The Snowy Mountains of New South Wales are home to Australia’s best skiing and snowboarding — with terrain ranging from gentle beginner slopes to long groomed cruisers, terrain parks, steep black runs and challenging advanced descents. Whether you’re planning a family ski holiday, learning to ski for the first time, or hunting for challenging black terrain, the Snowy Mountains have a resort to suit.
Jindabyne is the main gateway town for the ski resorts and the most popular base for a Snowy Mountains ski holiday — centrally located, with a wide range of holiday accommodation at a fraction of resort prices.
Which Ski Resorts Are in the Snowy Mountains?
The Snowy Mountains has four ski resorts, all within Kosciuszko National Park:
| Resort | Best For | Distance from Jindabyne | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thredbo | Long runs, intermediate–advanced, vertical descent | 35 min | Jun–Oct |
| Perisher | Terrain variety, families, all levels | 35 min via Skitube | Jun–Oct |
| Charlotte Pass | Intimate alpine experience, intermediate skiers | 55 min | Jun–Oct |
| Selwyn Snow Resort | Beginners, families, day trips | 90 min | Jun–Sep |
Many visitors staying in Jindabyne ski more than one resort during their trip — staying in Jindabyne gives you that flexibility without locking you into a single mountain.
Understanding Ski Run Ratings in Australia
Australian ski resorts classify marked runs according to difficulty. Ratings are relative to each resort — snow, grooming, wind and ice can also significantly change how a run feels on the day.
| Rating | Level | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| 🟢 Green | Beginner | Gentle gradients, designed for learning basic turning and stopping |
| 🔵 Blue | Intermediate | Steeper gradients, higher speeds, more varied terrain |
| ⚫ Black Diamond | Advanced | Steep gradients, bumps, narrow sections, ungroomed snow |
| ⚫⚫ Double Black | Expert | Very steep slopes, natural obstacles, variable or ungroomed conditions |
Always check the current resort trail map, lift status, snow report and mountain signage before heading out.
Perisher
Perisher is the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere, spanning four linked areas — Perisher Valley, Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes and Guthega — with 1,200+ hectares of skiable terrain and 47 lifts. It’s one of the most family-friendly resorts in Australia, with strong beginner and kids’ programs.
Most visitors staying in Jindabyne access Perisher via the Skitube — an underground train from Bullocks Flat that eliminates the need to drive or carry chains to the resort.
Is Perisher Good for Beginners?
Yes. Smiggin Holes is one of the best places in Australia to learn to ski or snowboard — gentler terrain, a relaxed atmosphere, and convenient access to the wider Perisher network as confidence grows. Popular beginner runs include:
- Perisher Home Trail — Green
- Copperhead Road — Green
- Discovery Trails — Green
- Winter Way — Green
Intermediate Skiing at Perisher
Intermediate skiers have an enormous amount of terrain available across the Perisher network. Popular intermediate areas include Front Valley, Mt Perisher, Pretty Valley, Blue Cow and Guthega. Recognised intermediate runs include:
- Pretty Valley Home Trail — Blue
- Shiftys — Blue
- Wylie’s — Blue
- Fall Line — Blue
- GS Bowl — Blue
More challenging intermediate terrain includes Wine Glass, Exhibition and Hypertrail.
Advanced Skiing at Perisher
Areas around Mt Perisher, Blue Cow and Guthega offer excellent advanced skiing when conditions allow. Inter Bumps is classified as Black Diamond terrain, and after significant natural snowfall experienced skiers can find a very different side of Perisher away from the main Front Valley area.
Where to Stay to Ski Perisher
Jindabyne is the most popular base for a Perisher ski holiday — offering a wide range of accommodation, restaurants and services while allowing you to travel to the resort each day. These Jindabyne properties are well positioned for a Perisher trip:
Thredbo
Thredbo offers the longest ski runs in Australia, with some of the country’s best vertical descent. The resort rises dramatically above a traditional alpine village, with its highest lifted point reaching approximately 2,037 metres.
Is Thredbo Good for Beginners?
Yes. Friday Flat is Thredbo’s dedicated beginner area — gentler terrain with beginner lift facilities and convenient access to Thredbo’s Snowsports School. It’s particularly suitable for families with mixed skiing abilities, allowing beginners to develop confidence before progressing to the main mountain.
