Top winter activities at the Snowy Mountains

Pick a resort

Strap on those skis or grab a snowboard. Skiing and snowboarding are the name of the game and depending on which resort you choose, there are plenty of options to suit all levels, from beginner to seasoned carver. Each resort enjoys its own attractions and appeal: 

• Perisher is the biggest resort in the Southern Hemisphere, covering the largest area of terrain park as well as 100km of cross-country trails to explore, popular with experienced skiers and snowboarders. 

• Thredbo is an award-winning ski resort with plenty of varied terrain, including Australia’s longest runs and highest lifted point plus a big choice of accommodation and world-class Snowsports School. 

• Charlotte Pass has its own magic quality. Snowbound in the winter, it’s only accessible by snow cat, which makes for a quieter resort that is popular with beginners and families. 

• Selwyn Snow Resort, reopening in 2023, is also a good option for families and beginners. This resort contains an expanded snowsports area with 81m of snow carpet as well as Australia’s largest toboggan park.

Thredbo, Kosciuzko National Park

Food & wine

Snowy Mountains’ resorts are famed for their après ski atmosphere. Thredbo has a great selection of bars, restaurants and entertainment to choose from. Settle in for a cosy alpine experience at the historic Thredbo Alpine Hotel. You can also ride the Merritts Gondola up to Merritts Mountain House for a Bavarian-style feast and views of the village lights.

Perisher is also home to a number of iconic bars and restaurants. Enjoy a tipple with a view at Sundeck. The grand Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel has been treating Charlotte Pass skiers to fine food and wine since 1930, while the Banjo Paterson Inn and the Kosciuszko Brewhouse in nearby Jindabyne are excellent off-mountain options.

Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel, Charlotte Pass

Night skiing & fireworks

Looking to make some core memories? You’ll take home plenty by enjoying a magical night skiing and fireworks experience. Thredbo is famous for its Saturday night firework show, as well as the flare run led by skiers and snowboarders who light up the Supertrail with flares every Saturday night.

From late June to mid-September you can enjoy Neon Night Skiing at Perisher, when fireworks bring the valley to life on selected nights in Front Valley around the Village Eight Express. Charlotte Pass offers night skiing on the Basin Poma every Wednesday and Saturday night. It is free with a valid lift pass.

Saturday night firework show, Thredbo

Snowshoeing

Another fun activity is snowshoeing. Explore the spectacular winter’s countryside on a snowshoe tour through the snowgums. Arrange a snowshoe tour at Thredbo. The Rock Creek snowshoe track at Perisher is also spectacular. Beginning in Perisher Village, this gentle track is perfect for beginners and is marked with yellow signs to direct you across the carpet of snow. 

Thredbo backcountry - Credit: Thredbo

Other snow activities

Ready for a different kind of action? Families will find plenty at the Thredbo Leisure Centre, home to a heated indoor pool, bouldering wall and fun water park for kids. Families will also love the Thredbo Alpine Museum, a free attraction that’s home to a comprehensive collection of winter sports memorabilia as well as displays on the history of skiing and snowboarding in Australia.