Are you dreaming of snowy white fields and warm cups of hot chocolate after a long day on the slopes? Well, you are not alone! And what better way to experience a ski trip than in a campervan.
Hiring a campervan for a ski trip is a great way to help stretch your travel budget and turn a ski holiday into an adventure! From saving on peak prices of winter accommodation to cooking up tasty homemade meals in your campervan kitchen, there are plenty of perks to van travel. Plus, with room for up to six, you can grab the family or your best friends and enjoy a classic Australian road trip to the NSW snowy mountains together.
If you are ready to start planning your New South Wales ski trip, we have you covered with this ultimate snowy mountains itinerary. Let’s dive in!
.jpeg?width=3840)
.jpeg?width=3840)
.jpeg?width=3840)
.jpg?width=3840)
.jpeg?width=3840)
.jpg?width=3840)
.jpeg?width=3840)
.jpeg?width=3840)
Jindabyne is a cosy town in the valley of some of the best New South Wales ski fields. This town is bustling with small-town charm. Head to Nuggets Crossing to grab your groceries and settle in for the night at your campsite. There are plenty of great options of where to stay during your time in Jindabyne. Our favourites include:
Adventist Alpine Village is a peaceful campground set amongst the native bushland. Grab a powered camping site under the beautiful gums, and relax in the common areas.
NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park is just minutes away from the action. Nestled in between the buzz of the town and still only 30 minutes from Thredbo and Perisher, this is the perfect middle ground when visiting Jindabyne.
Discovery Parks Jindabyne is a home away from home for your winter escape. It has all the modern amenities without the price tag of regular ski holiday accommodation. This campsite features an array of campsite facilities, including powered camping sites, laundry, a bouncing pillow, a playground, and a dump point.
There are plenty of great places to rent gear in town, including:
Once you have all your gear sorted, take the rest of the day to get your bearings and experience the township. Jindabyne is surrounded by scenic lakes, rolling hills and eucalypt forests. Our top things to do in town include:
Jindabyne has no shortage of great restaurants and delicious eats. Some of the best places in town to grab a meal include:
Once you’re finished exploring, head back to your campsite for a yummy campervan-friendly dinner.
Thredbo is known for its vertical descents and having the longest ski run in Australia: the super trail. This mountain is perfect for advanced riders and beginners alike. Pick up your lift passes for around $150 or grab a multiday pass and save.
If you're not riding, get a feel for the action with a ride up Merritts Gondola. This two-person chairlift is the perfect way to see this alpine wonderland and enjoy a hot drink at Merrits Mountain House. If you are visiting Thredbo on the weekend, try to catch the Saturday night fireworks. These are held every weekend at the resort and are a sight to see!
If you are riding up top of the slopes, plan a stop for lunch to enjoy a meal with panoramic views at Australia’s highest restaurant: Eagles Nest.
Are you looking for other activities other than skiing? Thredbo has plenty on offer. Check out the 18-hole Frisbee Disc Golf course or practice your park skills at the Zero Gravity Olympic-sized trampolines.
As the largest snow resort operation in the Southern Hemisphere, you are spoilt for choice for runs and lifts. Unlike Thredbo, Perisher is accessible by car as well as ski tube. This railway runs from Bullocks Flat to Perisher Valley and is a great option to help avoid driving the campervan in snowy conditions.
Once you arrive, grab your epic pass or single-day lift ticket. Then it’s time to hit the slopes! Spend the day exploring from Perisher Valley to Blue Cow and everything in between. Perisher is also known for its showstopping events, snow play and tobogganing. If you have the energy, explore what’s on offer before heading back to your campsite in Jindabyne.
Choose to head up for another day of riding, or rest up and drive up in the late afternoon for the neon night skiing and boarding. Every Saturday and Tuesday night Perisher Valley is flooded with dazzling stadium lights. That way, pass holders can enjoy skiing and boarding long after the sun goes down. Bonus points if you show up in your best neon attire!
It is also Australia's highest! This intimate resort is a great option for kids and families or anyone looking for a relaxing final day on the beginner slopes.
Many try to escape the Australian winter to warmer climates. But if you are craving snow-capped mountains and frosty adventures, New South Wales is one of the best places in Australia to visit in winter. Home to four ski resorts, NSW is popular for a skiing or snowboard adventure, tobogganing, dining, and more. However, gearing up for cosy winter nights and adventure-packed days takes a little planning. Before you pick up your campervan, here are a few things to consider:
When planning a ski holiday to New South Wales, it's important to plan for possible snowy driving conditions. If there are snowy or poor conditions, some roads may be restricted. It’s not recommended that you drive in your Mighty campervan during turbulent weather or above the snow line. In these instances you will need to park it up and wait for bad patches of weather to clear. Alternatively, you can park up the van and head up the slopes using a shuttle service or (where possible) a ski tube.
In the snowy mountains, the weather can fluctuate between wet and cold to warm and sunny. So it’s a good idea to bring a variety of warm, waterproof clothing that will withstand the weather. Light layers are also great as conditions can change quickly. The top items to add to your winter campervan list include:
For more details and packing ideas, read our guide on what to bring on a campervan holiday.
The sun rises around 7am during the winter months and sets around 5pm. Some evenings will be filled with fun-filled aprés ski (translates to ‘after ski’ in french) or dinners out. However, it’s good to prepare for a few chill evenings in the campervan. Some of our favourite campervan entertainment ideas include:
Before you leave, download the thl Roadtrip app. This app features video walkthroughs of the campervan and maps featuring holiday parks, dump stations and more. The thl Roadtrip app is invaluable in helping you plan your trip to the New South Wales ski fields.
New South Wales ski fields offer panoramic mountain views, world-class skiing and an Australian winter escape like no other. Top it off with the events, activities, dining and easy, cost-effective camping options, and you have the perfect Australian road trip for the winter months.
Ready to start planning your ski holiday to New South Wales? Book your Mighty campervan today.
Australian Itineraries