reserve your spot before October 31.

See you on the trail,

Garrott Kuzzy

garrott@lumiexperiences.com