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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.
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Season dates at Perisher vs Thredbo
Winner: So far, Thredbo has a slightly longer season in 2020, as it opened two days before Perisher.
- Thredbo: 22 June - 5 October
- Perisher: 24 June - early October (date TBC)
Perisher and Thredbo lift pass options
Season passes aren't available at either resort for the 2020 season.
Winner: Thredbo is more cost-effective if you're planning on skiing for only one or two days as Perisher is not offering passes shorter than three days. If you're hitting the slopes for three days or more, Perisher is the cheaper option.
Adult lift passes (advanced booking prices)
These are the prices for the 2020 snow season as of 16 June. Perisher is not offering lift passes for under three days at this stage.
| Days | Perisher | Thredbo (+$5 My Thredbo Card) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day | N/A | $159 |
| 2 days | N/A | $318 |
| 3 days | $349 | $477 |
| 4 days | $454 | $636 |
Child lift passes
| Days | Perisher | Thredbo 5-12 years (+$5 My Thredbo Card) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day | N/A | $85 |
| 2 days | N/A | $170 |
| 3 days | $192 | $255 |
| 4 days | $248 | $340 |
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.
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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