Hit the Slopes this Winter: The Ultimate Guide to a Family Snow Trip in NSW

Has watching the 2026 Winter Olympics inspired you to take a snow holiday? Taking the kids to the NSW snowfields is on many family bucket lists. But, let’s be honest, the thought of the long drive, the expense, the gear, and the freezing weather can feel a bit overwhelming.

Whether you’re heading to Perisher, Thredbo, or another resort, your family snow trip needs to be stress-free so you can focus on the magic of seeing the kids touch real snow for the first time if you haven’t been before or visiting a new ski resort if you have.

Preparation is key! From finding the best ‘magic carpets’ to packing the right layers, we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the NSW snowfields without the stress.

Choosing a Resort

When planning a snow holiday, one of the first big decisions is deciding which resort to visit. There are four ski resorts in NSW, all tucked away within Kosciuszko National Park. Each one is unique, with its own set of pros and cons. We’ve put together some information on each of the resorts to help you choose the best fit for your family.

Some things to consider when choosing a resort include:

Will you stay at the resort or off-snow?
If staying off-snow, how far are you willing to drive each day? Will you drive all the way to the resort or catch the Skitube or a shuttle-bus?
How old are your kids? Will they ski/snowboard, or do you just want dedicated snow play and tobogganing?
Do you want to hit the slopes too?

Note: We’ve also included Corin Forest in the ACT. It’s a boutique snow park specifically designed for young families and first-timers. Corin Park is a good option for those on a budget who want a hassle-free snow experience.

Thredbo Alpine Resort

Best for: Accessibility and convenience, village-style atmosphere, off-the-snow entertainment.

Thredbo Alpine Resort is the pick for families who are looking for the vibe and convenience of a village-style resort. Thredbo’s accessible village is filled with kid-friendly cafes and shops, plus there’s a free shuttle bus to make getting around with little ones, and all their gear, a breeze.

Friday Flat, at Thredbo, is ideal for beginners. It has a dedicated beginner zone with gentle slopes.

There’s also loads of family-friendly entertainment off-snow at Thredbo and heaps of other activities including the 1.5km Alpine Coaster and the Thredbo Leisure Centre.

Perisher Ski Resort

Best for: Families on a budget, beginners.

As the largest alpine resort in the Southern Hemisphere, Perisher Ski Resort is a fantastic, budget-friendly choice for families. It’s made up of four resort areas, but for first-timers Smiggin Holes (aka Smiggins) is the place to be. It’s naturally protected from the wind and features two magic carpet lifts, making it the perfect, low-stress environment for beginners to find their snow legs.

There’s also a dedicated toboggan and snow play area at Perisher Valley for when the kids just want to play.

If you’re not planning to stay at Perisher Valley, you can drive there and take the free shuttle to Smiggins or park at Bullocks Flat and hop on the Skitube (the kids will love the mountain train ride!)

Charlotte Pass Snow Resort

Best for: A quieter, more boutique snow experience.

If you’re looking for a safer, more intimate snow experience away from the crowds, consider Charlotte Pass Snow Resort. As Australia’s highest resort, it’s completely snowbound and car-free, meaning the kids can play safely in the snow right outside your accommodation. The resort is naturally contained in a ‘bowl,’ so it’s nearly impossible for little ones to get lost.

To get to the resort you’ll need to board oversnow transport from Perisher Valley for the 45-minute trip across the Main Range. Since almost all accommodation at Charlotte Pass is ski-in/ski-out, it’s a total game-changer for parents who need to pop back to the room for quick snacks, naps, or a dry change of socks.

Beginners will love the Kosi Carpet magic carpet and the Kosi Kids Program (for ages 4–13), which makes learning to ski a breeze on gentle terrain.

Selwyn Snow Resort

Best for: Families on a budget, a quieter snow experience, toddlers and younger kids, snow play.

Much smaller and less intimidating than the ‘big three,’ Selwyn Snow Resort is perfect for first-timers and families just wanting a taste of the snow. It boasts Australia’s largest toboggan park, featuring a massive 150-metre magic carpet lift so you and the kids can skip the tiring walk back up the hill.

For little ones ready to try skis or boards, Selwyn offers progressive terrain and a dedicated learning area.

There’s no on-snow accommodation at Selwyn, but you’ll find plenty of family-friendly options about 30-45 minutes away in towns like Adaminaby or Talbingo.

Corin Forest

Best for: A simple and inexpensive snow experience, snow play, toddlers and younger kids.

Corin Forest, located in the ACT, is a boutique snow park that uses Fan Gun technology to make snow. It’s located 45 minutes from Canberra CBD, making it an easy day trip if you decide to use Canberra as your holiday base instead of driving all the way into the Snowy Mountains.

