Best Budget-Friendly Ski Spots In NSW

The winter snow season in the Snowy Mountains region of New South Wales is heavenly for skiers and snowboarders. Apart from the stunning scenery of the Australian Alps, which are some of the world’s oldest snow-covered alpine landscapes, travellers can enjoy hitting the fresh powder on the slopes each day, taking in the crisp air, hanging out with a bunch of friends on an awesome ski trip and, of course, warming up with a taste of schnapps!

From Sydney, you can drive to the Snowy Mountains in roughly 5.5 hours, while from Melbourne you can get to the Victorian Alps in around 2-4.5 hours by car, depending on which particular destination you’re headed to. Mighty Campers are available for pick up and drop off from both locations.

When driving to any of the snowfields in Australia, remember that while the mountain roads will generally be cleared of snow regularly, you are advised to fit chains to your vehicle’s tyres for better grip (at the very minimum you are required to carry them with you). It’s also always a good idea to travel in daylight hours as distances can be difficult to judge in the snow at night. You definitely don’t want to be stranded anywhere in the mountains when the temperatures drop down.

This blog is going to outline our favourite budget-friendly ski spots, as well as our favourite ski season stops when on an Australia road trip in a motorhome or campervan. Plus, we’ve got some great tips and insights to make your travel itinerary planning all the easier. So read on, get inspired, and start planning your winter getaway in a Mighty Camper today!

 

Image: Destination NSW

 

Where can you ski in NSW? 

Skiing might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of NSW. But, when winter arrives, avid skiers and snowboarders flock to the Snowy Mountains! There are a few different resorts to choose from, so if you’re looking to go skiing on a budget, we’ve got you covered! Snow accommodation in NSW for motorhomes and campervans is usually close to all the action, and luckily for you the Mighty Campers are very comfortable to make your stay in the snow all the more enjoyable and cosy.

 

What month is the best to ski in NSW?

If you're planning on hitting the slopes in NSW, the best time to ski is usually between June to October. However, if you want to avoid the crowds and still catch some good snow, we suggest aiming for the end of July or early August as the school holidays will have ended. This way, you can have a great time skiing without having to deal with the crowds!

 

The top 4 budget-friendly ski spots in NSW

Perisher

Perisher is a winter wonderland for ski and snowboard enthusiasts! Located in the heart of the Snowy Mountains, it's the largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere, with more than 1,200 hectares of skiable terrain!

Perisher offers a wide range of skiing and snowboarding experiences, from beginner slopes to challenging black runs for the experts. There are also terrain parks, half pipes, and cross-country trails for those looking for something different. With over 50 lifts, including high-speed quad chairs and T-bars, you’ll be spoilt for choice of places to explore!

 

Image: Destination NSW 

Thredbo

Thredbo is another incredible skiing destination in the Snowy Mountains region of New South Wales that offers an excellent range of skiing terrain for all skill levels.

The resort features over 50 runs and 14 lifts, including Australia's longest ski run, the 5.9km Supertrail! There are plenty of groomed trails for beginners and intermediates, as well as challenging off-piste runs for advanced skiers. Thredbo also has a vibrant après-ski scene, with a range of bars, restaurants, and cafes to enjoy after a day on the slopes. The charming village is pedestrian-friendly and has a cosy alpine atmosphere, making it a great place to add to your winter holiday travel itinerary!

 

Charlotte Pass 

Charlotte Pass is the highest ski resort in Australia, and is a great destination for skiing and snowboarding! One of the things we love most about Charlotte Pass is that it's a small and cosy resort, with only a handful of lifts and runs. This means that the crowds are usually quite low, and you can really take your time exploring the slopes without worrying about bumping into other skiers and snowboarders.

The resort has a good range of runs to suit all levels of ability, from beginner to advanced. There are plenty of gentle runs for those who are new to skiing or snowboarding, as well as some more challenging terrain for those who are looking for a bit of a thrill. It’s also budget friendly, which is of course why it has made it to our list!

