Snowy Mountains

Skiing the Snowy Mountains

Ski fields here are quite a distance away from the major cities and are typically busiest during the school holidays and weekends when the hordes come to experience snow for the first time. Skiing outside of these times is the best if you have the flexibility.

The region does not experience the same cold temperatures as neighboring New Zealand, so all skiing takes place at higher elevations where you are more exposed to the winds and lift closures can happen. But blue bird days follow storms and at this altitude they are glorious. Larger fields have invested heavily in snow making to offset warm seasons.

Snowy Mountains Ski Resorts

Perisher

The largest ski resort in not just Australia, but the Southern hemisphere. Perisher spans 5 peaks and has 5 distinct areas, each suited to different skill levels.

Thredbo

Known for having the Big 5 - the longest runs in Australia with the longest Supertrail at a thigh burning 3.7km. Daredevils can check out Balls to the Wall - a chute descent said to be the steepest. The village at the base is pretty happening with restaurants bars and shops.

Charlotte Pass

Charlotte Pass is the highest resort in Australia with its base located at an elevation of 1755m and much of the resort is an Alpine area. Because of this it also receives the most snow out of all Australian  resorts.

Selwyn Snow Resort

Selwyn is a smaller ski resort where beginners can take their first steps learning to ski & snowboard. They also have Australia’s largest toboggan area. Cheaper lift tickets means the resort is ideal for people that want to experience snow for the first time.

Getting to the Snowy Mountains

Due to the distance from major cities and the lack of trains servicing the area, most snow trippers will drive to the Snowy Mountains or take a coach bus service. Driving time is approximately 5 hours from Sydney and 2 hours from Canberra. During Winter, there is a daily Greyhound coach service from Sydney to Perisher and Thredbo with stops in Canberra, Cooma, Berridale, Jindabyne.

Transport to the Ski Resorts 

Perisher and Thredbo

Public Transport

In Winter, there is a cheap public coach service from Jindabyne with several pick up points in Jindabyne.

Shuttle Services

There are few operators offering private shuttle services between Jindabyne and the ski resorts. You can arrange to be picked up from your hotel or you can park & ride if you have on mountain accommodation. Good option for people who don’t want the hassle of driving in snowy conditions or having to put on chains. 

The Perisher Ski Tube

Perisher also has a train which connects Bullocks Flat to the resort via a tunnel through the mountains.

Charlottes Pass

Due to it’s elevation and high amounts of snow, the resort is unreachable by normal vehicles. You have to get on a Snow CAT Transport called an Over Snow to get there. They depart from Bullock Flats.

 Snowy Mountains Ski Shops & Rentals

Lots of choice here for purchasing or renting ski and snowboard gear. Some retailers have the latest high end models while some cater to beginners. Quality and age of rental items may vary so you might want to shop around.

What to eat in the Snowy Mountains

The area is known for gourmet meals drawing on the meat and trout raised in the region’s pristine environment. You should of course accompany meals with a glass of wine from a local cellar or craft beer from one of the Snowy Mountain brewers. Also, no Aussie road trip is complete without a stop over for a pie and coffee.

Where to Stay in the Snowy Mountains

One of the best things about a ski snowboard trip to the Snowy Mountains is staying on the slopes or at one of the villages at the resort base deep inside the mountainous landscape. There are outstanding lodges and apartments at Perisher, Thredbo and Charlottes pass which come at a premium. Another option is to stay at the nearby towns of Cooma and Jindabyne and either drive or book a shuttle up to the resort.

Things to do in the Snowy Mountains

The Snowies is a top holiday destination for Australians and there are lots of events and festivals. For those who want to get away from the crowds, there walks and hikes to lookouts where you can take in the grand vistas.