Which Ski Resort Is Better: Thredbo or Perisher?
If you are going skiing or snowboarding in New South Wales the main question is, shall we head to Thredbo or Perisher? Both of these Australian ski resorts are known worldwide and should be considered key stops on an Australian ski trip. Thredbo and Perisher offer more than just skiing and as fantastic resorts with a range of off-snow activities, both resorts can be considered worthy of a visit. They are however different and are set apart by their unique characteristics. In this post, I will delve into the key facts that differentiate Thredbo and Perisher so that you can decide which ski resort is more suitable for you!
Skiing amongst the Gum Trees
GETTING TO THREDBO AND PERISHER
It is unlikely that travel to the resorts will influence your decision between Thredbo and Perisher as they are fairly close to each other. The resorts sit in the Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains, a short drive (by Australian standards) from major cities. The trip will take you two-hours from Capital city Canberra and five from the popular international destination of Sydney.
Depending on where you plan to stay you will pass through Jindabyne where you will have the option to stay in the valley, drive to the resort, or if heading to Perisher take the SkiTube.
IF YOU FIND VALUE IN THIS POST CONSIDER CLICKING THE BUYMEACOFFEE LINK BELOW TO SUPPORT MY CONTENT
THE STATS
Thredbo ski resort has been voted as Australia’s best ski resort for the past five years. The ski resort of Thredbo is substantially smaller than Perisher in terms of acreage with only 1,186 acres but this doesn’t mean that Thredbo is lacking in pistes. Thredbo has 52km of pistes throughout its resort, only short of Perishers 65kms. Thredbo also now offers a backcountry pass which opens more terrain outside of the resort boundary.
Perisher is Australia’s largest ski resort and as such dwarves Thredbo in terms of skiable terrain. Perisher has 3,080 acres of terrain with 65km of slopes within the resort. This terrain is spread across Perisher’s four mountains, Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Blue Cow and Guthega.
Thredbo has a much more significant vertical drop 672m than Perisher 355m, meaning that Thredbo can boast the longer runs throughout it’s resort. The base area at Perisher is higher than Thredbo’s meaning the snow quality can be more consistent at Vail owned Perisher, especially on the lower slopes.
Perisher also offers over double the amount of runs that can be found at Thredbo with a larger variation of pistes across the resort. These shorter runs offer more variety but you can feel like a run is over in a flash. Thredbo’s longer runs can ensure that you spend more time skiing and less time sat on a chairlift.
THREDBO
ALPINE ADVENTURE AND CHARM
Nestled in the heart of the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, Thredbo is renowned for its alpine village atmosphere and picturesque surroundings. Here are some key features that make Thredbo a standout choice:
Thredbo Ski Resort
TERRAIN DIVERSITY
Thredbo offers a great variety of ski runs suitable for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers. With over 50 runs spanning across wide groomers, challenging moguls, and exciting terrain parks, there's something for everyone. The split of runs at Thredbo is 16% beginner, 67% intermediate, and 17% advanced.
VILLAGE VIBE
The charming alpine village of Thredbo is a major draw for visitors. It boasts a vibrant après-ski scene with restaurants, bars, and shops, making it an ideal place to unwind after a day on the slopes. The village has some decent shops to pick up new gear and can be great for families with the sports centre a real draw.
THE ICONIC THREDBO CRUISER
Thredbo's Kosciuszko Express Chairlift takes skiers to Australia's highest lifted point. From here, you can access a range of runs, including some of the resort's most challenging terrain.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY
Thredbo is also a popular choice for families. The resort offers childcare services, kids' programs, and beginner-friendly slopes, making it an excellent destination for families looking to introduce their children to skiing. Thredboland is a great place for kids aged three and older with a number of programs designed to get your little ones out on the mountain.
As a former member of the Thredbo ski and snowboard school, I can vouch for the incredible service they provide for family ski lessons.
Known for its varied terrain and having the largest vertical drop in Australia, Thredbo is Australias best ski resort.
