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snowtime P erisher, Mt Buller, Thredbo. It's like "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia." Among Australia's ski resorts, it's always the larger ones that nab all the attention. They're the popular kids of the (literally) cool school, and being part of the gang is often an expensive friendship ($106 lift pass, anyone?). In their shadows, however, you'll find a series of quiet achievers. Get acquainted and you'll discover they sport different personalities that are individual, unique and sometimes downright quirky. True, they're not for everyone, but if you're open to swapping high-speed chairlifts for low-speed Pomas, and gloss for character, as well as grooming a ski-slope-sized hunk from your holiday bill, skiing along the path less taken may be just the ticket to ride. This season, ski-test the following resorts that are flying under the radar. Snowbound: Charlotte Pass Charlotte Pass is hands-down the ultimate underrated ski area. This snowbound resort near Australia's highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko, is a winter wonderland where roads are ski runs, cars are snowcats, and five minutes in the lift queue is considered peak hour. Most people don't make it to Charlotte Pass, blinded by Perisher's bright lights en route. However, you'll be rewarded if you continue 45 minutes by snowcat to a secret valley dotted with a handful of lodges that are anchored by the majestic, recently refurbished Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel, which was built in 1930. Off-piste riders love Charlotte Pass for its easy access to the wild Main Range. Families are lured by the in-bowl skiing (five lifts, including a chairlift, accessing 50 hectares) and the community vibe. By week's end, the lift operator knows your name – it's the ski version of the sitcom Cheers. As for the skiing, hike to the challenging Kangaroo Ridge Cornice and Guthrie's Chutes, or ski the milder inbound slopes. If you began skiing at Charlotte Pass as an ankle biter, don't be surprised to find yourself returning 30 years later with your own children. It's that kind of place. "It's a winter wonderland where roads are ski runs … and five minutes in the lift queue is considered peak hour." Round-up Get there Oversnow transport operates from the Perisher Valley Skitube Terminal. Stay Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel is the ultimate for a romantic getaway and offers great packages. Most lodges accept non-member bookings and some are self-catered. Eat & drink Arches Restaurant (Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel) and Stillwell Lodge Restaurant offer à la carte dinner menus. Explore Take High Tea daily at Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel. Enter the kids in the Weekly Flare Run (they get to keep the flare). Events and activities at the Charlotte Pass Winter Festival (August 18–24, 2013) include the outdoor ice bar, road gap jump, free tubin' Tuesday, masked party, wine-tasting lunch, standard race, fireworks, daily barbecue, live music and children's entertainment. More info www.charlottepass.com.au 23