Checklist

Ski Gear

  • Skis – we recommend metal edges

  • Boots – check that they are firm and that they fit the skis

  • Stocks

Clothing

  • Thermal underwear

  • Stretchy clothes in synthetic fabrics (no cotton)

  • Warm jumper or jacker (polarfleece)

  • Waterproof jacket and overpants (breathable fabric is best)

  • Hats – beanie and sunhat

  • Mittens or gloves (plus waterproof shell if they are not waterproof)

  • Gaiters

  • Socks (thermal – some skiers prefer two pairs)

  • Sunglasses or goggles

Other Stuff

  • Daypack

  • Water bottle

  • Food

  • Sunscreen

  • Personal first aid kit

  • Small mat to sit on

Hiring Gear

Travel

  • Snow chains must be carried by all vehicles except 4WD entering Kosciusko National Park from the June long weekend to the October long weekend.

  • A return trip to the Perisher trails is about 450-500km, depending on where you live in Canberra. Allow about 3 hours to get there (more if weather conditions are likely to make the trip slower).

Transport Options to the Resorts from Jindabyne.

To get a car parking spot at the major ski resorts, you now need to be driving through Jindabyne no later than 7.00am (even earlier on weekends in school holidays). What are your options if you don’t fancy an early start or driving your car on ice- and snow-covered roads? Here are a couple to consider.

  • Snowy Mountains Bus Service – Cooma Coaches
    This bus service runs between Jindabyne and Perisher or Thredbo every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the ski season. The cost is $20 (adult) or $10 (child) for a return trip. One-way tickets are also available. Bookings must be made online through Cooma Coaches.

     

    You will need to find a legal place to park in Jindabyne for the day, but it will save you the hassle of trying to get a parking spot at the resorts. It could also be very useful for those planning a tour from one resort to the other, saving a car shuffle.

    The buses leave every half hour from 7.00 – 10.30 am and 2.00 – 6.30 pm, with an hourly service between 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

  • Skitube
    Drive to Bullocks Flat and catch the Skitube up to Perisher.

     

    This used to be a viable (if somewhat expensive) option for getting up to Perisher and back in a day. However, this season Perisher have introduced a restriction on what they call ‘Sightseeing’ day return tickets (i.e., tickets not purchased in conjunction with a resort lift ticket). These tickets can now only be used after 11 am, which means a very late start for any ski tour! The cost is $63 for a return trip. An unrestricted Skitube season pass is available for $479 (adult) and may be a better option for regular users.

Costs

  • Entry to the Kosciusko National Park for each car is $29 per day or $190 for an annual pass.

  • Same-day return on the Skitube from Bullocks Flat to Perisher Blue is $63 ($41 with a lift pass). This is a good option if the weather is foul and you don’t want to drive up the road to Perisher. There is then no need to carry chains. (Note: return Skitube ticket bought on the day without a lift ticket can now only be used after 11am).

  • If you go on a trip that includes the use of the chairlift at Thredbo, the cost is $45.

  • Guidance for transport cost contributions for car-pooling are contained here.

Safety

Check the weather forecast:

Check the snow conditions and avalanche danger: