Snowy Mountains bus service gears up for winter season

With the weather finally knocking down a few Celsius and snow beginning to rear its head across the country, the Snowy Mountains bus service is almost ready to take its first passengers of the season.

The bus service leaves from Jindabyne before heading to Perisher and Thredbo resorts 7 days per week during ski season, with connecting services via East Jindabyne, Tyrolean Village and Cooma (via Berridale).

Services will be running from June 7 until October 5.

The Snowy Mountains bus service has been running since 2021, providing an affordable way for visitors to travel to the ski resorts, removing the stress associated with driving in poor weather conditions, heavy traffic and on icy roads.

The service has expanded over the years to include more routes, the introduction of the Park & Shuttle Bus, and the Cooma to Jindabyne (via Berridale) service, following an increase in patronage.

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In 2024, a record breaking number of people ditched cars for the expanded service, hitting a major milestone of more than 90,000 customer journeys for the first time.

“Increased services led to improved safety on our roads at the busiest times for the snowfields, contributing to fewer journeys by car on roads impacted by ice and snow,” regional transport and roads minister Jenny Aitchison said in a statement last year.

“The convenience was experienced by both locals and visitors to our region who not only used the bus as a reliable way to get to the snow, but also to access our mountain trails for other recreational activities.”

Ticket holders for the Snowy Mountains bus receive free all-day car parking at The Station Resort and free travel on the Park & Shuttle Bus to the Snowy Region Visitor Centre in Jindabyne. Passengers can simply take the shuttle and change at the Snowy Region Visitor Centre to catch the bus service to the slopes.

Return fares for all services include entry into Kosciuszko National Park and each bus has room for gear including skis or a board, and a day backpack, with services running hourly each day and every 30 minutes to Perisher during school holidays and peak periods.

Passengers are encouraged to book ahead to secure their seat, however tickets can be purchased on the day if seats are available.