It may surprise you that not only does it snow in Australia, but it snows enough to create some fantastic ski resorts. 16, in fact. However, if you’re based in Sydney and wondering where to ski in Australia, you’ll probably come across the two largest resorts in NSW, Perisher and Thredbo. They are within a short distance of another and are about a five-hour drive from Sydney or two from Canberra, or just 30 minutes from Jindabyne. If you’re trying to decide between Thredbo or Perisher, this guide should help.
Both resorts are located in the Snowy Mountains, part of Kosciuszko National Park. It’s one of the most rugged, wind-beaten, and spectacular parts of the country- an incredible place to visit in both winter and summer.
Even if you don’t ski or snowboard, visit for photography, relaxing, or wait until summer when there are lots of great bushwalks in the area.
Beyond winter sports, check out the wildlife in the area- it is as incredible as the snow. I probably saw hundreds of wallabies and kangaroos and even had the luck of seeing a wombat on the ski slopes. There are also emus in the area (I had no idea they lived in cold climates), so it would certainly be special to see an emu in the snow.
So, if you’re keen to ski, it might be hard to decide between Thredbo and Perisher, so here’s a breakdown and comparison of Australia’s most popular ski resorts in the Snowy Mountains.
Perisher or Thredbo?
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Having two ski resorts so close together can be a little confusing if you’re unsure which is best for you. However, the good news is that they are under an hour apart, so you could easily visit both if you have a few days. As a skier, I have mainly focused on skiing in this article, so, unfortunately, can’t provide too much input on snowboarding. However, there were just as many boarders as skiers at both resorts, so I’d say both are really popular choices if you snowboard.
Not a skier? Don’t worry! There is still lots to do in Thredbo if you don’t ski.
Perisher vs Thredbo for beginners, intermediate or advanced skiers or boarders
I’d consider myself an intermediate skier- although I’ve been doing it since I was a kid, and I love it, I am definitely not super advanced. I can make it down most runs, but it certainly won’t always be pretty.
After spending time at both resorts, it seemed to me like Thredbo ski resort is more challenging of the two. Some of the blue/intermediate runs were still pretty steep, while Perisher (to me) seemed a bit more cruisy, which is my kind of skiing. But, I know others prefer steep and deep.
However, I would encourage you to try both, if your time and budget allow, and then decide for yourself. I really liked both resorts a lot, but if I had to pick, I’d say I preferred the runs at Perisher but the atmosphere and village at Thredbo.
Both Thredbo and Perisher have magic carpets and space dedicated for beginners and families, with enough skiable areas to get a feel for the sport, if it’s your first time, before moving onto something bigger.
If you’re driving from Sydney, consider stopping off in Canberra for a night or two. Here’s some of our top recommendations for photo opps in Canberra, or pay a visit to Parliament House.
Does Perisher or Thredbo have a better ski village?
Thredbo takes this one, hands down. Thredbo village is really a classic little ski town, which was an unexpected find. If you’ve stayed in other ski villages around the world, like Vail, Aspen, or some of the European resorts, you’ll really enjoy Thredbo.
There’s something very satisfying after returning to the ski resort village after a hard day’s skiing, popping your skis and poles on the fence post, and relaxing by the fire with a cold beer. Thredbo does this perfectly, with fire pits, lively apres (but not too crazy), and a mix of ski shops, comfort food, and fine dining all within walking distance from the resort.
Perisher is still a fantastic place to stay, but just know that it doesn’t really have that ski village atmosphere that you get from Thredbo.
Perisher vs Thredbo for non-skiers
Thredbo is probably the best choice for non-skiers, thanks to the amenities in the village mentioned above. You could also try out snow tubing, cross country, sledding, stroll along the Thredbo River, or just enjoy a book by the fire.
Plus, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars, some shops, and even a day spa.
Which resort has the most runs?
When it comes to size, Perisher is a clear winner here. But, size isn’t everything- read on.
Here’s a breakdown to compare the two:
| Perisher | Thredbo | |
| Skiable acres | 3,080 acres | 1,186 acres |
| Lifts | 47 lifts | 14 lifts |
| Trails | 113 trails | 53 trails |
That’s not to say Thredbo is *too* small – as an intermediate skier, we skied all day and there is more than enough terrain to not double up on runs, unless by choice. In fact, Thredbo has Australia’s longest ski run, the Crackenback Supertrail. Having done it, it is 5.9km, and your thighs are likely to feel every minute of it…but there are certainly stunning views from the top!
Perisher is also spread out more- in addition to the main mountain, Perisher Valley, there is also Perisher North and Smiggin Holes. A complimentary shuttle runs all day between Perisher and Smiggin Holes, with a travel time of only a few minutes. If you’re like me, this also makes it easier to get lost, so always make sure you have a trail map in your pocket.
Both have plenty of black runs, terrain parks, and cross country ski trails too.
Which is cheaper, Thredbo or Perisher?
Unfortunately, skiing in Aus anywhere is not cheap. There are only a few resorts in the country, the ski season is short, and the companies involved (hotels, resorts, rentals) unfortunately don’t offer too many deals. Skiing is really popular, and people will pay whatever they charge- there’s not really any competition.
However, if you’re a skier or snowboarder already, you’re probably aware that it’s not a cheap sport.
Here’s a comparison between each ski resort, but the short version is that pricing is nearly identical between the two, so probably shouldn’t be your deciding factor when selecting a resort.
