With the 2020 NSW ski season going ahead, here’s your ultimate guide to where to ski and stay near the slopes.
In another exciting announcement, the NSW government has confirmed that NSW regional tourism has been given the green light to recommence from June 1st, 2020. And to follow up from this news, it’s also been confirmed that the state’s ski season will kick off from June 22nd. With limited space, getting in early and booking ahead will be more essential than ever. So, where should you ski and stay this winter? Find out more below.
Ready for a holiday? Discover the best luxe spots to stay across NSW here.
WHERE TO SKI
Perisher (Opening June 24)
If you like your ski resorts big, then Perisher is for you. Comprised of four areas – Perisher Valley, Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes and Guthega – the resort boasts the largest resort terrain in Australasia, with more than 1,200 hectares (2,965 acres) of skiable goodness. Perisher is also six hours south of Sydney and can be accessed by car from the lakeside resort town of Jindabyne, or via the Skitube from nearby Lake Crackenback Resort.
You can stay on-mountain at Perisher, but there is no central ski village so you’ll have to make your own fun with fellow lodge guests over an in-house dinner. Some favourite accommodation options include the Marritz Hotel, or The Man From Snowy River Hotel. Skiers of varying ability will enjoy Perisher’s rolling slopes. If your kids love the terrain park, even better. Perisher has some of the best terrain parks in the country and many Olympic and X Games skiers and boarders train here. Alternatively, Smiggin Holes (known as ‘Smiggins’) is widely regarded as one of the best beginners’ ski resorts on the Australian snowfields.
Thredbo (Opening June 22)
Six hours south of Sydney lies Thredbo, a picturesque, European-style alpine village that is ideal for those who like longer runs, ski-in/ski-out accommodation and a thriving après scene. Australasia’s longest ski run, the Thredbo Supertrail, will get your thighs burning down 5.9 kilometres of groomed snow. Advanced skiers can try The Bluff on a powder day or head out to Dead Horse Gap for some backcountry skiing. Intermediates will love The Cruiser area and High Noon, while beginners have their own dedicated ski area complete with chairlift.
Ski into Kareela Hutte for a long European-style lunch or try Merritts Mountain House for a quick fuel stop before hitting the slopes again. Sign up for the flare run, a weekly event every Saturday night when ski instructors and guests ski after dark from the mountain peak to the village base. When your thighs can’t take skiing any more, hit up the village for a signature gourmet burger at Cascades, made with bone marrow butter and truffle. Thredbo also offers Snowshoe Tours that can take you as far as the peak of Mount Kosciusko, for those who are keen to explore the mountains at their peak winter beauty.
Charlotte Pass (Opening June 26)
Charlotte Pass is Australia’s highest snow resort and offers all ski-in ski-out accommodation. With a limited number of guests in the village at any time, skiers are guaranteed short lift lines. It can only be accessed via oversnow transport in the Winter, meaning it is a car free resort. Charlotte Pass is popular with cross country skiers due its trail access, and is also a favourite with families, due to its gentle slopes for beginners, plenty of intermediate terrain, as well as challenging advanced runs and cross-country trails. As Australia’s highest resort (at 1,760m), it also receives some of the most consistent snowfalls.
WHERE TO STAY
Smiggins Hotel, Perisher
Situated in the heart of Perisher, Smiggin Hotel is the only true ski-in-ski-out spot in Smiggins Holes. Find out more here.
Numbananga Lodge, Perisher
Reopening to guests 22 June, Numbananga Lodge in Kosciuszko National Park offers exclusive ski-in ski-out accommodation for up to 6 guests in Smiggin Holes—part of Australia’s largest ski resort. You’re only a 2km drive or shuttle from Perisher Valley where you’re spoiled for choice with skiing, snowboarding, terrain parks and tubing. It’s a great place to try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, and you can also ski to Perisher from Smiggins. Find out more here.
Creel Lodge
Reopening to guests 22 June, spacious Creel Lodge in Kosciuszko National Park offers all the comforts of home with the luxury of a mountain chalet. Sleeping up to 8 guests and with views over pristine Lake Jindabyne, it’s the perfect setting for an indulgent holiday with friends or family. Explore the Snowy Mountains from your doorstep – head deeper into the national park to discover cross-country skiing and winter sports surrounding Sawpit Creek, Perisher Valley and Charlotte Pass. Find out more here.
Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel, Charlotte Pass
For the ultimate on-snow experience, you can’t go past the Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel in the historic heart of the Charlotte Pass Snow Resort. This resorted 1930s spot is known as the ‘grand old lady of the mountains’, making it an unmissable spot to stay. Find out more here.
River Inn, Thredbo
This modern, deluxe property is the only ski-in-ski-out hotel resort in Thredbo, with direct access to Friday Flat. Perfect for couples or small groups, the hotel has everything from a fireplace bar to a heated indoor spa to unwind after a day on the slopes. Find out more here.
Snowgoose Apartments, Thredbo
Looking for luxury accommodation in the heart of Thredbo? Look no further than Snowgoose Apartments. This relaxing spot is perfectly located from the slopes as well as restaurants, shops, cafes, galleries and more. Find out more here.
Ski In Ski Out Chalets, Thredbo
Thredbo’s only five-star chalets with ski-in/ski-out access are a little slice of luxury in the snow. The beautiful chalets sit on the edge of the Supertrail that runs right to the base of the village. There are 25 fully-equipped chalets with one to four bedrooms, and some even have indulgent extras such as private Jacuzzis or steam rooms. If you don’t have your own snow gear, the Ski Porter can arrange everything for you.
Corroboree Lodge, Perisher
Corroboree Lodge is a great ski-in ski-out accommodation in an excellent location opposite the Perisher Valley Express Quad chair. The property offers spacious and stylish rooms, a guest lounge with games and DVDs and an extensive list of wines and whiskies to rewind after a long day on the slopes. Delicious cooked breakfasts and three-course dinners are provided daily as part of your ski package.