Where to go Skiing Near Sydney in 2024

By: Phoebe Ackland, 21 May 2024

Hark the herald snow bunnies! The NSW snow season is upon us and winter is a wonderful time of year to enjoy magical moments in the snow creating memories to last a lifetime. 

Armed with our tips on taking kids to the snow, choose a destination that has something to offer every family member - be it an awesome kids' program or great-value accommodation - to make your ski trip one to remember.

Whether you’re a snow bunny planning to make snow angels or hope to dust those skis off and hit the slopes, here are our top picks for the best places to take the kids skiing near Sydney in 2024.

Where to go Skiing Near Sydney

When is the NSW Snow Season 2024

The NSW snow season generally runs from June to October - perfect for a winter escape with kids during the school holidays. This year, the NSW Snow Season officially opens on 8 June 2024.

Where to go Skiing Near Sydney

Skiing near Sydney doesn't come quickly, unfortunately. Since it doesn't snow in Sydney and there are no dedicated snowfields in Sydney, you have to commit to a day in the car or a holiday out of town to enjoy the pleasure of skiing or snowboarding. 

If you're keen to just see snow near Sydney, check out our guide, otherwise, load up the car and enjoy the icy ride! 

1. Corin Forest

Skiing near Sydney
Corin Forest is the perfect first snow experience.


Distance from Sydney: 4 hours

Corin Forest aims to create a fun first snow experience close to home through the wonders of technology! It is the closest snowfield to Sydney and Canberra and one of Australia's most affordable and accessible alpine resorts.

This family-friendly snow park offers a broad range of winter experiences including learning how to ski and snowboard, toboggan riding and a purpose-built Snow Play area for endless snowman making! Kids will also have a (snow) ball riding the awesome 1.2km Alpine Slide through the gorgeous Mountain Ash forest.

The Corin Forest Ski Slope is designed for beginners to master the basics in no time and features an easy 'magic carpet' ski lift. There is a range of lessons at the Snow Sports School including Joey's Ski Club for little learners.

Corin Forest has a cosy onsite cafe with a fireplace where you can roast marshmallows. We sent an ellaslist explorer to check out Corin Forest and she recommends it as the perfect way to introduce little ones to the snow! Read the Corin Forest review.

Location: 1268 Corin Dam Rd, Paddys River

2. Thredbo

Skiing near Sydney
Thredbo Snow Sports School will get your kids on the slopes in snow time!


Distance from Sydney: 5.5 hours

The Snowy Mountains are home to Australia’s greatest snowfields and offer accommodation to suit all budgets, from chalets to self-serviced apartments.

Thredbo boasts Australia’s longest runs with 40 hectares of white terrain. The new Merritts Gondola is the first (and only) alpine gondola in Australia, which will take you up to the Cruiser area snow playground. 

The resort offers fantastic ski and snowboard lessons, including Thredboland and kids' programs, plus there's a designated beginners' area. If they have more energy to burn, Springfree trampolines are dotted throughout the resort and there's a Skate Park in the Village Green.

The picturesque Alpine Village at the base of the mountain is full of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops, and loads of activities to enjoy some downtime off the slopes. Don't miss the iconic Flare Run and the famous Fireworks Show for a magical Saturday night in Thredbo.

Location: 10 Mountain Dr, Thredbo

RELATED:
The Best Spots for Ski Hire in Jindabyne

3. Perisher

Skiing near Sydney
Perisher will lay the groundwork for a lifelong love of the snow!


Distance from Sydney: 5.5 hours

Perisher is the largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere with four resort areas - Perisher Valley, Guthega, Smiggin Holes and Blue Cow - and over 3,000 acres of interlinked skiable terrain. This is definitely a fantastic spot for skiing near Sydney!

Perisher Valley is a lively, exciting hive of activity with abundant areas for beginner and intermediate skiers. Guthega boasts a Freedom chair, on-snow restaurants, breathtaking views of the Kosciuszko mountain range, and 16 runs to explore.

Smiggins has a variety of restaurants and accommodation options and provides easy access to the other resort areas. Jump on the Skitube, Swiss-designed rack-rail train, to Blue Cow and ski directly out the door through a range of runs for all ability levels. The Skitube tunnel is Australia's longest transport tunnel and a resort highlight. It makes a great day-tripping adventure! 

Snowmaking across the 53.4 hectares of the resort guarantees there will be fresh snow to enjoy all season.

Perisher offers a range of safe ski lessons for children, plus a Cool Kids' School Holiday Camp. If the kids need some time out while you're on the slopes, Perisher offers two-hour afternoon kids' care. Snowy Mountains Babysitting also has an experienced team of carers throughout Perisher. 

Get the Perisher Snow Report.

Location: Kosciuszko Rd, Perisher Valley 

4. Charlotte Pass

Skiing near Sydney
Don't miss the spectacular fireworks display over Charlotte Pass village.


Distance from Sydney: 5.5 hours

Nestled in Kosciusko National Park is the fabulous snow resort of Charlotte Pass, Australia’s highest resort with some of the most consistent falls of natural snow. 

Charlotte Pass Snow Resort delivers a unique snow experience in the heart of the NSW Snowy Mountains. Completely snowbound, Charlotte Pass is only accessible by Oversnow Transport and offers ski-in and ski-out accommodation and facilities.

Whether you’re a beginner testing out your snow legs on Easy Starter, an intermediate carving up Kosi Coaster, an experienced skier looking for adventure on Sidewinder or a hardcore rider after an adrenalin rush at Guthrie’s Chutes, there is something for everyone!

At Charlotte Pass, children four years or under ski for free! Families will love the dedicated Kosi Kids snowsports program for children three-13 years that offers a full-day program, including lunch for both skiers and snowboarders. The resort also offers group lessons for skiers and snowboarders of similar age and ability.

The unique Mount Stillwell Snow Experience will give you access to the very first untouched tracks of the day and the spectacle of the weekly flare run will light up the slopes. Don't forget to pack your favourite onesie for Onesie Wednesday!

Get the Charlotte Pass Snow Report.

Location: Kosciuszko Rd, Kosciuszko National Park 

5. Selwyn Snowfields

Skiing near Sydney
Selwyn Snowfields reopened in 2023 with a Winter Wonderland and Toboggan Park!


Distance from Sydney: 6 hours

Due to the extensive damage sustained in the 2020 bushfires, Selwyn Snow Resort underwent a spectacular renovation and has been transformed into a brand-new resort with rebuilt guest facilities, upgraded chairlifts, expanded ski & snowboard hire and a range of exciting new facilities and experiences for families. Selwyn Snow Resort will be the first snow resort in the Southern Hemisphere to install state-of-the-art TT10 snowmaking machines!

The new-look resort will feature unparalleled snow play experiences including Australia’s premier Toboggan Park with a dedicated 150-metre snow carpet and a ‘Winter Wonderland' - the first of its kind in Australia featuring a tubing carousel, skating rink with bumper cars, kids snowmobiles and a miniature enchanted village. 

Location: 213A Kings Cross Rd, Cabramurra

Want More Snow Action?

The Ultimate Family Guide to the Snowy Mountains
The Best Spots for Snow Near Sydney
The Cosiest Winter Cabins in NSW


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