Your Complete Snow Guide
First Timer or Seasoned Visitor? Get the Most from Your Snow Holiday with These Insider Hints
First Time to the Snow? Here’s What You Need to Know
Planning is key to a smooth and enjoyable snow holiday! Start by asking yourself: are you coming for snow play, or are you keen to try skiing, snowboarding — or maybe both?
If you’re unsure about driving in snow or dealing with chains, we’ve got a tip for you: take the bus! Shuttle services run regularly from Jindabyne to the ski resorts. It’s safer, easier, and often quicker than driving yourself. [Learn more about local transport options → LINK ]
Just Here to Play in the Snow? Let’s Make It Fun & Easy!
If you’re heading to the snow just for some good old-fashioned fun — think snowball fights, tobogganing, and building snowmen — you’ll want to be warm, dry, and comfy! Here’s what you’ll need:
🧥 Waterproof jacket & pants – These are a must! Don’t worry, you can rent them if you don’t have your own.
🥾 Waterproof boots or snow boots – Rubber soles are best to stop slips and keep your toes warm. These can also be rented.
🧤 Thermal gloves – Trust us, cold hands are no fun. You can grab a pair from around $15.
🧢 Warm hat or beanie – Keep that head nice and toasty!
🕶️ Snow goggles – Great for windy days or surprise snowfalls. Available from about $30.
🛷 Toboggan – Because sliding down a snowy hill never gets old (yes, you can rent one!).
🧦 Thermals – Wool thermals are awesome. Layer them up to stay snug all day long.
And here’s a tip from the locals: pack a thermos of hot chocolate, some snacks, and maybe a few chocolate bars for a little energy boost. If you’ve got kids with you, plan for a warm-up break after an hour or so — nothing beats hot choccy with marshmallows after playing in the snow!
Where’s the Best Place for Snow Play?
Looking for the perfect spot to build a snowman or enjoy some tobogganing? Dead Horse Gap is one of our favourite hidden gems — peaceful, scenic, and ideal for snow play fun. [View map → LINK]
Before you head off, make sure to check out our Winter Driving Guide — especially important if you’re heading into alpine areas. [Read more here → LINK]
If you’re after a snow experience with a bit of extra excitement, Thredbo offers a fantastic value pass that includes a scenic Gondola Ride, a thrilling go on the Alpine Coaster, and entry to the Thredbo Leisure Centre, complete with a heated pool and waterslide! It’s a great option for families or anyone wanting a full snow day adventure. [Find out more → LINK]
Ready to Hit the Slopes? Let’s Get You Set for Skiing or Snowboarding!
Trying skiing or snowboarding for the first time? You’re in for a thrilling experience! With just a little pre-planning, your snow adventure will be smooth, fun, and unforgettable.
Start with the basics — you’ll need the same warm and waterproof gear we listed in the Snow Play Essentials above to stay comfortable out on the mountain.
Next up: your skis, snowboard, boots, and helmet. Don’t worry if you don’t own any of it — local rental shops have you covered! Whether you’d prefer to pop in and get fitted or have everything delivered right to your door, it’s super easy.
👉 Click the names below to check out prices, packages, and convenient delivery options — and get ready to carve up the slopes in style!
EXCITING NEWS!: SkiDoc Rental Delivery is Coming to the Snowy Mountains!Say goodbye to long lines at ski rental shops— SkiDoc is a premium ski and snowboard rental delivery service that brings top-quality gear directly to your accommodation. Their expert team will custom-fit your equipment in the comfort of your holiday home, so you can hit the slopes faster and easier. As a guest of Alpine Country Holidays, you’ll receive an exclusive discount on SkiDoc rentals. It’s ski hire made simple, stress-free, and delivered to your door!
Other ‘stand-in-line’outlets:
ESS
Alpine Sports
Larry Adler Rent A Ski
The Shed Ski Hire
Snowy Mountains Sports
What’s Included in a Ski or Snowboard Rental – And How to Get the Right Fit
When you rent ski gear, your standard package will usually include skis, boots, and poles. Many rental outlets also offer add-ons like helmets and snow clothing, so you can bundle everything you need in one go — super convenient if you’re not ready to invest in your own gear.
Once you’re at the rental store, a technician will help fit your boots properly. Take your time! You’ll be wearing them all day, so comfort is key. Try them on, fasten them up, and walk around the shop for 5–10 minutes. If they don’t feel quite right, ask to try another size or brand — your feet will thank you later!
Your skis will come fitted with bindings, which are safety mechanisms set to your height, weight, and skill level. These are designed to release your skis if you take a tumble — helping to reduce the chance of injury. Never swap skis with anyone else in your group, as the bindings are specifically adjusted for you.
Want to try snowboarding instead? No problem! Your boots will be fitted to your board, and like ski boots, they need to feel just right. While snowboard bindings aren’t safety-release like ski ones, the comfort and fit are just as important. Most rental packages allow you to switch between skiing and snowboarding during your stay — perfect if you want to try both!
Pro Tip: When you’re taking a break on the mountain, don’t leave your skis in pairs. Instead, separate them or even mix them with a friend’s — it helps prevent someone from accidentally (or not-so-accidentally) walking off with them!
Lessons & Lift Tickets – Your Path to the Slopes Starts Here!
Got your rental gear sorted? Great! Now it’s time to book your ski or snowboard lesson and grab your lift ticket.
Both Thredbo and Perisher offer excellent ski schools for all skill levels — from total beginners to confident cruisers. We especially recommend lessons at Thredbo (it’s where our kids learned to ski!) — their instructors are friendly, experienced, and great at building confidence on the slopes.
If you’re travelling with a group of 2 to 6 people, a Private Lesson is a fantastic option. You’ll have your own instructor, get personalised coaching, and enjoy lift line priority — meaning more time skiing, less time waiting.
Group lessons are also available for both kids and adults, with sessions typically running for 2 hours or half a day. For little ones, many programs offer full-day kids’ lessons, complete with lunch included, so parents can enjoy their own time on the mountain while the kids are in great hands.
Helpful Tip: If you’re driving a smaller car and struggling for space, consider renting your gear directly on the slopes at Thredbo or Perisher. Both resorts have large rental outlets, and you can often bundle your rentals with lift tickets and lessons for a great deal. Plus, you can leave your skis or snowboard in a locker for the day — just bring your boots back to your Jindabyne accommodation to warm up for tomorrow’s adventure!
Don’t forget you must pay to take a vehicle into the National Park.
Winter (Alpine Way, Kosciuszko Rd and Link Road) From the start of June long weekend to the end of October long weekend: $29 per vehicle per day (24hrs); motorcycles $12; bus passengers $11.45 per adult, $3.60 per child per day (24hrs). As at 2023
All Parks Pass – For all parks in NSW (including Kosciuszko NP) $190 (1 year) / $335 (2 years)
Helpful Hint: Take the resort shuttle bus from Jindabyne. Save all the hassle – See LINK HERE
Thinking about buying your own ski boots after renting? Visit Peter at the Last Run Boot Fitting Clinic, conveniently located inside the Alpine Country Properties & Holidays Jindabyne office (right next to the Jindabyne Post Office). Peter offers 30 years boot fitting experience with personalised boot fitting — it’s the go-to spot for both beginners and elite athletes. You might even find yourself sharing the space with a World Champion or Olympic medalist getting their boots dialled in! Appointments are essential for this exclusive service. Book at our front desk or give us a call on (02) 6457 2472.
Start your holiday planning on the right path by renting a Jindabyne holiday apartment or holiday home from Alpine Country Holidays.