Intermediate Skiing at Thredbo
Thredbo is particularly rewarding for confident intermediate skiers. The Cruiser area — accessed via the Merritts Gondola — is one of the most popular intermediate zones, offering longer groomed runs and a taste of the upper mountain’s scale.
Thredbo’s Big 5 Ski Runs
Thredbo’s Big 5 are five of the resort’s most famous long ski routes — one of the defining features of skiing at Thredbo:
| Run | Distance |
|---|---|
| Village Trail | ~5km |
| Cruiser to High Noon | ~5km |
| Supertrail | ~3.7km |
| World Cup | ~3.5km |
| Funnel Web | ~3.2km |
Note: The Big 5 routes incorporate terrain of varying difficulty and should not be treated as uniformly graded runs.
Advanced Skiing at Thredbo
Experienced skiers can explore areas including Golf Course Bowl, Central Spur, The Basin and Crackenback. Advanced runs include Funnel Web, World Cup, Lover’s Leap, Frank’s Face and Lennys Leap, among others. Check Thredbo’s current trail and lift status before entering advanced terrain — accessibility varies considerably with snow coverage and conditions.
Where to Stay to Ski Thredbo
Crackenback is the closest Jindabyne-area base to Thredbo — 15 minutes along the Alpine Way. Jindabyne is 35 minutes and gives you access to both Thredbo and Perisher. These properties are well positioned for a Thredbo ski trip:
Charlotte Pass
Charlotte Pass is Australia’s highest and most remote ski resort, accessible only by over-snow transport in winter. It offers a quieter, more intimate experience than Thredbo or Perisher, with runs that suit intermediate skiers and families wanting a less crowded environment.
Is Charlotte Pass Good for Beginners?
Yes. Charlotte Pass has several dedicated beginner trails, including Top of the World, Rex’s Ridge, Home Run, Waterfall, Easy Starter and Lucy’s Lane — giving new skiers more variety than a single learner slope.
Intermediate Runs at Charlotte Pass
Intermediate trails include Exhibition, Rocky Road, Kosi Coaster, Pulpit Cornice, Peggy’s Lane, The Pass and Little Josh. The compact nature of the resort makes it easy to become familiar with the mountain quickly.
Advanced Runs at Charlotte Pass
Despite its smaller size, Charlotte Pass offers a strong selection of advanced terrain — Avalanche, Elliott’s Edge, The Equaliser, Over The Edge, Sidewinder, Rollercoaster and Charlotte’s Web among them. Guthries Chutes is advanced hike-accessed terrain.
Those planning more than a day visit will need to arrange on-snow accommodation at Charlotte Pass directly.
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Selwyn Snow Resort
Selwyn is the most accessible and affordable of the Snowy Mountains resorts, located in the northern ranges around 90 minutes from Jindabyne. It’s best suited to families, beginners, and those making their first snow trip, with gentle terrain and a relaxed atmosphere.
Perisher vs Thredbo vs Charlotte Pass — Which Resort Is Best?
| Resort | Best For | Choose If… |
|---|---|---|
| Perisher | Terrain variety | You want enormous terrain variety, multiple resort zones, and extensive intermediate skiing |
| Thredbo | Long runs and vertical | You enjoy long descents, challenging terrain, and a lively alpine village |
| Charlotte Pass | Intimate alpine experience | You prefer a smaller, high-altitude resort with a quiet snowbound atmosphere |
| Selwyn | Beginners and families | You’re making a first snow trip or travelling with young children on a budget |
For many visitors, the best Snowy Mountains ski holiday includes more than one resort. Staying in Jindabyne gives you the flexibility to choose based on daily conditions.
Which Snowy Mountains Resort Is Best for Beginners?
Selwyn Snow Resort is the most beginner-friendly and affordable option. Perisher also has excellent beginner terrain at Smiggin Holes and a well-regarded ski school. Thredbo’s Friday Flat is a dedicated beginner area, and Charlotte Pass has multiple beginner trails. Thredbo’s main mountain suits intermediate to advanced skiers best.
When Does Ski Season Start in the Snowy Mountains?
