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 in the mix ) and it’s definitely not cheap!
Naturally, timing also kicks in to the decision making here – for anyone travelling who is limited to school holiday windows means a lot of pre trip planning.
Clearly, it can be very busy, lines can be long but for the price you’re paying – 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.
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.
Weighing up 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 Adventures
Thredbo trades scale for atmosphere, and for many families, that trade is worth it.
It’s also an IKON Mountain and lift tickets are generally more, meaning often – less crows than Perisher.
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.
The Thredbo ski school has a good 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. You also do have your car on hand in case of a day you want to explore or if you’re around for longer, head back to Jindy for supplies.
For families who are into the snowy 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 and there is always plenty of activity around and in the village plus some great walks around the town and surrounds ( weather dependent ).
We always pack our snow bucks ( joke ) when heading to the snow as if you start to think about what you’re spending on food, ski activity and accommodation you’ll cry – so just be sure to suck up all the absolute wonder on the kids faces, take in the beauty of the mountains and worry about costs later!
It’s the snow, it’s impossible to not have a great time – regardless of the conditions, everyone is happy in the mountains!
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) |
Family Adventure Favourites
- Guthega Inn, Guthega – Perfect stop for lunch
- White Spider, Eiger Chalet in Perisher – Great for music and sunsets
- Thredbo Ski Resort – Night skiing, check the schedule but usually a Thursday night Family Flare Run + Fireworks in peak
- Merrits Mountain House – For any non skiiers, a good option to take the gondola up for lunch on the slopes
- Wild Brumby Distillery – must stop in for a bottle of schnapps or gin ( and go halves in a strudel! )
- Perisher Ski Resort – Night skiing, check the schedule
- Alpine Coaster, Thredbo – check for weather updates and openings but the most fun the kids will have
- Kareela Hutte, Thredbo – If you can offload the small ones in Thredbo land, definitely worth a long lunch at this iconic ski-in / ski – out institution for a Euro snow menu vibe
- Candelight Lodge, Thredbo – Such a fun stop. Family favourite for a cosy meal and schnitzels by the fire
- Thredbo Leisure Centre – After a day on the slopes, parents are dreaming of sitting by a fire with a glass of red rather than in the hard back plastic chairs poolside watching the 59th waterslide, but honestly – the kids can’t get enough. And a great option for a day off or non skiiers!