Note, prices are for the 2023 ski season but are subject to change.
| Thredbo | Perisher | |
| Adult, one-day lift pass | $189 AUD walk-up per day, or save 10-13% by booking online in advance | $202 AUD walk-up per day, online advance discounts also available |
| Season pass | Three options, Thredbo 365, Winter Premium, and Winter Base. Prices vary depending on pass and time of year booked (book at the end of season for next year to get the best price) | Epic pass– ‘The Epic Australia Pass is the best value season pass for Australians and connects Perisher, Falls Creek and Hotham with Whistler Blackcomb, Hakuba Valley and Rusutsu in Japan and the Best of the U.S including Park City, Vail, Breckenridge and more” |
| Multi-resort/international pass | Thredbo is part of the Mountain Collective “Mountain Collective includes Alta, Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Snowmass, Banff Sunshine, Big Sky, Coronet Peak/The Remarkables, Jackson Hole, Lake Louise, Mammoth Mountain, Niseko United, Revelstoke, Snowbird, Sugarbush, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Taos, and Thredbo, Mt Buller and Valle Nevado.”
Or, consider the similar Ikon pass |
See Epic pass above |
If you’re going to be skiing at least a few days in Australian and overseas, the Mountain Collective/Ikon or Epic pass are good value options, and again, offer discounts for advance purchase. They also tend to include discounts on additional skiers, rentals, retail and food outlets, and other perks.
How about renting ski clothes in Australia? If you’re thinking about renting equipment or even ski clothes, consider stopping at one of the huge rental shops in Cooma or Jindabyne, two towns you’ll pass along the drive.
We hired at Rhythm Snowsports in Cooma, and were really happy with the quality of the gear. The staff were incredibly helpful, and it’s literally the biggest warehouse of everything ski-related that I’ve ever come across.
Looking for more things to do in winter in Sydney, if you don’t have time to get to the snow?
Thredbo ski accommodation
As I stayed at Thredbo, not Perisher, I can’t recommend a specific hotel for Perisher Valley, but I can recommend an amazing, traditional hotel in Thredbo- Thredbo Alpine Hotel. It’s the best ski in ski out property in Thredbo (nearly), as you’re literally just a minute or two away from Friday Flat, the main meeting area, and the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift.
Although pricey (everything involving skiing in Australia is going to be disproportionately expensive, just accept it and budget in advance, so you know what to expect), but I loved this hotel for its Alpine charm- it really feels like you’re in Europe or North America, with a cosy feel, wooden decor, and large windows with views of the slopes.
There’s a great apres bar on site as well as a cocktail lounge, along with ski lockers, boot warmers, and complimentary valet parking. Breakfast was also included. I really liked it here and would definitely stay again.
Note, it does get booked up really quick in the ski season, so try to book well in advance if you can.
Click here to learn more or to read reviews of the Thredbo Alpine Hotel.
How to get between Perisher and Thredbo
Both resorts are situated inside of Kosciuszko National Park. This means, if you are driving in, you’ll need to pay the National Park entry fee, which is a rather steep $29 AUD per vehicle, per day, in the ski season (or $17 AUD the rest of the year). They’ll give you a permit sticker which must go on your car’s windshield as proof of payment.
If you are staying in Perisher Valley or Thredbo, there’s no way around this (plus the money goes to a good cause, the park!). However, if you’re staying in one of the Snowy Mountains towns outside the resort, such as Cooma or Jindabyne, you have some options:
- Drive in to the resort each day and pay the park fee.
- If you’re going to Perisher Valley, drive to the Skitube – Alpine Railway, and take the ski train to the slopes. This nifty ski train runs between Bullocks Flat to Blue Cow (part of Perisher) and Perisher Valley. I haven’t taken it, but it would be a fun way to get to the slopes. However, the cost is $27 per skier, so if you have multiple people, driving still might be cheaper, when compared to the National Park fee. If you enter via the Skitube, you’re entering the area before the National Park gates, so you won’t have to pay the National Park fee. Yes, it’s confusing, you’re not alone on that.
- To get between Perisher and Thredbo, driving is the best option, although I imagine there’s a bus also.
Looking for more exciting things to do in NSW?
Where to ski in Australia
Other resorts in the Snowy Mountains include Charlotte Pass and Selwyn, which I am sure would be fun to explore also. However, if you’re based in Melbourne, you might check out some of the Victorian resorts, including Falls Creek, Mount Buller, or Mount Hotham.
Or, if you’re looking for something else, consider heading to the South Island of New Zealand. There’s fantastic skiing near Queenstown at the Remarkables, such as Coronet Peak.
Skiing is a really challenging workout. Here’s how to get fit in Sydney before you go.
Money-saving tips for skiing in Australia
- Buy tickets online- each resort offers a discount for advance bookings. Not huge savings, but everything helps.
- Food on the mountain is really expensive. Like, really, really expensive. Consider having a big breakfast and then just bringing along snacks (I like granola bars) to supplement having to spend a lot on mountain.
- Discount websites like Groupon regularly have vouchers from ski rental places in Jindabyne or Cooma, so check it out before going.
- Try to avoid Australian school holidays and the June holiday – accommodation will be the most expensive then, and crowds will be heavy.
- Accommodation outside the National Park is more affordable (generally) – consider Jindabyne or even Cooma as your base. However, there’s a YHA Thredbo which would be an amazing budget option if you want to stay in town.
Are you a skier or boarder? Would love to hear what you think of the Aussie snow!