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Perisher or Thredbo: Which ski resort is best?
We've put the two popular resorts head to head to see which offers the better snowy getaway.
Skiing In Australia
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Picking the ski resort which is best suited to you or your family can be a tricky task when there's so much to consider. Good news is we've done the hard work so you don't have to, with comparisons on everything that is on offer including pricing, accommodation and terrains.
TL;DR: Our verdict
Our winner: It's a close call but we have to give the top spot to Perisher. When it comes to skiing and affordability (especially if you're bringing the whole family), you can usually save a couple extra dollars on the lift tickets and lessons. Perisher also has its Neon Night Skiing and Boarding event running for guests.
Although Thredbo does have a higher drop for the more experienced individuals, Perisher offers more runs and terrain to ski down.
Season dates at Perisher vs Thredbo
Winner: So far, it's a tie. Perisher and Thredbo are both scheduled to open the same day in 2021 - 12 June.
Perisher and Thredbo lift pass options
Neither Perisher or Thredbo have updated their lift pass pricing for 2021 yet. We'll update this page as soon as we can.
Winner: TBC
Terrain and mountain stats at Perisher vs Thredbo
Winner: Perisher. Thredbo does have a higher vertical drop of 672m and longer runs, but Perisher offers more than double the amount of runs and lifts.
| Feature | Perisher | Thredbo |
|---|---|---|
| Lifts | 47 | 14 |
| Runs | 119 | 53 |
| Breakdown of runs |
|
|
| Longest run | 3km | 5km |
| Terrain parks | 5 | 5 |
| Vertical | 355m | 672m |
Skiing options at Thredbo vs Perisher compared
Winner: Perisher. Both locations are on par with one another but Perisher offers more option when it comes to skiing after dusk.
| Feature | Perisher | Thredbo |
|---|---|---|
| Night skiing | Yes, on Tuesdays and Saturdays you can enjoy Neon Night Skiing and Boarding. Once the sun goes down, it will be available from 6pm-9pm. (30 July to September 2020) | No, the Kids Flare Run and Adults Flare Run has been temporarily suspended in 2020 due to a COVID-19 program revision. |
| Ski lessons | From $249 (See more options below) | From $275 (See more options below) |
| Is ski in ski out available? | Yes | Yes |
Compare dining and accommodation options
Winner: Thredbo. Although they have an equal amount of dining options for guests, Thredbo has almost twice the amount of accommodation selection than Perisher.
Staying on-site can be costly, and many travellers opt to stay in nearby Jindabyne. If you're staying there, the drive is about the same to either resort at approximately 30 minutes.
| Feature | Perisher | Thredbo |
|---|---|---|
| Dining in the village (restaurants, bars or cafés) | 33 | 33 |
| Accommodation options in the village | 34 | 61 |
Search for Thredbo accommodation Search for Perisher accommodation
Location of Perisher and Thredbo compared to major cities
Winner: Draw. Both resorts are similar distances from Jindabyne, Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.
| Distance from... | Perisher | Thredbo |
|---|---|---|
| Jindabyne | 32km (30-minute drive) | 36km (31-minute drive) |
| Sydney | 486km (5 hour, 27-minute drive) | 495km (5 hour, 29-minute drive) |
| Melbourne | 608km (7 hour, 21-minute drive) | 548km (6 hour, 34-minute drive) |
| Canberra | 209km (2 hour, 33-minute drive) | 210km (2 hour, 38-minute drive) |
Perisher and Thredbo ski lesson options
Perisher and Thredbo trail maps
So, which is best: Perisher or Thredbo?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Both ski resorts are popular choices and have more than enough to offer to fill a ski weekend, but if you’re after better skiing or a better village atmosphere, then we have some suggestions for you.
Best for skiing: Perisher. Although Thredbo does have a higher drop, Perisher has almost three times the number of runs available and skiable terrain.
Best for its village and aprés-ski: Thredbo. There’s many more accommodation options and the village has a great alpine atmosphere.
Best for affordability: Perisher. Lessons and lift tickets are a bit cheaper at Perisher than at Thredbo, and if you’re travelling with a group or family the difference can add up.
Ready to book? Check out our Perisher and Thredbo travel deals.
Priceline.com
Up to 60% off Australia getaways
Available on select stay dates with Express Deals. Destinations include Sydney, Adelaide, Byron Bay, Thredbo Village, Sunshine Coast, Jindabyne, Perth, the Gold Coast and more.
Last verified
Cudo
Up to 51% off Jindabyne $100 credits
Available until 2 October 2021 on $100 credit to spend on ski and snowboard hires. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Hotwire
Up to 10% off Perisher Valley holidays
Available on select travel dates when you book your flights and hotel together. Plus free breakfast and cancellation on select hotels. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Expedia.com.au
Up to 10% off Thredbo hotels
Available on select stay dates until 2022. Includes free breakfast and cancellation on select hotels. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Expedia.com.au
Up to 10% off Jindabyne hotels
Available on select travel dates and includes breakfast and free cancellation on select hotels. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Wotif
Up to 10% off Jindabyne holiday packages
Available on select travel dates when you book your flights and hotel together. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Hotwire
Up to 60% off Jindabyne hotels
Last verified
Wotif
Up to 13% off Thredbo holiday packages
Available on select travel dates when you book your flights and hotel together. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Lastminute.com.au
Up to $94 off Thredbo holidays
Available on select travel dates when you book your flights and hotel together. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Booking.com
Perisher Valley hotels from $89 per night
Available on select travel dates. Sample stay is at Alpine Resort Motel. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
HotelsCombined
Jindabyne hotels from $70 per night
Available on select travel dates in 2021. Sample stay is at Kookaburra Ski Lodge. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Booking.com
Thredbo hotels from $175 per night
Available on select travel dates. Plus free breakfast and cancellation on select hotels. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
HotelsCombined
Thredbo getaways from $99 per night
Available on select travel dates. Sample stay is at Stillwell Hotel. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Kayak
$27: Thredbo escapes
Available on select travel dates. Sample stay is at The River Inn Thredbo. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
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Ask an Expert
What is the 1 and 2 day pricing on weekends if you do not purchase in advance for both Thredbo & Perisher?
Hi Alex,
Thanks for reaching out to finder. The pricing would vary depending on the pack you choose. Best to visit the official site of Thredbo and Perisher directly to get the exact price range for the 1- and 2-day tickets on weekends.
Cheers,
May