Corin Forest features a dedicated Snowplay zone perfect for building snowmen, making snow angels, and tobogganing. If the kids are ready to try skiing or boarding, there’s a gentle beginner slope with its own magic carpet lift so little legs don’t get tired walking uphill.

Kids will also love the Alpine Slide that winds through the tall mountain gums. There’s no accommodation on-site, and because it’s so popular with families, pre-booking your 2.5-hour session online is a must before you make the drive!

Where to Stay Near the NSW Snowfields

Resorts

Choosing to stay at the resorts themselves can be a sanity-saver when you’re juggling gear and tired kids, but it does come with a higher price tag. Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte Pass all have a variety of family-friendly, on-snow accommodation.

Nearby Towns

For a more budget-friendly option, consider staying at a nearby town. Jindabyne is the main hub for Perisher and Thredbo and it’s also a perfect spot for families planning a day trip up to Charlotte Pass.

The town has a fun atmosphere with plenty of restaurants, supermarkets and ski hire shops. You’re spoilt for choice with places to stay, from self-contained apartments and hotels to guesthouses, holiday park cabins and short-term rentals.

Adaminaby is the gateway to Selwyn Snow Resort. It’s much smaller, quieter, and significantly more affordable than Jindabyne. Accommodation options include hotels, motels, tourist parks and short-term rentals.

Just keep in mind that while it’s perfect for Selwyn, it’s not a practical spot for Perisher or Thredbo as the drive is over 1.5 hours, which is a bit much for little ones before a big day on the slopes!

Caravanning

If you’re planning a family snow trip with the van in tow, Jindabyne has both an NRMA and Discovery Park. There’s also Kosciuszko Tourist Park, conveniently located near the Perisher entry station. You’ll need to be organised and book well ahead during the ski season, as these parks fill up quickly.

For families looking for a more rugged alpine adventure, there are also several National Park campgrounds located within Kosciuszko National Park that are caravan-friendly and close to the action. Although cheaper than commercial holiday parks, keep in mind that they are unpowered and can be extremely cold in winter.

You’ll need to reserve your spot online through the NSW National Parks website in advance and you’ll still need to pay the daily National Park vehicle entry fee (approx. $29 per day in winter) even while camping.

Gearing Up: Keeping Everybody Dry and Warm

Decking the whole family out in snow gear is easily one of the most overwhelming parts of snow holiday prep.

Here’s our top tips for gearing up for the snow without losing your cool:

What is the 3-Layer Rule?

It’s a common, rookie mistake to over-dress kids in one thick coat, which leads to sweating and then freezing. The secret to a happy, warm day on the moutain is the 3-layer rule; a base layer of thermals (steer clear of cotton as it stays damp and cold), a mid layer for trapping heat (a cosy fleece or wool jumper is perfect), and finally an outer layer, being a high-quality, waterproof jacket and pants.

Should I hire or buy?

For first-timers, hiring gear is definitely the way to go. Most resorts offer full gear hire, including everything from warm waterproof clothing to skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, and wristguards.

While it can be a bit pricier than hiring gear from shops out-of-town, you’re paying for the convenience of being able to pick up your gear right on the mountain without having to lug it around. Plus, if your boots are pinching or your skis don’t feel right, you can just pop back in and swap them over in minutes.

You can also save a small fortune by hiring your gear before you even hit the mountain. Picking up your kit in Newcastle (try Proski) or at one of the gateway towns like Cooma or Jindabyne is usually much friendlier on the hip pocket than resort prices. It does mean you’ll be lugging bulky bags and boots in the car, but for many families, the extra boot space is a small price to pay for the significant savings.

What should I buy?

Since you usually can’t hire the smaller essentials for hygiene reasons, you’ll need to own your own gloves/mittens, goggles, snow socks and beanies before you hit the slopes. For everybody’s comfort, also consider purchasing some thermal tops and bottoms for every family member, especially kids.

These things are often more expensive to purchase at the resort shops. It’s a much smarter move to buy them in advance.

How can I save money on gear?

Borrow, don’t buy. Ask friends, check eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or hit up local sustainability groups. Many people have a tub of snow gear in their garage that they might be happy to lend.

Keep an eye out for the ALDI Snow Gear Special Buys, normally launched in mid-May each year. The ALDI range features high performance, budget-friendly jackets, pants, helmets, thermals and accessories. Going off past years, you can usually buy a full kit for under $150 per person. These items are available in-store only, and sell out very quickly.

Look for end-of-season ex-hire sales at ski-hire shops to score high quality gear at bargain prices.

What else do I need to pack?

Neck warmers/buffs (leave the woollen scarves at home, as they’re a trip hazard on the slopes).

Little hands always seem to find a way to get snow inside their gloves and mittens, especially when making snowballs. Nothing ends a day on the snow faster than cold, wet fingers, so ensure you take spare gloves/mittens.

