It introduced the Snow Play area, where tobogganing was previously allowed, in 2014.

The resort said the use of tobogganing and "miscellaneous snow sliding equipment" at the snowfield had increased risk of a collision with another sled, vehicle, skier or snowboarder; loss of control of the equipment; falling off of the equipment, and collision with natural and man-made objects.

In an email to property owners and sub-lessees, supplied to Fairfax Media, Kosciuszko Thredbo said it had "seen an increase in accidents and incidents directly related to toboggans over the last few years" and it made the decision to "impose a blanket prohibition across the entire resort".

Fairfax Media has approached Thredbo and Perisher for more information about the decision and what prompted the ban.

Perisher's website says tobogganing can only be done on a designated slope, however, when asked about Thredbo's ban, a spokesman directed Fairfax to another page that says "Tobogganing is currently not available at Perisher. Toboggans are prohibited on all Perisher ski slopes. Tobogganing is dangerous and involves inherent risks."

For families who wish to find a snowfield that still allows tobogganing, Selwyen Snow Resort and Corin Forest in the Tidbinbilla Range in the ACT, both have their own designated toboggan fields.

Corin Forest managing director Dane Liepins said he had no plans to ban tobogganing as it was "the best way to introduce snow to first timers".

"I believe snowplay [tobogganing] is an inseparable part of the Australian snow experience, as snow is so rare in this country," Mr Liepins said.

"Our aim is to take first timers and convert them into lifelong snow lovers, who will progress to skiing and snowboarding. Without snowplay, this would be a very difficult task."

He said strict rules were in place to ensure the safety of staff and patrons.

"We are the first snow area in Australia to have a mandatory helmet policy for skiing and snowboarding, and believe that we have set the standard for snowplay safety."