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About this place
The Snowy Mountains in winter are pure magic — Perisher, Thredbo, and Mount Blue offer ski runs from beginner-friendly to advanced terrain. Australia's highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko (2,228m), is accessible by chairlift from Perisher and offers stunning views in any season. In summer the same slopes become hiking trails through alpine wildflowers.
Highlights
Skiing & snowboarding at Perisher
Mount Kosciuszko summit walk
Thredbo mountain biking
Summer wildflower hikes
Attractions
What to see, how long to spend, and roughly what it costs.
Perisher or Thredbo ski day
Full dayFrom $200 AUD (lift + lesson + gear)
Australia's two largest ski resorts — Perisher is the larger, Thredbo's village has the more European feel. Full-day lift + lesson + gear packages start around $200 AUD for adults in peak season.
Mount Kosciuszko summit walk
4–5 hrs (return)From $36 AUD (lift ticket; otherwise walk up)
Australia's highest peak at 2,228m — 13km return from the Thredbo top station, mostly metal walkway, accessible to anyone in good hiking shoes. Best Dec–Feb once the snow melts.
Yarrangobilly River thermal pool
2–3 hrs (incl. walk)Free
A natural thermal spring set into a limestone canyon in Kosciuszko National Park — 27°C year-round, 30min walk down a forest trail from the parking area. Combine with the Snowy drive-home stop.
How to get there
**By car:** The classic Snowy journey. Take the M5/M7 west out of Sydney, then the Hume Highway (M31) toward Goulburn, then the Snowy Mountains Highway through Cooma to Jindabyne. Total drive time is about 5–6 hours without stops. In ski season (Jun–Sep), snow chains may be required — check the NSW Live Traffic app before departing. The road to Perisher is steep and winding for the last 30km. Parking at the resort is $40–$50 per day in peak season. **By air:** Fly from Sydney to Cooma Airport (1 hour, Rex Airlines from $200 AUD return). From Cooma, shuttle buses run to Jindabyne, Perisher, and Thredbo (1 hour, ~$40 AUD). Book the shuttle in advance — it fills up during ski season. **By tour bus:** Overnight coach services run from Sydney to Jindabyne (7–8 hours), departing around 10pm and arriving at 6am. This saves a night's accommodation but you arrive tired. The Snowy Express is the most reliable option.
Best time to visit
**Winter (Jun–Aug):** Peak ski season. Perisher and Thredbo are in full operation — the best snow conditions are usually July–August. Expect cold temperatures (-5°C to 5°C), busy slopes, and premium accommodation prices. Book lift tickets and lessons online weeks ahead for the best rates. **Spring (Sep–Oct):** Spring skiing! September can still have excellent snow on the upper slopes, with warmer temps and longer days. The Perisher Blue Cow season often extends through October long weekend. Fewer crowds, cheaper accommodation. **Summer (Dec–Feb):** The mountains transform into hiking paradise. Mount Kosciuszko summit walk, wildflower hikes, mountain biking at Thredbo, and the Yarrangobilly thermal pools. Warm days (20–30°C) and cool nights. No crowds on the trails. **Autumn (Mar–May):** The quietest season. The landscape is beautiful with autumn colours, perfect for photography. Many resort facilities are closed or limited between seasons. Best for experienced hikers who want solitude.
Top things to do
1. Ski or snowboard at Perisher
Australia's largest ski resort — 1,250 hectares of terrain across four interconnected villages (Perisher Valley, Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes, Guthega). Over 50 lifts and 100+ runs from beginner to expert. The backcountry access via the backcountry gates is world-class.
2. Ski or snowboard at Thredbo
A smaller resort with Australia's longest run (5.9km from the top of Karel's T-bar to Friday Flat). The village has a genuine alpine feel with après-ski pubs and restaurants. Better for intermediates and experts.
3. Summit Mount Kosciuszko
Australia's highest peak at 2,228m. The easiest route is 13km return from the Thredbo top station via the Kosciuszko Walk — a metal walkway that's accessible to anyone with reasonable fitness. Allow 4–5 hours. The views are life-list material.
4. Soak in the Yarrangobilly thermal pools
A natural thermal pool in a limestone canyon — 27°C year-round, surrounded by snow gums. It's a 30-minute walk downhill from the carpark (20 minutes back up — the walk home is the workout). Combine with a picnic and a drive through the Snowy.
5. Mountain bike at Thredbo in summer
Thredbo's chairlift-served downhill mountain bike trails are among Australia's best — from flowy green runs to black diamond single-track. Bike hire and armour available on-site. The scenic chairlift ride up is worth it even for non-riders.
6. Cross-country ski at Selwyn Snow Resort
Selwyn is the Snowies' best-kept secret for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing — gentle terrain, fewer crowds, and a fraction of the cost of Perisher/Thredbo. About 40 minutes from Jindabyne. Lessons available for beginners.
7. Drive the Snowy Mountains Scenic Loop
A full-day road trip loop from Jindabyne through Thredbo, down to Khancoban, across to Cabramurra, and back via Tumut. Alpine scenery, glacial lakes, and historic hydro-electric tunnels. Best in autumn for the poplar colours.
Pro tips
Skip the ski rental at the resort — hire in Jindabyne
Jindabyne has a dozen ski hire shops that are 30–50% cheaper than resort-side rental counters. Rhyme and Rhythm, Ski'n'Skate, and Sundance are all well-reviewed. You'll save $50–$80 AUD per day for a full kit.
Check the weather obsessively
The Snowy Mountains weather changes fast — a sunny morning can turn into a whiteout by lunch. Check the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecast for the alpine region, not just Jindabyne. The mountain cams on the resort websites are the most reliable real-time view.
Pack chains in winter even if you have AWD
NSW Police can close the road to Perisher to any vehicle not carrying chains, regardless of tyres. Snow chains cost about $60 to buy and can be rented from Jindabyne servo for $30/day. The fine for driving without them when required is $2,300.
The best coffee in the Snowies
Wildbrumby Distillery on the way to Thredbo has a schnapps distillery, a café with excellent coffee, and the best schnapps tasting board in the region. It's the perfect last stop before heading back to Sydney.
Plan your trip
How many days do I need in Snowy Mountains?
3–7 days (weekend for skiing, week for hiking)
When is the best time to visit Snowy Mountains?
Jun–Sep (ski season); Dec–Feb (summer hiking)
How do I get to Snowy Mountains from Sydney?
Drive from Sydney (6hrs) or fly to Cooma, then shuttle to Perisher/Thredbo.
Getting there
Drive from Sydney (6hrs) or fly to Cooma, then shuttle to Perisher/Thredbo.
Best time to visit
Jun–Sep (ski season); Dec–Feb (summer hiking)
Suggested stay
3–7 days (weekend for skiing, week for hiking)
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