As the nights draw in and the Ugg boots replace thongs, it's easy to succumb to the winter blues. But although winter can be a chore, it comes with one massive bonus: the ski season. And the snow dumps have been substantial already!

If you're pondering where to play in the white stuff this winter, here are a few pointers to help you plan the perfect seasonal break...

Which resort?

Normally associated with beach bunnies and suntan oil, Australia hasn't traditionally enjoyed a reputation as a world-class ski and snowboard destination. Surprisingly though, there are a number of good resorts:

NSW

Thredbo: situated in the heart of the Snowy Mountains, Thredbo is one of the most popular NSW resorts. Although it gets busy, there are around 480 hectares of rideable terrain, ranging from the beginner-friendly to hardcore black diamond runs. A fast, modern lift system makes skiing easy and the centralised, alpine village lends the place an almost European charm. Thredbo's slopes have been open for a couple of weeks now to let eager beavers take advantage of some early snowfalls. Visit Thredbo's websitefor further info or call (02) 6459 4100.

Selwyn Snowfields: one of the newer NSW resorts, located at the northern end of the Kosciuszko National Park, Selwyn is a self proclaimed family-friendly resort. It's possibly suited more to beginners and those not overly keen to sell vital organs in order to finance their winter break. Check Selwyn Snowfields website or call (02) 6454 9488 for additional info.

Perisher Blue: made up of seven mountain peaks including the Perisher Valley, Mt Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes and Guthega, Perisher has 49 lifts and is Australia's largest ski resort. The 2009 season began on June 12th, and the resort has spent $19 million on a snowmaking expansion, so the runs should be looking good. With around 1600 hectares of snow-covered terrain, there's an impressive variety of alpine runs from which to choose. Check Perisher Blue's website or call 1300 655 811 for bookings and general info.

Victoria

Mt Buller: situated in the heart of Victoria's high country, Mt Buller is an easy three-hour drive from Melbourne. The resort launched a new superfast six-seater chair lift in 2008. There's around 18km of resort trails and 74 hectares of snow-making coverage at Buller. The resort opened on 12th June, and is currently boasting of the 'best start to the season since 2000' so this might be the year to get an early ski holiday in before the crowds arrive. Check Mt Buller's website or call (03) 5777 7800 for resort info.

Falls Creek: another family-friendly resort, Falls Creek is Victoria's largest. There are some excellent runs on the Bogong High Plains in particular. You can ski directly from your lodge to the lifts and vice versa and there's an enjoyable maze area for advanced skiers/boarders. Falls is probably the best resort in the country for terrain parks. It's proclaiming 'great snow, no queues' at season opening, which sounds good to us, and their specials are quite tempting too. Check Falls Creek's website or call (03) 5758 3224.

Mount Hotham: known as the powder capital, Mount Hotham enjoys some of the better annual snowfall rates in Victoria. There are 13 lifts (some walking is necessary), around 80 downhill runs and some reasonably challenging cross-country skiing. Early snowfalls have also happened here, with all lifts expected to be open over the next week or so. Further details at Mount Hotham's website or call (03) 5759 3550.

Tasmania

Ben Lomond: this 165sq km national park is Tasmania's premier ski resort, with a good range of facilities on offer. It's only a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Hobart or one hour from Launceston. And while the infrastructure may not compare to Perisher Blue for instance, it's still considerably cheaper to ski here than on the mainland. Check Ben Lomond's web pageat ski.com.au to see how the snow is coming along.

Snow conditions/weather

Most resorts in mainland Oz have had a bumper start to the season, with early snowfalls the best in nine years. For frequently updated weather info on all Australian resorts, visit ski.com.au

Après ski

For some, the after-ski shenanigans are every bit as important as the skiing itself. Whether it's dancing in your ski boots and knocking back the gluhwein , just kicking back with mates round a roaring log fire, or cracking open a cold beer in the hot tub, there are plenty of options after coming off the mountain:

Snow tubing/tobogganing: these are great activities to keep the kids happy. Most adults love scooting along perched on an inner tube as well. Prices for snow tubing are from $18 for half an hour at Falls Creek. For details on Perisher Blue 'Tube Town' snow tube park, visit Perisher Blue's website

Snowmobile tours: available at Falls Creek; you can double up with a friend or hire a guide to see stunning back country at speed. Costs from $115 per driver and $65 per passenger. Visit Falls Creek's website or call the activities hotline on 1800 20 44 24.

Shopping: much to the relief of husbands throughout the country, the shopping scene in Australia doesn't really compare with many European or North American resorts. However, the likes of Perisher and Thredbo have a few good boutiques worth browsing.

Snowshoeing tours: resembling old school tennis racquets, snow shoes are a great way to explore the back country while breathing in the fresh alpine air. Some tours offer story-telling guides. If you're heading to Mount Buller, get in touch with the Snowshoe Guru, who offers walks of anything between one hour and a whole day.