Make sure you pack plenty of spare socks for the same reason.

High altitude means high UV. Even on cloudy days, the snow reflects UV rays like a giant mirror, so don’t forget to pack sunscreen, lip balm and a zinc stick for those little noses and cheeks!

Small toys are great for snow play! Think buckets and spades, and even little cars or dinosaurs.

Ski School: Lessons

What Age Can Kids Learn to Ski or Snowboard?

The general rule of thumb is that kids can start skiing at a younger age than snowboarding, as it’s physically easier for a toddler to balance on two planks rather than one.

Because of this, you’ll find that most resorts set their group lesson age limits differently. While kids can usually jump into a group ski lesson from the age of 3, they generally need to wait until they are 7 to join a group snowboarding class.

If your heart is set on getting your little one on a snowboard earlier, it’s worth checking with your resort about private lessons, as these often offer more flexibility for younger kids than the standard group sessions.

When should I book lessons?

If you’re planning your snow trip for the July school holidays, you’ll need to act fast! This is peak season and lessons often sell out months in advance. Our best advice is to jump on the booking portals as soon as they open, or when you’re booking your holiday, to secure your spot.

How long should lessons be?

Of course, every little snow bunny is different! It really comes down to their personality and how quickly they find their ‘ski legs’. Generally for toddlers, less is more. 1-hour long lessons are perfect for their shorter attention spans and smaller energy tanks.

Once kids hit school age, they usually have the stamina for longer lessons. Half-day sessions (3 hours) are great for beginnners or if you want to spend the afternoon skiing as a family.

If you want them to pick it up quickly, full-day lessons (5–6 hours) are the way to go. These sessions often include lunch and snacks, giving the kids a chance to make new friends while parents get some guilt-free time to explore the mountains on their own.

How many lessons should I book?

If you’re lucky enough to be spending a week at the snow, a 3-5 day program is the way to go. Most kids find their ‘ski legs’ on day two, and by day three, their confidence usually skyrockets. Booking multi-day lessons is also much easier on the wallet than buying single days!

The Lowdown on Lift Passes

Most of the resorts offer free (or significantly reduced) lift passes for kids aged 4 and under. Check with your chosen resort to see what savings they have for toddlers.

Do the kids need a lift pass if they are doing a lesson?

Yes! This one trips up a lot of parents. Even if kids are just starting out in the ‘magic carpet’ area, they generally need a valid lift pass to participate in a lesson. Most resorts (like Thredbo and Selwyn) require you to buy the lift pass separately from the lesson, so double-check your booking to make sure you’ve got both.

What is an RFID (Mountain Access) card?

Gone are the days of paper tickets clipped to your jacket! All the NSW resorts now use plastic RFID cards. You’ll buy these once, load your passes and lessons onto them online, and then just keep the card in a zipped pocket.

How can I save money on lift passes?

To save money on lift passes, book early and book online. There’s big savings to be had by pre-purchasing your passes months in advance rather than buying them at the window on the day. Keep a lookout for the gear hire/lesson/lift pass packages we mentioned earlier.

Getting There (From Newcastle)

The Best Route

Driving from Newcastle to the snow is a big day behind the wheel. Depending on how many stops you make, expect it to take about 7 to 8 hours.

Most families find the easiest run is to head down the M1 to Sydney, then navigate through to the M7 and M31 (Hume Highway). It’s mostly dual-carriageway and easy driving.

Exit the M31 at Goulburn onto the M23 (Federal Highway). Just before you hit Canberra, look for the Majura Parkway exit. This lets you skip the city traffic and connects you straight to the Monaro Highway toward Cooma.

Note: This route takes you through the NorthConnex tunnel (the big one that saves you all those Pennant Hills Road traffic lights!). While it feels like a lot of ‘beeps’ from your E-Tag, for most families, the time saved and the reduction in stop-start traffic (which is a recipe for car sickness) makes it well worth the spend!

Family-Friendly Pit Stops

Break up your long drive with a stop at one or more of the following places:

The Big Merino (classic Australian ‘Big Thing’) and Trappers Bakery, Goulburn
Majura Park Shopping Centre (it’s right on the highway and has food and a great playground!)
Canberra. If you have extra time, stop over at Canberra. There’s heaps of fun places for kids such as Questacon and The Pod Playground at the Arboretum.
The Bredbo Pie Shop, Bredbo is famous for their family-friendly facilities and great pies.
The Lott Cafe in Cooma is also a great spot for a final coffee and a decent lunch before the final push into Jindabyne.

Do I need a National Park Pass?

During the winter peak season (June to October long weekends), all private vehicles entering Kosciuszko National Park must have a valid National Park Pass linked to their vehicle registration. These 24-hour passes can be purchased via credit or debit card at park entry stations and visitor centres, or digitally through the Park’nPay app.

