The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Snowy Mountains

  • All Ages

The sun has officially set on summer but instead of wallowing in the SADS, there’s no better time to put the wheels in motion and organise the perfect family-friendly holiday to the Snowy Mountains.

The time-consuming admin involved in researching a ski holiday can often put a pin in plans, so we’ve pulled together a comprehensive guide to take the guesswork out for you, covering all things Snowy Mountains and Snowy Mountains accommodation. Now all you’ll have to do is decide which pair of fetching thermal underwear to pack for your holiday!

Guide to Visiting the Snowy Mountains in NSW

Visiting the Snowy Mountains
Known as the Australian Alps, the Snowy Mountains are a must-visit region of the country.


Where are the Snowy Mountains & How to Get There

The Snowy Mountains are in NSW, edging on the Victorian border and part of the Great Dividing Range, which sprawls along the east coast of Australia.

Home to the tallest mountain in the country, Mt Kosciuszko, the Snowy Mountains has long been a popular destination for thrillseekers, mountaineers, and the apres-ski lovers amongst us. 

There are a number of ways to get to the main ski resorts in Thredbo and Perisher depending on which mode of transport takes your fancy. 

There are three surrounding airports:

  • Snowy Mountains Airport - a one-hour drive to the ski resorts.
  • Canberra Airport - just over two hours drive to the ski resorts.
  • Wagga Wagga Airport - a three-hour drive to the ski resorts.

If you’re coming from Sydney, your best bet might be to pack the family into the car, make sure the iPads are fully charged and choof off down the M31 for the six-hour journey.

RELATED:
Top 10 Tips for Taking Kids to the Snow for the First Time

Snowy Mountains Weather 

Visiting the Snowy Mountains
Winter is the best time to make the most of the snow-capped Snowy Mountains.


Given the lush bushland surroundings, the Snowy Mountains are beautiful year-round but to make the most of the snowy peaks, you can’t go past visiting in winter.

Thanks to Australia’s tropically-influenced climate, we aren’t blessed with lengthy snow seasons, and this year things will officially kick off in Perisher and Thredbo on Saturday 10 June and run until the end of the October long weekend. However, you’ll find the best snow during the peak months of July and August—so if you’re planning on heading during the July school holidays we suggest booking sooner rather than later!

Best Things to do in the Snowy Mountains

Visiting the Snowy Mountains
Skiing in the Snowy Mountains.


Skiing & Snowboarding

The main event! You really can’t travel to the Snowy Mountains without popping on a ski boot or strapping on the snowboard and swishing down the slopes.

We might never truly get to the bottom of which ski resort is better - Perisher or Thredbo? Both have their advantages. Many will say Perisher is the most skiable location with more runs and lifts, and others will argue that Thredbo has a better atmosphere with plenty of options for dining and apres ski activities.

Prices for lift passes start at $10 per day for kids under four and go up to $169 per day for adults - our hot tip is to get online and purchase them well in advance to avoid missing out.

Merritts Gondola

Visiting the Snowy Mountains
Soak up the view on the ever-memorable Merritts Gondola.


One of the best ways to take in the full scope of the dramatic valley is to take a ride on the newly updated high-speed, eight-person Merritts Gondola. Fly above the slopes and once at the top, you can enjoy a traditional Bavarian meal with all the après trimmings at Merritts Mountain House.

Rock Creek Snowshoe Track

If you’d like to swap out the skis one day, then why not consider strapping on a pair of snowshoes and exploring the wonders of Rock Creek in the Kosciuszko National Park?

The three-kilometre loop is considered easy enough for beginners to navigate with signs and yellow markers leading you through untouched snow and back to Perisher Village.

Snowy Mountains Accommodation

Visiting the Snowy Mountains
Thredbo Alpine Hotel


Accommodation in Thredbo

Thredbo Alpine Hotel

Stay For: beautiful wood-panelled rooms and a great atmosphere right in the heart of Thredbo.

Cost: Peak Season Loft rooms start at $530 per night.

Boali Lodge

Stay For: a modern take on lodging accommodation, fully catered with 3 meals a day and a kids' room.

Cost: Peak Season Adults $280, Children Under 14 $180 and Infants $10 per night.

Fire Dreaming

Fire Dreaming Snowy Mountains
A winter wonderland awaits at the beautiful Fire Dreaming in Thredbo.


Stay For: living like a European heiress in this bougie 5-bedroom Colorado-style ski chalet featuring an outdoor spa and open wall rock fireplace.

Cost: Peak Season approx $2,000 per night.

Accommodation in Perisher

Boonoona Ski Lodge
Boonoona Ski Lodge


The Man From Snowy River Hotel

Stay For: Perisher’s largest hotel with an iconic name to fit the grand status of the property and their evening kids club.

Cost: Peak Season Family Suites approx $1,700 per night including breakfast.

Mountain View Chalet at Heidi’s

Stay For: a humble six-sleeper self-contained apartment right at the foot of popular ski run Smiggins.

Cost: Peak Season starts at $780 per night

Boonoona Ski Lodge

Stay For: a picturesque lodge that looks like it was plucked from the mountains of Austria. Extra perks - kids lounge and unbridled views of the slopes.

Cost: Peak Season 2 night packages start at $750

Hero image: escape.com.au

More Snowy Reads

Skiing in New Zealand: The Top Resorts and Best Places for Families
Selwyn Snow Resort has Transformed into a Winter Wonderland
The Cosiest Winter Cabins in NSW


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