The official ski season opens on the June long weekend (the King’s Birthday long weekend in NSW) and runs through to early October. Peak snowfall is typically in July and August. Snow conditions vary year to year — some seasons deliver heavy early snowfall, others build slowly through July.
Booking tip: July school holidays are the busiest and most expensive time to visit. Mid-week stays and the shoulder weeks of June and September offer better value with perfectly good snow conditions.
How Much Does a Ski Holiday in the Snowy Mountains Cost?
The biggest cost variables are accommodation, lift passes, and ski hire. Staying in Jindabyne rather than on-resort is the most effective way to reduce costs — accommodation is significantly cheaper, and you’re still within 35 minutes of Thredbo and Perisher.
Ski and snowboard hire is available in Jindabyne, Berridale and Cooma on your way through. Hiring gear before you reach the resort is cheaper than hiring at the mountain. Options include:
Cooma
Snowy Mountains Sports
Village Ski
Rhythm Snowsports
Berridale
Jindabyne
First Tracks Board Store
The Base Ski and Snowboard Centre
The Shed Ski Hire
Jindabyne Ski Hire
Do I Need Snow Chains in the Snowy Mountains?
Yes. Snow chains are compulsory on alpine roads between June and October. All vehicles must carry chains at all times in the alpine area and fit them when directed by road signs or Transport NSW staff. Chain hire is available in Jindabyne and Cooma. Check NSW Transport road conditions before you travel.
How to Get to the Snowy Mountains Ski Resorts
The main gateway town for all four ski resorts is Jindabyne, located in South Eastern NSW approximately 5 hours from Sydney and 2.5 hours from Canberra.
- From Sydney: approximately 5 hours via the Hume Highway and Snowy Mountains Highway through Cooma
- From Canberra: approximately 2.5 hours via the Monaro Highway through Cooma
- From Melbourne: approximately 6.5 hours via the Hume Highway
For a full overview of the region, visit our Snowy Mountains guide.
Where to Stay for a Snowy Mountains Ski Holiday
Jindabyne is the most popular and cost-effective base for skiing in the Snowy Mountains. It sits 35 minutes from both Thredbo and Perisher, with a wide range of holiday houses, apartments and chalets to suit every group size and budget.
2026 Winter Stays — Minimum Stay Special: For bookings in July and August, 2-night weekend stays and 3-night midweek stays are available. In June and September, minimum stay drops to 2 nights any day of the week. Learn more →
Search available ski accommodation →
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ski resorts in the Snowy Mountains NSW?
The Snowy Mountains has four ski resorts — Perisher, Thredbo, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn Snow Resort — all located within or near Kosciuszko National Park in South Eastern NSW.
Is Perisher or Thredbo better?
It depends on what you want. Perisher is best for sheer terrain variety and multiple interconnected ski areas. Thredbo is best for long runs, substantial vertical descent and its alpine village atmosphere. Many regular visitors ski both during the same stay.
Which resort is best for beginners?
Selwyn is the most affordable and beginner-friendly. Perisher’s Smiggin Holes and Thredbo’s Friday Flat are both excellent dedicated beginner areas. Charlotte Pass also has multiple beginner trails.
Which resort is best for intermediate skiers?
Both Perisher and Thredbo offer excellent intermediate skiing. Perisher provides enormous variety across Blue Cow, Mt Perisher and Guthega. Thredbo offers excellent longer intermediate descents, particularly through the Cruiser area.
Which resort has the longest ski runs?
Thredbo. Its Big 5 includes routes of up to approximately 5km, including Village Trail and Cruiser to High Noon.
Can you stay in Jindabyne and ski at Perisher?
Yes. Most Perisher visitors use the Skitube from Bullocks Flat — an underground train that eliminates the need to drive or carry chains to the resort. Jindabyne is approximately 35 minutes from Bullocks Flat.
Can you stay in Jindabyne and ski at Thredbo?
Yes. Thredbo is 35 minutes from Jindabyne via the Alpine Way. Many visitors based in Jindabyne choose to ski different resorts on different days depending on conditions.
Do I need snow chains to drive to the ski resorts?
Yes. Snow chains are compulsory on alpine roads between June and October. All vehicles must carry chains at all times and fit them when directed. Chain hire is available in Jindabyne and Cooma.
