Rachael Oakes-Ash hits the slopes of Charlotte Pass to see how it rates in 2011.
Best for: Families and social skiers who like their snow experience to be intimate.

Where is it: Half an hour by over-snow transport from Perisher (see previous page).
Total skiable area: 50 hectares. 
Number of lifts: 6.
Number of runs: This boutique resort features 209 metres of vertical drop and 35 open runs divided into 30 per cent beginner, 50 per cent intermediate and 20 per cent advanced.
Lift pass prices: Adult $93; child $56 (includes transport from Perisher).
Why this resort has always rocked: The club-like feel of Charlotte Pass has always made this resort a winner. Most guests stay in the Chalet, which offers barbecue lunches in the sun, nightly drinks to meet fellow guests and a disco. There’s no big commercial ski-resort hype, just good food, big smiles and nice slopes. Advanced skiers will be bored but the resort has launched back-country ski days into untracked steep and deep runs.
What’s new?
* Guests receive a free kids’ ski pass with every adult lift ticket purchased between June 24 and July 1 and between September 11 and 19. 
* Beginner skiers will love the new magic-carpet ski lift and everyone will love the new over-snow transport vehicle from Perisher to Charlotte Pass.  
* A new groomer tour launches this season for guests wanting the inside action on how the resort gets groomed each night.
Event of the season: The Winter Festival, August 21-27, includes flare runs, fireworks, an outdoor ice bar, free snow-tubing and a road-gap jump for the daring.
The details: www.charlottepass.com.au; (02) 6457 5247.
 
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