Renowned for its excellent freestyle terrain, Perisher is Australia’s largest ski resort
PERISHER
Perisher, located in the Kosciuszko National Park, is the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere. With an extensive range of slopes and facilities, Perisher stands out for several reasons:
SIZE MATTERS
Perisher's vastness is one of its most significant advantages. The resort encompasses four interconnected ski areas—Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega, and Blue Cow—providing an extensive playground for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
SNOW RELIABILITY
Due to its size and elevation, Perisher often benefits from better snow coverage, ensuring a longer ski season and more consistent conditions.
TERRAIN FOR ALL
With a wide variety of slopes and terrain parks, Perisher caters to beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers. This makes it an attractive option for groups with varying skill levels.
NIGHT SKIING
Both Perisher and Thredbo offer night skiing two nights a week which is an exciting experience. At Thredbo night skiing is on Thursdays and Saturdays whereas Perisher opens their evening lifts on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Perisher opens Front Valley for night skiing so is probably the better destination for night skiing with the terrain park and beginners runs open.
IF YOU FIND VALUE IN THIS POST CONSIDER CLICKING THE BUYMEACOFFEE LINK BELOW TO SUPPORT MY CONTENT
THREDBO VS PERISHER BEGINNERS
THREDBO BEGINNERS
Beginners at Thredbo will start their learning journey on Friday Flats. This Thredbo beginner’s trail is a perfect pitch to learn on and is serviced by its own chairlift. Riding the chairlift from an early stage of learning helps alleviate any of the stress that some skiers and snowboarders can feel as they progress around other mountains. Friday Flats can become crowded during peak weeks and in bad snow years can be difficult to navigate.
In addition to Friday Flats, Thredbo could just be one of the best resorts to learn at. There is green terrain from Australia’s Highest lifted point, with the Village Trail providing a long mellow run back to the village base. From Cruiser Chair Squatters Run and Walkabout mean that beginners can get off the beginner’s hill and around the mountain.
PERISHER BEGINNERS
Beginners are Perisher will likely start their day at either Perishers Front Valley or the Blue Cow Terminal. Both Front Valley and Blue Cow have a number of mellow runs for beginners to cruise.
It is more likely that beginner skiers and snowboarders at Perisher will have to ride a combination of T-bars and chairs to access the runs.
One benefit to Perisher’s shorter terrain for beginners is that runs may look less intimidating allowing regular stops of breaks and a good sense of achievement.
IS THREDBO OR PERISHER BETTER FOR BEGINNERS?
The answer to whether Thredbo or Perisher is better for beginners is quite close and will depend on what you are looking for. In terms of terrain, both resorts offer a similar amount of beginner runs with Thredbo have 16% and Perisher having 22%.
Although there is slightly more beginners terrain at Perisher the runs will be shorter so it can be argued that Thredbo’s runs offer more flow and a chance to build your confidence. Ultimately, both resorts will offer beginners a good experience.
THREDBO VS PERISHER FOR SNOWBOARDERS?
As a snowboarder I have a clear preference in terms of which resort out of Thredbo or Perisher is best for snowboarders. THREDBO. Although both resorts offer a good variety of runs and terrain parks, I personally feel that for my riding I prefer Thredbo. At Thredbo the runs are longer, which means you spend less time strapping in and more time riding. Perisher is also a victim of its layout with many flat spots that can cause snowboarders a headache.
If freestyle is your thing than both resorts have great terrain parks however I believe that Perisher has the best freestyle offer.
THREDBO VS PERISHER EXPERIENCED SKIERS AND SNOWBOARDERS?
The ski resorts of Thredbo and Perisher both have lots to offer the more able skier and snowboarder. Perisher is a hit due to its variety of terrain. The sheer number of runs available across Perisher’s four mountains ensures that it is impossible to get board. Thredbo however has the longer runs and the more serious freeride terrain. Thredbo and Perisher are both well-suited to snowboarders and skiers who enjoy freestyle with some of the best terrain parks in the Southern Hemisphere. Thredbo stands alone in terms of off-piste with the more interesting out of bounds and slackcountry areas.
DOES THREDBO OR PERISHER HAVE THE BEST SNOW?
Both Thredbo and Perisher have fairly modest snow records compared the resorts in Europe, North America and Asia. That being said the 2m+ of snow that regularly falls in these Snowy Mountain ski resorts is enough to sustain a four-month season with the help of snow cannons. Regardless of whether you ski at Thredbo or Perisher, it is worth noting you will be riding on a mix of natural and man-made snow.
