Hit the slopes during the winter months to experience peak snow.
Nestled inland between Sydney and Melbourne, the aptly-named Snowy Mountains are where Australians come to play during the winter months.
There are half a dozen ski resorts sitting on both the New South Wales and Victoria sides of the border, including Perisher, Thredbo and Mount Buller.
The best time to visit the Snowy Mountains
July and August.
Why?
The coldest months of the year in Australia, July and August, offer the best snow conditions in the area’s ski resorts. Temperatures at the top of resorts like Thredbo, Mount Buller and Charlotte Pass hover at around freezing during these months.
Overview
The Snowy Mountains is Australia’s premier ski destination. It's where you’ll find Thredbo, Perisher, Selwyn Snowfields, Charlotte Pass, Mount Hotham, Falls Creek, Mount Buller and Mount Baw Baw. These resorts can be reached from Canberra in about two and a half hours, from Melbourne in about three hours and from Sydney in about six hours.
July and August is mid-winter in Australia and the prime time to go skiing, as this is when temperatures are low enough to make snow. While ski resorts may still operate during the shoulder months of June and September, going during the peak season will offer more of a selection in runs. Also, lift passes and rental prices aren’t generally cheaper when fewer trails are open.
If you're travelling with children, the July school holidays and weekends will likely also offer more activities for them.
Weather and prices
The best time to visit the Snowy Mountains for the weather: July and August are the coldest months, during which snow is most likely to fall.
The cheapest time to visit the Snowy Mountains: For skiing, the shoulder months of June and October offer cheaper hotel prices and have the most deals available. While ticket and rental prices won’t change much during the season, most resorts to offer discounts for booking in advance.
5-nights Panorama Jindabyne stay
Groupon
45% off ski and snowboard hire
Scoopon
Charlotte Pass with snow transport and lunch
Groupon
7-nights Lucy Lodge-Charlotte Pass stay
Groupon
2-nights EdSki Lodge stay
Groupon
Mount Buller day tour
finder.com.au
The best time to visit the Snowy Mountains for...
- Skiing: The coldest months, July and August. This is when you'll get the most snowfall and when resorts can make snow.
- Hiking: The summer months, December to February. Being higher up, the temperatures tend to be cooler and more comfortable, making outdoor activities easier.
- Horse riding: This is available all year, but if you’d like to experience it in the snow, go between June and October. If you’re doing a multi-day horse trek involving camping, the summer months are the most comfortable for sleeping in a tent.
Image: Thredbo
Hot travel deals
Wotif
Australia and New Zealand ski getaways from $99
Valid for travel on select dates until December 2019. Destinations include Mount Cook, Mount Hotham, Falls Creek, Lake Tekapo and more. Sample fare is for the 4-star High Country Motor Inn in Victoria. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
Thredbo: Snow tour from $99
Valid for travel until September 2019 across Jindabyne and Thredbo. Includes getaway to the Snowy Mountains, Mount Kosciuszko and Thredbo Village with skiing optional activities and more. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
Up to 38% off Snowy Mountains + 1-day lift pass
Valid for travel on select dates from June - October 2019. Includes ski lessons, one-day lift at Selwyn Snow Resort and more. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
Up to 50% off Charlotte Pass + 3-day lift pass
Valid for travel on select dates from June - September 2019. Includes daily breakfast, accommodation, return over-snow transport and more. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
Charlotte Pass: Up to 41% off + ski lift pass
Valid for use on select dates between June - October 2019 across Snowy Mountains in Kosciuszko National Park. Includes lunch, transport and more. T&Cs apply.
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Expedia.com.au
Stay in Jindabyne near Charlotte Pass from $79 per night
Book accommodation near Charlotte Pass from just $79 per night with Expedia.com.au.
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