Best Snowboarding in NSW: Where to ride, stay & play this season

For powder hounds, nothing compares to the NSW snow season being in full swing and waking up to fresh flakes falling while sunlight cuts through chilly bluebird skies.

Snowboarding in NSW is epic, and even if you’re a city slicker, a day trip from Sydney will have you on or near the slopes.

NSW has it all when it comes to snowboarding, so we’ve whipped up an ultimate guide to enjoying the best resorts and snow towns in NSW, and some tips and tricks to keep things hassle-free.

Before you know it, that daydream of carving down a fresh powdery run will be a reality.

When is the snow season in NSW?

As any Aussie powder pusher knows, snow season in NSW kicks off in June and usually wraps up in October, with the best snowfall typically between July and August.

Australian snow season can be unpredictable in a good way, because even if you’re budget-savvy and book in June to get lower early bird prices on accommodation, tickets and gear, you might still score top conditions.

Booking towards the season’s end is also cheaper, and sometimes the season is extended into late October due to powder dumps that get everyone pumped all over again.

If you’re heading to the slopes during the school holidays or on a long weekend, book early as things can get hectic and there are limited rooms in all alpine resorts. Nearby snow villages also sell out quickly as it’s more affordable being off the mountain.

Buying a lift pass early will get you some great discounts and you can keep checking on snow conditions on the live cams from all resorts.

Check out the annual Epic Pass (much cheaper when bought before June) which has tonnes of bonuses, such as unlimited access to boarding all season at Perisher, Falls Creek and Hotham in Victoria, and 75+ resorts overseas including Whistler in Canada, Hakuba in Japan, and Park City in the US.

With the Epic Pass you also get 20% off lessons and rentals and you can nab your mates up to 50% off lift tickets. It pays itself off within a week.

Perisher: Big, bold and family friendly

Despite what you may have heard from the net, snowboarding in Sydney is not a thing, but Perisher is super popular with Sydneysiders doing white weekenders.

Perisher is the largest snow resort in Australia, with four interconnected areas. With easy lift access and terrain for all skill levels, it’s great for groups and is super family friendly.

There’s a friendly rivalry between Thredbo and Perisher, but snowboarders in the know will tell you that Perisher has more terrain, but less vertical drops than Thredbo.

Charlotte Pass: Hidden gem for powder days

When the NSW snow season hits, experienced riders know there’s bound to be excellent natural snow at Charlotte Pass, and less crowds.

There’s tonnes of snow when you’re at the highest snow resort in Australia, but note there’s no vehicle access to the resort –– just snow mobiles for transport.

The abundance of snow means it’s also a top spot for off-piste adventures and snowshoeing.

Where to go snowboarding near Sydney

For the uninitiated, there’s nowhere to go snowboarding in Sydney, but the NSW alpine resort towns such as Jindabyne and Cooma are only a 5–6-hour drive away.

En route to the slopes, take a break in Canberra or Bungendore, or break the trip up and stay overnight in one of the many southern NSW villages.

On your way to the Snowy Mountains, lay your head lakeside at Reflections Burrinjuck Waters. Get used to the chilly climes while enjoying a waterfront camping spot under the stars or get comfy in one of the cosy cabins tucked into the bush and perched above the lake.

On your way to Burrinjuck Waters, swing by the quaint village of Jugiong, where you’ll find the British-style Sir George pub and restaurant. Oozing charm, the beer garden is a top spot to chill and there’s often live music.

Next door is Long Track Pantry, where travellers make a pit-stop stop for a great coffee and to grab some delicious ready-made meals for the road, such as spag bol and lasagne. They’re perfect to heat up and tuck into around a campfire.

Best places to get into NSW’s snow scene, sans board

Hands up if you aren’t a snowboarder or a skier, and just want to get into the snow!

You’ve read this far, so we reckon it’s only fair to show you where to go for snow in NSW, sans snowboard. The NSW snow season also means snow-play is on the cards for families and those chasing some outdoor fun.

Check out Selwyn Snow Resort, which is known for being NSW’s most affordable mountain playground. It’s only a short drive from the towns of Tumut and Cooma, and a stone’s throw from Kiandra, which was the birthplace of the first ski club in the world, established in the 1860s!

Today, Selwyn is the biggest toboggan park in Australia, where you can slide down a 150-metre carpet of snow. If you want to learn to ski or snowboard, there’s easy slopes and great instructors.

For the more experienced, there’s a network of ungroomed trails for skiing and snowshoeing which can be accessed from Selwyn Snowfields.

At the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in Cooma, check out the past, present and future of the Snowy Scheme. You can do a virtual flight above the Snowy Mountains in an immersive theatre with a 14-metre-wide screen and cool floor projections.

If you’re more into relaxing or some leisurely activities in the snow, Lake Crackenback Resort & Spais your ticket to a winter wonderland.

Think leisurely hikes, a round of golf, spot of tennis, archery, trout fishing, spa treatments, snow-shoeing and hot chocolates by a big open fire.

Tips for a smooth snowboarding trip in NSW

Your NSW snowboarding experience should be as hassle-free as possible, so do yourself a favour and book lift passes and rental gear in advance online.

Snowy mountain weather in NSW is best tackled with layers of clothing and waterproof outerwear. There’s no getting around it – snow gets wet, fast.

If you don’t have a 4WD, hire one and carry snow chains. There’s always a place en route to rent them and there’s well-marked bays dotted up the mountain to stop and put them on.

It can be a long drive along wet and icy roads to get to the snow from Sydney, so if you’re travelling with mates, take turns driving, and always take breaks to refresh and recharge.

Snowboarding is a high-adrenaline, calorie-zapping sport and even if it’s cold, there’s still often plenty of sun, so always carry sunscreen.

On mountaintops there’s also plenty of wind and crazy weather changes, so stay hydrated, and snack often, as the altitude mixed with the cold weather can drain your energy and lead to dry skin and lips.

Trust us, chapped lips will ruin your day and hang around to remind you that you lip balm is non-negotiable. Carry a spare one for your mate and he’ll love you forever, or at least buy you a beer!

Experience the finest NSW slopes this snow season

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or full-season shredder, one thing’s for sure – snowboarding in NSW is exciting, accessible and as varied as you want it to be.

Plan early, choose the right resort for what you’re after, and be prepared for long days of fun and great nights out.

Whether you’re dreaming of carving up black runs or sipping on a cuppa fireside back at the lodge, the NSW snowfields will soon be calling your name, so get out there and choose your own winter wonderland adventure.