Perisher ski resort has the highest base area so can be your best bet for early or late-season snow. Thredbo does still operate a four-month ski season however it can be forced to move its operations to the top of cruiser chair with down lifting on high-noon in lean snow years.
Ultimately, a trip to the Australian snow should not be treated as a hunt for powder (although it can deliver!!! ) but instead, an opportunity to ski or snowboard in a new part of the world.
If you want to be snow-sure, consider heading to Thredbo or Perisher in July or August as this is when the snow is the most reliable.
IS THREDBO OR PERISHER BETTER?
Ultimately, whether Thredbo or Perisher is the better ski resort depends on your preferences and priorities. If you're drawn to a charming alpine village atmosphere with a focus on après-ski activities and diverse terrain, Thredbo might be the perfect choice. On the other hand, if you're seeking vastness, extensive slopes, and a wide range of skiing opportunities in a family-friendly environment, Perisher could be your ideal destination.
Both resorts offer their own unique charm and attractions, so your decision should be based on factors such as the type of skiing experience you want, your skill level, whether you're travelling with a family, and your preferences for village ambience or resort size.
No matter which resort you choose, both Thredbo and Perisher promise an unforgettable winter getaway in an incredibly beautiful part of Australia. The real win here is that you do not need to decide between Thredbo or Perisher… due to their proximity you can visit them both!
Thredbo Ski Resort Guide
Having lived and worked at Thredbo it is fair to say that I have plenty of fond memories. As Australian ski resorts go, Thredbo offers the most variety with the largest vertical drop and a European-style village. Thredbo has a reputation for attracting an exclusive clientele but in reality, it is a down-to-earth ski community with lots to offer.
Views @ Thredbo Ski Resort
THREDBO FIRST IMPRESSIONS
It’s fair to say I didn’t get the best first impression of Thredbo. Arriving in early June to begin the interview process there was very little snow on the hill. My first trip to Thredbo was in 2013 which also happened to be one of Australia’s worst seasons for natural snowfall which didn’t help matters. That being said as the days rolled on and the snowmaking got started it was clear to see that Thredbo does a pretty good job of getting terrain open. The village itself is really nice and would be a good place to stay for on-snow accommodation. The village has a number of good bars and restaurants as well as a sports centre with pool and squash courts.
THREDBO SKI RESORT GUIDE
Thredbo has the largest variety of terrain out of the Australian ski resorts. With over 670m vertical drop Thredbo is also the place to go in search of those longer runs. Its big rival and neighbour Perisher has half of that… Still, 670m is much less than major European ski resorts but it opens up enough terrain to keep things interesting.
Thredbo has a good mix of terrain that is well suited to a mix of abilities. Beginners will find Friday Flats and the runs from Crusier chairlift a good place to learn to turn. Intermediates will love Thredbo with a good range of Blue and Black terrain available. High Noon is a particular favourite and is great first thing in the morning. There are some interesting Blue runs at the top of The Basin and in Central Spur.
Friday Flats @ Thredbo Ski Resort
Advanced riders will find little in the way of steeps however, the terrain parks should keep you occupied. The Black graded terrain consists of relatively short runs but I liked Cannonball and Bushwhacker. If you are looking to avoid the crowds heading to Sponars or Anton’s T-Bars is a great place to start. The trail stats are pretty heavily biased towards intermediates with 67% of pistes dedicated to intermediate trails. The rest are evenly distributed between beginner and advanced terrain.
Outside of the resort boundary, you can find some interesting backcountry at Thredbo but be sure to know where you are going as it is easy to get yourself into trouble. Thredbo has opened up the backcountry terrain and you can now purchase a Thredbo backcountry ski pass.
THREDBO PISTE MAP
Thredbo Ski Resort Piste Map
LIFTS AT THREDBO
The lifts are Thredbo are pretty decent with 13 spread across the mountain. The most recent is the Merrits Gondola which replaces the Merrits chair that used to take around 30 minutes to reach Cruiser from the Valley terminal. Lifts at Thredbo are sometimes prone to closure due to high winds which is why the upper lifts are mainly T-bars so they can keep spinning for longer on those windy days.