Bus Tours

If you’d prefer to skip the long drive and tolls altogether, another great option is to book a coach tour from Newcastle or Sydney. Most overnight coaches depart after 8.30pm and, if you’re lucky, the kids will sleep through the majority of the trip and wake up just as the first sight of snow appears!

A bus tour is a fantastic, stress-free option for families, though keep in mind that some tours have a minimum age (often 3 years old) due to the long travel time and late-night arrivals. You’ll also still need to budget separately for your lessons, lift passes and gear hire.

Port Stephens Coaches offer all-inclusive, weekend snow packages including local pickup, two nights accommodation, and all your breakfasts and dinners. Oz snow have 5-day midweek family-friendly bus trips, that include 5-nights accommodation, breakfast and more, departing from Central Station on Sundays.

Hacks, Hints & Tips

Here’s our best hints and tips for a stress-free snow trip!

How Much Does a Family Ski Trip Cost? How to save money

Whichever way you look at it, a snow holiday is expensive! Here’s our best tips for saving money on the snow.

To save disappointment, pre-booking is key. Book your snow holiday as early as possible to lock in your preferred days and times. There’s also big discounts to be had by booking early!

If you aren’t chasing the absolute deepest powder, look at snow trips in early June or September. Lift tickets and accommodation are often significantly cheaper (keep a lookout for ‘kids ski free’ deals), and the weather is usually a bit milder for little ones.

If you’re heading to Perisher, take a look at the Epic Australia Pass. Benefits include discounts on accommodation, rentals, lessons and more. Get in quick, as the price of the Epic Australia Pass is set to rise on 4 March, 2026!

If you have a friend or family member with an Epic Australia Pass, September and October usually offer the best ‘Bring a Mate’ discounts, saving you up to 50% off the total price of single day lift tickets.

Food at the resorts can be expensive and the queues are often massive. If you’re driving, save your sanity (and your budget) by packing a ‘car picnic.’ Prep some rolls in the morning, bring a thermos of hot chocolate, and keep a well-stocked esky in the boot. When the kids need a breather, just head back to the car to refuel away from the crowds.

Disabled Winter Sports Australia

If you, or your child, have a permanent disability you might want to look into and consider membership with Disabled Wintersport Australia, the recognised National Sporting Organisation for adaptive snow sports in Australia.

Their goal is to ensure people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to safely and proudly participate in any winter sport they choose. They provide adaptive equipment, physical support and specialist instruction at Perisher and Thredbo, and benefits of membership include volunteer guides, equipment hire, resort concessions and member camps.

Do You Need Snow Chains in NSW?

If you are in a 2WD vehicle, from the June to October long weekend you must carry snow chains in your car boot once you enter the Kosciuszko National Park. Hiring snow chains in Cooma or Jindabyne will save you lugging them from home.

While you aren’t legally required to carry snow chains in an AWD or 4WD, it is still strongly recommended by the National Parks service for when the weather turns nasty.

If idea of fitting chains makes you nervous, park at Bullocks Flat (below the snow line, so no National Park daily pass required) and catch the Skitube train up to Perisher. The kids will love the train ride, and you won’t have to worry about icy roads.

Parking

There’s no overnight car parking at Perisher. Day parking is free, although the car park fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Either aim to get there early or catch the Skitube. If you arrive at 8.30am and the FULL sign is out, you have to drive all the way back down to Bullocks Flat anyway.

Alternatively, take the Snowy Mountains Bus Service (or a private shuttle) from Jindabyne to Perisher or Thredbo. Your ticket includes your National Park daily entry, it involves zero chain-fitting, and you don’t have to worry about missing out on a parking spot.

On the Mountain

If you’ve pre-purchased or pre-hired gear, have the kids wear it around for a bit first to get them used to the ‘clunkiness’ of it before they hit the mountain.

If you aren’t staying on the slopes, renting a locker near the ski school will keep the kids in comfortable shoes until it’s time to slide.

The snow acts like a giant mirror to the sun. When applying sunscreen to the kids (and yourself!) don’t forget to apply it under the chin.

Pack all pockets with high-energy snacks like muesli bars and lollies to keep energy levels up and avoid hangry meltdowns halfway up the chairlift.

If the weather turns nasty, stay sane by by taking the kids to the Thredbo Leisure Centre. There’s an indoor heated pool with a waterslide and a trampoline park.

Another great place to visit is the Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery, on the way to Thredbo and Perisher. It has a great outdoor sculpture walk and space for kids to run while parents grab a coffee (or schnapps!).

With a bit of prep, the right gear, and a stash of lollies in your pocket, you’re all set for an unforgettable snow adventure. Enjoy your time on the slopes!

Are there any good hints and tips we might have missed? Let us know and we’ll add them to the list!

You might also like:

Explore the Snowy Mountains in the Summer Months