As the snowy season sets in, the alpine regions of Australia grace the mountains outside of Sydney with layers of white, powdery snowfall.
When is the snow season? From around the middle of June through to September, the winter season provides plenty of snowfall in New South Wales.
The Snowy Mountains
A mountain range that sits on the border of Victoria and New South Wales, the Snowy Mountains has the most snowfall in Australia.
It’s a slight trek outside of Sydney. But if you’re looking for a place to ski or snowboard, then it’s well worth the 5–6-hour drive.
A gem of the Snowy Mountains, Thredbo is the most popular snow resort in the Snowy Mountains, as it has the greatest number of runs and is home to the longest ski run in Australia.
Where to see the snow…
There are heaps of resorts sitting on the sides of the snowy mountains, each one home to a surprising amount of snow.
They vary in runs, resort sizes, and therefore in budgets, too. So, pick one to suit you!
Snow resorts in the Snowy Mountains…
- Thredbo
- Charlotte Pass
- Perisher
- Cronin Forest Alpine Resort
Thredbo
Thredbo is home to the largest ski run in Australia – the Crackenback Trail.
Positioned around 500 kilometres south of Sydney, Thredbo is a great spot to go, not too far from the Sydney CBD. It’s perfect for a day tour – or if you head there overnight from Sydney for a day trip.
There’s also lots to do off the snow, with plenty of opportunity for mountain biking, hiking and snowboarding. The Snowies have the largest National Park in New South Wales.
Thredbo is home to some of the best snow runs in the whole country. Catch entertainment weekly every Saturday night. There are even evening ski sessions that are available.
Thredbo also has the first-ever alpine roller coaster in Australia.
Hiking and mountain biking are other options if you don’t want to ski or snowboard. Check out one of the 10km runs that go through the surrounding ranges. In the summer, the snow melts and the aesthetic changes from white capped mountains to wildflowers.
Charlotte Pass
A slightly smaller ski resort that’s popular with families due to its smaller size, the Charlotte Pass is a great spot for all abilities. Caters well for families, the Charlotte Pass Ski Resort offers some of the best ski-in ski-out options.
Because it’s a slightly smaller resort, the crowds are smaller. Which means one thing…less queuing!
The views from the top of Charlotte Pass are particularly beautiful, with some of the best accommodation that is accessible via transport that travels over the snow.
Perisher
Perisher is the biggest ski resort near Sydney. About 5 and a half hours from Sydney, Perisher is a big hit for Sydney city dwellers.
With over 245 hectares of skiable terrain, Perisher has heaps of different areas to ski and snowboard.
Corin Forest: Tidbinbilla Mountain Ranges
Corin Forest is another great option if you’re looking for snow near Sydney. It’s about 45 minutes away from Canberra, too, so perfect for those wanting to explore the Australian Capital at the same time.
The Alpine Resort at Corin Forest is nestled within a secluded valley. There are plenty of different walks that you can do around the area.
As the closest ski resort to Sydney, it is the facilities here cater for snowboarding and skiing.
Mount Selwyn
Whether you’re wanting to build snowmen or toboggan…There’s also lots of wildlife in the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve! If you’re after a spot to look at wildlife like kangaroos, emus and kangaroos, wombats, then this is your place.
While it doesn’t always snow here, it is a great spot to see snow when it does fall! Plus, it’s not too far away from Sydney. But you’re looking for guaranteed snowfall, check the weather beforehand.
Up in the most northern section of New South Wales, Mount Selwyn is another popular spot for locals, tourists and families. The Selwyn Snow Resort is one of the best snow resorts for families or snow enthusiasts looking for a more chilled approach to the snow.