Selwyn Snow Resort

One of the lesser known ski resorts is Selwyn Snow Resort, which is a fantastic destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts as it offers a wide range of terrain suitable for all skill levels.

The resort boasts 12 lifts and 45 runs, with a mix of green, blue and black runs, so beginners and experts alike can have a great time. There are also terrain parks for those who enjoy freestyle skiing or snowboarding, as well as a snow play area for families with young children.

 

Image: Destination NSW

 

Tips for enjoying a ski trip on a budget

Hire a campervan  

Budget-friendly travel doesn’t mean you have to compromise on comfort. When you hire a motorhome or campervan to travel in, you’ll have the best of both worlds, with your home on wheels allowing you to adventure to where and at what time you want, as well as the opportunity to save money on accommodation and food as you’ll have all you need in one place!

 

Take advantage of your kitchen on wheels

With having your kitchen in your campervan, it means you’ll save so much money as you won’t be needing to eat out every meal. You can also stock up on delicious local produce to create tasty meals and snacks from the comfort of your campervan.

 

Look out for deals 

Another great way to save money when hiring a campervan is to keep an eye out on deals! If you check out the Mighty Camper site you’ll find some great deals, plus the campgrounds, lift tickets and hire equipment usually have early-bird deals so if you can plan ahead you’ll be able to save even more!

 

Where to stay near the Snowy Mountains 

Once you get to the Snowy Mountains, the quaint village of Jindabyne in NSW is a popular destination. Apart from being a good jumping off spot to get to Thredbo and Perisher mountains, Jindabyne is also the perfect place to pick up equipment hire and supplies, and to book a campsite for your stay. You’ll be able to leave your camper all set up at your campsite, and catch a shuttle up to the ski lifts each day.

 

Jindabyne Holiday & Caravan Park

The Jindabyne Holiday and Caravan Park is situated right on the banks of Lake Jindabyne, providing visitors with stunning waterfront views and peaceful setting. The location is ideal as it’s within easy reach of a range of attractions, including the Snowy Mountains ski resorts, the Kosciuszko National Park, and the town of Jindabyne itself, which is home to a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

The park has great facilities available including a heated swimming pool, kids playground, BBQ area, and a well-equipped camp kitchen, all adding to what is sure to be a perfect stay!

 

Snowy River Holiday Park

The Snowy River Holiday Park is another budget-friendly holiday park, located in the heart of the Snowy Mountains. Its campsites are nestled among lush green forests and surrounded by majestic mountain ranges, making it a perfect spot for a winter getaway. The facilities are modern and well-maintained, with everything you need to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable in your Mighty Camper.

Snowy River Holiday Park is also ideally located close to all that the Snowy Mountains region has to offer, including the Kosciuszko National Park, Thredbo Ski Resort, and the picturesque town of Jindabyne.

 

Riverglade Caravan Park

Riverglade Caravan Park is another great budget-friendly addition to our list! The park offers a range of facilities to make your stay enjoyable and comfortable including private campsites, modern amenities, a BBQ area, playground, mini-golf course and even a convenience store!

The park is also situated in a beautiful location, on the banks of the picturesque Goulburn River in the heart of the Goulburn Valley. All that this beautiful area has to offer is within easy reach, including ski resorts, wineries and charming towns.

Image: Destination NSW

 

How to choose the right camper for your ski trip

If you’re deciding on which Mighty Camper is going to make your winter road trip the best it can be, then be sure to check out the Mighty Camper Deuce camper.

The vans are a wonderful home away from home and can come chock-full of creature comforts like bathroom facilities, microwave, fridge, gas stove, other cooking facilities, and warm beds. As mentioned above, you do still want to have snow chains with you, especially if you are driving a 2WD vehicle, and you should check weather reports for any potential hazards before you begin driving.

 

Ready for a winter adventure?

If you’re ready to get out and start exploring some of the best budget-friendly ski spots in NSW, then head online or into a Might Camper branch to book your campervan today! Plus, be sure to check out the other great inspiration articles, tips and insider knowledge to make your road trip planning all the better!