Whilst a snow holiday is probably one of the most fun and family based memory making expeditions you can dream up, it’s also kind of an exhausting holiday ( especially with young kids ) and it’s definitely not cheap!
Naturally, timing also kicks in to the decision making here – for anyone travelling from NSW and limited to school holiday windows – it can be very busy, lines can be long, and the snow can be highly variable with the ever changing weather patterns thrown out by El Nino / La Nina. If you’re coming from further afield ( hey Queenslanders ! ) this can be even more a stress – so it’s key to make sure you’re well planned to make the best choices on accommodation, location to suit your family and budget and make sure you will all have the best possible time no matter what mother nature throws your way.
So for anyone contemplating their first family ski vacay, here’s a snapshot of the most popular decisions for family ski trips for the NSW Snowies.
Perisher V Thredbo
Perisher is Australia’s largest ski resort, and it shows the moment you arrive — sprawling, snow-covered terrain spread across four linked areas, with beginner slopes wide and gentle enough for first-timers to build confidence quickly. For families, this is the resort’s biggest drawcard. The dedicated Perisher Kids programs are well-established, backed by proper childcare and creche facilities, meaning even the youngest members of the family are looked after while parents hit the slopes.
The journey in is part of the fun: rather than driving through snow and chains, most visitors take the Skitube from Bullocks Flat.
Once you make it there, snow play areas and tobogganing runs offer a break from lessons and the day lodges are a great, warm option to recover.
Perisher isn’t chasing a postcard alpine village feel — it’s more functional than charming, spread across its four resort areas rather than centred on one walkable strip.
But for families prioritising beginner terrain, strong ski school infrastructure, and value for money, it’s hard to beat.
Thredbo: Family Snow Adventure
Thredbo trades scale for atmosphere, and for many families, that trade is worth it.
The village itself is the standout feature — cute, walkable, alpine vibes with cafes and shops right at the base of the mountain.
The terrain leans slightly more toward intermediate and advanced runs, though the Friday Flat zone at the base is still solid for younger or newer skiers with the Thredbo ski school coming in with a strong reputation for good instructor and solid childcare options as well – athough on a smaller scale than at Perisher.
Getting there means driving directly into the village — snow chains may be required — but once you’ve arrived, everything is close and easy to reach on foot.
For families who value village charm and are willing to pay slightly more for it, Thredbo delivers an all-in-one alpine experience. It’s probably going to come out ahead for those with kids who need time off the mountain or days to fill with alternate activities – the leisure centre ( indoor pools, gym and waterslide ) is always a hit, there is plenty of activity in the village and great walks around the town and surrounds ( weather dependent ).
Perisher vs Thredbo: Family Friendly Comparison
| Perisher | Thredbo | |
| Beginner Terrain | Huge, gentle beginner areas | Smaller beginner zone, more intermediate/advanced |
| Ski School & Childcare | Large-scale, well-established | Strong instruction, smaller childcare setup |
| Village Feel | Spread out, functional | Charming, walkable alpine village |
| Non-Ski Activities | Tobogganing, snow play | Bobsled luge, ice skating |
| Price & Value | Generally cheaper | Slightly pricier |
| Getting There | Skitube (no snow chains needed) |
