Sounds like Oz is the place to be.. I actually did the same thing. After two years in whistler and a torn ligament in my ankle i decided to head out to Oz just after Christmas. Now look at whistler.. its puking! Oh well. I hear the parks aren't half bad out here but i'm hearing snowpark in nz is where its at. After a shitty season last year, this year should be pretty epic.
just thank your lucky stars your not living in shepparton like me!