From the Snowy Mountains to the Swiss Alps: The Global Ski Pass That Opens New Door

Australians planning their next alpine adventure may soon find themselves gazing across the peaks of the Swiss Alps. Verbier 4 Vallées — Switzerland’s premier ski region with sweeping views of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc — has just become more accessible than ever for local snow lovers.

From high-altitude bowls to off-piste playgrounds, Verbier is famed for its European glamour and world-class terrain.

nd now, for the first time, select Australian travellers will have five consecutive days of access included in their ski season pass — a significant new addition that’s quietly redefining what it means to plan a winter holiday from the Southern Hemisphere.

The inclusion of Verbier joins an already expansive list of global destinations that Australians can tap into with one pass: Whistler Blackcomb in Canada, Hakuba Valley and Rusutsu Resort in Japan, Vail and Park City in the U.S., and the Australian favourites of Perisher, Falls Creek and Hotham.

For those who ski regularly — either locally or abroad — it’s a compelling offering. Not only does the pass cover a vast network of mountains, it comes with perks tailored to travellers: discounts on accommodation, lessons, rentals, dining and more, both in Australia and overseas.

And for more occasional skiers and snowboarders, a new four-day pass has been introduced for use at Perisher, Falls Creek and Hotham. It’s a flexible, lower-commitment option that still brings notable savings compared to single-day lift tickets.

Behind the scenes, this expansion signals a broader shift in the way Australians are approaching winter travel — seeking out global access, exclusive experiences, and curated benefits in place of one-size-fits-all ski trips. As European and North American resorts prepare for a strong northern season, and Australian slopes look to an early winter, timing and access are once again everything.

The current prices are available until April, 23, after which they are expected to increase. But for those already planning ski holidays across multiple continents — or even just dreaming of a long weekend in the Snowy Mountains — it’s a move that puts the world’s most iconic slopes a little closer to home.

Italian fine wines are gaining momentum among Australian collectors and drinkers, with new data from showing a surge in interest driven by value, versatility and a new generation of producers.

Long dominated by France, the premium wine conversation is beginning to shift, with Italy increasingly positioned as a compelling alternative for both drinking and collecting.

According to Langtons, the category is benefiting from a combination of factors, including its breadth of styles, strong food affinity and more accessible price points compared to traditional European benchmarks.

“Italy has always offered fine wine fans an incredible range of wines with finesse, nuance, expression of terroir, ageability, rarity, and heritage,” said Langtons General Manager Tamara Grischy.

“There’s no doubt the Italian wine category is gaining momentum in 2026… While the French have long dominated the fine wine space in Australia, we’re seeing Italy become a strong contender as the go-to for both drinking and collecting.”

The shift is being reinforced by changing consumer preferences, with Langtons reporting increased demand for indigenous Italian varieties and lighter, food-first styles such as Nerello Mascalese from Etna and modern Chianti Classico.

This aligns with the broader rise of Mediterranean-style dining in Australia, where wines are expected to complement a wider range of dishes rather than dominate them.

Langtons buyer Zach Nelson said the category’s versatility is central to its appeal.

“Italian wines often have a distinct, savoury edge making them an ideal pairing for a variety of cuisines,” he said.

The move towards Italian wines also comes as prices for traditional French regions continue to climb, particularly in Burgundy, prompting collectors to look elsewhere for value without compromising on quality.

Italy’s key regions, including Piedmont and Etna, are increasingly seen as offering that balance, with premium wines available at comparatively accessible price points.

Nelson said value is now a defining factor for buyers in 2026.

“Value is the key driver for Australian fine wine consumers… Italian wines are offering exactly that at an impressive array of price points to suit any budget,” he said.

The category is also proving attractive for newer collectors, offering what Langtons describes as “accessible prestige” and a more open entry point compared to the exclusivity often associated with Bordeaux.

Wines such as Brunello di Montalcino and Nebbiolo-based expressions are increasingly being positioned as entry points into cellar-worthy collections, combining ageability with relative affordability.

At the same time, a new generation of Italian producers is reshaping the category, moving away from heavier, oak-driven styles towards wines that emphasise site expression and vibrancy.

“There’s definitely a ‘new guard’ of Italian winemaking… stripping away the makeup… to let the raw, vibrating energy of the site speak,” Nelson said.

Langtons is also expanding its offering in the category, including exclusive access to wines from family-owned producer Boroli, alongside a broader selection spanning Piedmont, Veneto, Sicily and Tuscany.

The company will showcase the category further at its upcoming Italian Collection Masterclass and Tasting in Sydney, featuring more than 50 wines from 23 producers across four key regions.

For collectors and drinkers alike, the message is clear: Italy may have been overlooked, but it is no longer under the radar.

From the Snowy Mountains to the Swiss Alps: The Global Ski Pass That Opens New Door

Access to Verbier’s iconic slopes is now included in a pass that already unlocks 75 of the world’s top resorts — and Australians are quietly taking notice.

Italian wines are emerging as a serious contender for Australian collectors, offering depth, rarity and value as French benchmarks continue to climb.