Smiggin Holes: Winter Trails and Views

In winter, Smiggin Holes is connected to Perisher Valley by a free shuttle bus; when snow conditions are suitable, groomed ski and snowboard runs lead between the two places. There are also different routes to consider when planning your trip: the Rock Creek snowshoe track starts in Perisher Village, while the Porcupine walk climbs to the Porcupine Rocks. This means that landscape, views and connections between places offer distinct points of focus.

Trails and landscapes

The Rock Creek snowshoe track initially follows Rock Creek through a treeless frost hollow, then continues through Snow Gum forest. This sequence makes the change from open terrain to forest the defining landscape feature: the route has two clearly distinct sections rather than a uniform backdrop. Snow cover varies in winter. When planning, you should therefore take into account both the lasting change in landscape and the changing winter snow conditions.

The Porcupine walk climbs to the Porcupine Rocks and offers views of the Thredbo Valley and the Main Range. Here, the climb, the named destination and views of two areas take centre stage. This distinguishes the walk from the route along Rock Creek: there, the changing landscape shapes the experience; here, it is reaching the Rocks and the views. If you are choosing between the two walks, you can use this difference as a guide—either a succession of creek, frost hollow and forest, or a climb with views.

Winter connections and tobogganing

In winter, the shuttle bus connects Perisher Valley and Smiggin Holes seven days a week and is free. You can factor this connection into your trip planning; check the current service before you travel.

Groomed ski and snowboard runs connect the same places when snow conditions permit. Unlike the shuttle, this connection is explicitly dependent on conditions. For your planning, this means checking the current service for the bus and the snow conditions for the runs. If both options may suit your trip, consider these points separately.

Toboggans can be hired from Perisher Sports in Perisher Valley. Check current availability before you travel. Unlike the shuttle and the connection via the runs, the hire service is specifically for a tobogganing activity, making it a separate point to consider when planning.

Places to consider when planning your trip

If you are looking for hotels in Smiggin Holes, you can factor the locations of these activities into your trip planning: the Rock Creek snowshoe track starts in Perisher Village, toboggans can be hired from Perisher Sports in Perisher Valley, and both the shuttle and the conditional connection via the runs link Perisher Valley and Smiggin Holes. This distinction helps you match the options to the places named, rather than treating them as a single route. You can then decide in advance which trail landscape, view or winter activity will be a priority for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Horningsea Park, Monkerai, Tumut, Redhead, Hyams Beach, Ocean Shores, Villawood, Jerilderie

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.