As cost-of-living pressures continue to shape holiday planning, here are some insider tips to help skiers and snowboarders save across Perisher, Falls Creek and Hotham this winter.
The first saving starts with timing. Guests looking for better value can visit in June, late August or September, while booking lift tickets and rentals online at least seven days in advance can save up to 35% on selected products.
“For beginners, early season packaged offers are budget-friendly,” Emily Smith, Senior Manager Brand and Experience, Perisher + Australia said. “The 2-Day Ski, Stay & Learn package includes accommodation at The Station in Jindabyne, lift tickets, rentals and lessons from $479 per person, saving $429 per person compared to peak season pricing.”
Guests planning a longer stay can also get more time on snow without adding another full day. Multi-day lift tickets (three or more consecutive days) include lift access from 3pm on the day before the selected start date, with early rental collection also available.
Accommodation is another major saving opportunity. Guests visiting Perisher can stay in Cooma or Jindabyne, Falls Creek visitors can consider Mt Beauty or Tawonga South, and those heading to Hotham can look at Bright, Harrietville or Omeo. Using bus services or carpooling from nearby towns will also cut fuel costs and help save on resort and National Park entry fees.
Club lodges are another budget-stretching option. A quintessential Australian snow experience, many lodges offer catered stays, helping guests bundle accommodation and meals into one upfront cost.
Food costs can add up quickly on a snow trip, so planning ahead matters. Buying groceries before arriving on mountain can help families and groups save, while keeping an eye on weekly specials across resort restaurants and bars can make on-mountain dining more affordable.
“At Hotham, Jack Frost has daily après sessions where you can grab their famous $1 wings and 2-for-1 cocktails by visiting early,” said Alex Pankiw, Hotham Brand and Experience Manager.
If equipment hire or lessons are already on the list, look for deals that add more value to the booking. For instance, Falls Creek and Hotham visitors hiring from Ray’s Ski Shop in Myrtleford can receive free chain hire when booking two or more adult ski or snowboard rentals, while Epic Australia Pass holders can access 20% off lessons and rentals when purchasing online and in advance.
“At Falls Creek, guests can also save with our Buy 4 Lessons, Get 1 Free offer, available across winter outside school holidays,” said Betony Pitcher, Falls Creek Brand and Experience Manager. “It’s a simple way to keep progressing on snow while making the cost of lessons go further.”
Finally, for regular skiers and snowboarders, the Epic Australia Pass remains the most cost-effective way to access Perisher, Falls Creek and Hotham. Pass holders can enjoy 20% off lessons and rentals, on-mountain food and beverage discounts, and six Bring A Mate tickets offering up to 50% off single-day lift tickets for friends. For new skiers and boarders, the brand new Epic Beginner Bundle provides the best value for those looking to start their snow journey, bundling 3 days of beginner lift access, lessons and rentals into one cost effective package, and for those looking to pick their days, in 2025, the new Epic Australia 4-Day Pass was created, providing access to Perisher, Falls Creek or Hotham for any 4 days in the season.
