2020 NSW Ski Season
What’s Open for the 2020 NSW Ski Season
It's time to dust off your skis and snowboard – the ski season is here! Now is the time to start planning a snowy escape this winter, but there are a few things you should know before you go.
COVIDSafe measures will be implemented in all resorts, including maintaining physical distancing at resorts, limits to the number of people on ski areas, controlled access to ski lifts, increased cleaning of all facilities and no snowplay.
2020 Season Dates
This year, the ski season has had a late start. Thredbo will open on June 22, Perisher on June 24 and Charlotte Pass on June 26. Selwyn Snow Resort will remain closed for the season due to bushfire damage.
Tickets and Season Passes
To comply with social distancing guidelines, resorts will have to reduce capacity by up to 50%. That means there will be no season passes and people will have to pre-purchase day or multi-day lift passes online before they arrive. Season pass holders will be refunded and offered a discount on day passes.
There are no allocated areas for snow play at the resorts this season. You will need to have a pre-purchased lift ticket to access the resorts. To participate in back country skiing, snowshoeing or hiking in the Kosciuszko National Park, you must lodge a trip intention form with the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Lessons
Only private ski and snowboarding lessons will be offered.
Tobogganing and Snow Play
Tobogganing, sledding and snow tubing are not permitted during the 2020 season. Visitors are asked not to visit any of the resorts specifically for snow play and there will be no areas allocated.
Hotels and Lodges
Many hotels and lodges across the three resorts will remain closed this season. Ensure you book well in advance. Below, you’ll find details of some of the properties taking bookings.
Dining and Apres Ski
In line with the new regulations, expect to see some changes to the dining and nightlife options. Many food outlets will become takeaway only, capacity will be reduced and restaurants will require bookings. Major bars and nightclubs, like Keller and Alpine Bar at Thredbo, will remain closed.
Thredbo
Thredbo is a picturesque, European-style alpine village, nestled into the foothills of Australia’s highest mountains. Thrilling, steep and forested, Thredbo is ideal for both beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders. You’ll find dedicated beginner slopes and long advanced runs, including the longest ski run, the Crackenback Supertrail that twists and turns for more than five kilometres. Thredbo also boasts easy access to Australia’s highest peak, Mt Kosciuszko.
Where to stay
River Inn – open now
Location is everything on the slopes and the River Inn Thredbo is conveniently positioned next to the Gunbarrel Chair Elevator, allowing guests to ski in and ski out of the resort. There are multiple room types to suit groups of all sizes, and families will like the self-contained rooms with bunk beds, fold-out couches and a small kitchenette. After a day on the slopes, relax by the fire or treat yourself to a hearty meal in the Bavarian-themed restaurant.
Ski In Ski Out Chalets – open now
Thredbo’s only five-star chalets with ski-in/ski-out access are a little slice of luxury in the snow. The beautiful chalets sit on the edge of the Supertrail that runs right to the base of the village. There are 25 fully-equipped chalets with one to four bedrooms, and some even have indulgent extras such as private Jacuzzis or steam rooms. If you don’t have your own snow gear, the Ski Porter can arrange everything for you.
Find more accommodation in Thredbo.
Perisher
Perisher is the largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere, with four distinct resort areas – Perisher Valley, Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes and Guthega. It’s great for all ages and abilities with more than 1,200 hectares of skiable terrain, hundreds of runs, 100 kilometres of cross country trails, 47 lifts, five terrain parks and two halfpipes. Smiggin Holes (known as 'Smiggins') is widely regarded as one of the best beginners' ski resorts on the Australian snowfields.
Where to stay
Perisher Valley Hotel – opening June 23
Sitting just 100m from the base of the Village 8 Express, the Perisher Valley Hotel is a family-friendly hotel located in the heart of Perisher Valley. It has stunning views over the entire resort and easy access to facilities including Perisher's Snowsports School, Snowsports Hire and coffee shops. The rooms can sleep from two to five people and the Mountain View Suites have an enclosed balcony.
Corroboree Lodge – opening July 3
Corroboree Lodge is a great ski-in ski-out accommodation in an excellent location opposite the Perisher Valley Express Quad chair. The property offers spacious and stylish rooms, a guest lounge with games and DVDs and an extensive list of wines and whiskies to rewind after a long day on the slopes. Delicious cooked breakfasts and three-course dinners are provided daily as part of your ski package.
Find more accommodation in Perisher.
Charlotte Pass
Charlotte Pass is a favourite with families and club skiers and, as Australia’s highest resort (at 1,760m), receives some of the most consistent snowfalls. The resort is ideal for parents and children, with gentle slopes for beginners, plenty of intermediate terrain, as well as challenging advanced runs and cross-country trails. Facilities include a purpose-built fleet of over-snow transport — the only way to reach the Pass — plus you can take a snowshoe tour or a ride on the snow grooming machines.
Where to stay
Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel – opening June 25
Originally built in 1930, the Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel is one of the premier accommodation venues in the Snowy Mountains. Known as the ‘grand old lady of the mountains’, it’s Australia’s original ski lodge. The hotel is located on the slopes so you can ski to the lifts right from the front door.
Snowbird Ski Lodge has a superb location – right near the base of the Charlotte Pass Ski Lifts. It has a relaxed, family-friendly vibe and is renowned for its comfortable, cosy rooms. Meals are included in your stay – enjoy a hearty hot breakfast, healthy buffet lunch and three-course table dinner each day.
Find more accommodation in Charlotte Pass.
Where to eat in the Snowy Mountains
A favourite dining spot in Jindabyne for 25 years, Bacco Restaurant is a modern Australian/Italian restaurant and pizzeria. It has an ample wine list and an extensive kid’s menu. Reservations are essential.
Enjoy the cosy rustic setting and local produce from the Snowy Mountains at Alpine Larder. Choose from traditional wood fired pizzas and pastas, tasty tapas and delicious desserts. Currently offering takeaway only.