THREDBO SNOW RECORD
Thredbo is similar to most Australian ski resorts in that it is not blessed with copious amounts of snowfall. An average of 2m per season is normal and Thredbo heavily relies on its snow-making. This is particularly true of its lower slopes where the resort staff work tirelessly to keep the terrain open. The upper slopes at Thredbo fair fine throughout the season with conditions cold enough to ensure the snow coverage remains. Powder days are rare at Thredbo but when they do come they are very enjoyable. In 2020 Thredbo received 85cm in one dump so powder days remain a rare possibility.
THREDBO SEASON DATES
The ski season in Thredbo runs between June and October but in reality, the early and late season openings will only be partial openings with some terrain closed on the lower slopes. Check here for the latest season opening dates.
THREDBO LIFT TICKETS
7 days of lift passes are included in the IKON Pass which may encourage some to make the journey to Thredbo. Similarly, Mountain Collective holders will benefit from 2 days of lift tickets for Thredbo.
Purchasing your lift pass for Thredbo can cost upwards of $100Aus per day. Up-to-date lift pass information can be found here.
GETTING TO THREDBO
Where is Thredbo?
Thredbo ski resort and village are in the Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains. Popular with locals from Sydney and Canberra the most popular way to access Thredbo is by car. The drive from Sydney airport is around 500km whereas Canberra is 215km from Thredbo. If you are looking for airport parking consider using Flyparks.com.au. It is possible to arrive at Thredbo via shuttle bus from Cooma but this route is less often used.
The drive to Thredbo is fairly simple with roads being pretty unremarkable when compared to the windy roads found in Europe or neighbouring New Zealand. If you choose to drive you are required to carry chains with pretty large fines for failing to do so. Beware of the kangaroos, that call the fields close to Thredbo home, as it’s not unknown for them to dart out in front of your car.
THREDBO ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation in Thredbo village is possible, as is staying in nearby Jindabyne. Jindabyne is more affordable but will require a 30-minute drive to the resort each morning. Thredbo village is home to a range of accommodation options with a hostel, apartments, and hotels all available.
THREDBO PROS
Thredbo has the largest vertical drop of Australian ski resorts meaning longer runs
Thredbo has a great village with a range of restaurants, shops, and accommodation
Thredbo has a new gondola making resort access even quicker from the village
Thredbo has the highest accessible lift point in Australia
THREDBO CONS
Thredbo’s lower slopes can be prone to poor snow in early and late season
Thredbo is a popular Australian ski resort and can become very crowded on weekends and during holiday periods
Thredbo has expensive lift tickets so try to book early!
THREDBO ACTIVITIES
Thredbo resort has plenty to offer away from the snowboarding. There are a number of snowshoe tracks for those looking to explore the mountains at a slower pace. Thredbo also has a mountain coaster (toboggan track) which is great fun. The leisure centre at Thredbo has a swimming pool with inflatables for the kids whilst offering a range of sports and fitness classes. Yoga is a popular way to recover after a day out on the snow. Thredbo Alpine Hotel also has an outdoor heated pool with a bar.
THREDBO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How Much Does It Cost To Ski At Thredbo?
A lift ticket to Thredbo will cost over $100Aus per day although discounts are available for multi-day or pre-purchased online tickets. The most economical way to ski at Thredbo is using the Thredbo 365 pass that offers year-round access to the resort. If you plan to snowboard for more than one week throughout the season you should save money.
When Can You Ski In Thredbo?
Peak season for snowboarding and skiing at Thredbo is Late June through to the end of August. You can ski and snowboard either side of these dates from the start of June until the beginning of October however snow conditions can vary heavily.
Is Thredbo Good For Beginners?
As a former Thredbo instructor, I think Thredbo is a great place to learn. There are purpose-built beginner areas and a great progression of runs. Lessons at Thredbo happen in both the morning and afternoon so you can fit them around your other commitments.
Do I Need Chains To Drive To Thredbo?
It is a legal requirement to carry chains whilst driving to Thredbo in a two-wheel-drive vehicle. The road to Thredbo can become covered in snow and there are plenty of chain fitting bays along the route.
How Far Is Jindabyne From Thredbo?
The town of Jindabyne is 30km from Thredbo. The road is a nice drive and mostly has clear conditions. On heavy snow days, be prepared for queues along the road.