The Snowy Mountains are approximately five to six hours from the Sydney CBD by car. There are three main ski resorts: Perisher, Thredbo, and Charlotte Pass.
Travel Desk is a contributing writer covering city and public affairs for The Sydney Times.
The Snowy Mountains are approximately five to six hours from the Sydney CBD by car. There are three main ski resorts: Perisher, Thredbo, and Charlotte Pass. Perisher is the largest resort and has the most terrain, but it is also the furthest from Sydney. Thredbo is the closest resort to Sydney and has a lively village atmosphere. Charlotte Pass is the smallest resort and has the most snow, but it is only accessible by a groomed road that can be closed in heavy snow.
Perisher is the largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere. The resort has four village areas: Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Blue Cow, and Guthega. The resort has 48 lifts and more than 1,200 hectares of skiable terrain. The resort has a range of terrain, from beginner runs to advanced off-piste areas. The resort is suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Getting there. Perisher is approximately six hours from the Sydney CBD by car. The drive takes you along the Hume Highway to Gundagai, then the Snowy Mountains Highway to Cooma, then the Kosciuszko Road to Perisher. The road is sealed all the way, but it can be icy in winter. Chains are required for some sections of the road during heavy snow. There is also a charter bus service from Sydney to Perisher.
Accommodation. Perisher has a range of accommodation options, from budget lodges to luxury apartments. The Perisher Valley Hotel is the largest accommodation provider and has a range of rooms, from budget rooms to luxury suites. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar, and a ski-in-ski-out location. Prices range from $150 to $400 per night.
Lift tickets. Lift tickets for Perisher cost $119 for a one-day adult ticket and $79 for a one-day child ticket in 2026. Multi-day tickets and season passes are also available. Lift tickets can be purchased online or at the resort.
Thredbo is the closest ski resort to Sydney. The resort is located in the Kosciuszko National Park and has 15 lifts and 480 hectares of skiable terrain. The resort has a lively village atmosphere with a range of restaurants, bars, and shops. The resort has a range of terrain, from beginner runs to advanced off-piste areas. The resort is suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Getting there. Thredbo is approximately five hours from the Sydney CBD by car. The drive takes you along the Hume Highway to Gundagai, then the Snowy Mountains Highway to Cooma, then the Kosciuszko Road to Thredbo. The road is sealed all the way, but it can be icy in winter. Chains are required for some sections of the road during heavy snow. There is also a charter bus service from Sydney to Thredbo.
Accommodation. Thredbo has a range of accommodation options, from budget lodges to luxury apartments. The Thredbo Alpine Hotel is the largest accommodation provider and has a range of rooms, from budget rooms to luxury suites. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar, and a ski-in-ski-out location. Prices range from $150 to $400 per night.
Lift tickets. Lift tickets for Thredbo cost $109 for a one-day adult ticket and $69 for a one-day child ticket in 2026. Multi-day tickets and season passes are also available. Lift tickets can be purchased online or at the resort.
Charlotte Pass is the smallest ski resort in the Snowy Mountains. The resort has four lifts and 50 hectares of skiable terrain. The resort has a family-friendly atmosphere and is suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers. The resort does not have any advanced terrain. The resort is located at the foot of Mount Kosciuszko, the highest mountain in Australia.
Getting there. Charlotte Pass is approximately six hours from the Sydney CBD by car. The drive takes you along the same route as Perisher, but you turn off at the Charlotte Pass turnoff. The road from the turnoff to the resort is a groomed road that is only accessible by oversnow vehicles during heavy snow. The road is usually open from June to October.
Accommodation. Charlotte Pass has a range of accommodation options, from budget lodges to luxury chalets. The Charlotte Pass Ski Centre is the largest accommodation provider and has a range of rooms, from budget rooms to luxury chalets. The centre has a restaurant, a bar, and a ski-in-ski-out location. Prices range from $150 to $400 per night.
Lift tickets. Lift tickets for Charlotte Pass cost $89 for a one-day adult ticket and $59 for a one-day child ticket in 2026. Multi-day tickets and season passes are also available. Lift tickets can be purchased online or at the resort.
When you go on a snow trip, pack the following:
The snow season in the Snowy Mountains typically runs from June to October. The best snow conditions are usually in July and August. The resorts are busiest during school holidays and on weekends. If you can, visit during the week or during the shoulder season (June or October) to avoid the crowds.
Snow chains are required for some sections of the road during heavy snow. Check the Snowy Mountains Road Report before you leave to see if chains are required.
More information about ski resorts in the Snowy Mountains is available at Perisher, Thredbo, and Charlotte Pass.
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