Sleeping in a tent is the superior way to see the snow - here's how to survive

Forget the expensive lodges and permanently booked out Airbnbs, I went to the snow and paid just $6 a night for accomodation.

Camping at the snow is one of the best things you'll probably never do...

I've slept in a campground at the snow twice, once at Island Bend near Perisher, and once at Ngarigo near Thredbo. 

The first time I did it was one of the best experiences of my life. The second was one of the worst. 

So that you can take my negative experience and turn it into a positive, here are my eight secrets to camping in the snow in NSW and not having a miserable time.

Introducing: my cheapskate's guide to Perisher and Thredbo: how to ski for $6 a night...and  bask in the smug glory of knowing you paid less than everyone else.

1. Spend the first night in your car in Jindabyne

Top tip: when spending a romantic night with your 6'4" best mate in the back of your car next to Lake Jindabyne, crack the window to reduce condensation.

Camping in the snow is rough. Because of this, I recommend you spend your first night in your car in Jindabyne, rather than at a campsite. This has two advantages. One: you probably have to be in Jindabyne anyway to rent your gear on the first morning, and two: it means one less night in a wind buffeted tent. Oh, and it costs zero dollars. And if you can't sleep because your mate won't shut up (or keeps fidgeting), just sleep on the ground next to the car (as my friend did).

Author's friend enjoying a cold night on the asphalt (he later woke up scrabbling at the door begging to be let back in, freezing).

2. Pick a good campsite

If you're going to freeze, you may as well pick a campsite that is close to the snow fields. For Perisher, I recommend Island Bend, and for Thredbo I recommend Diggings or Ngarigo. One of the great benefits of camping at Ngarigo is that the drive to the snowfields in the morning is 5-10 minutes, rather than 30-40 mins, from Jindabyne. And it only costs $6 a night to book.

3. Pick a good weekend

Don't be like me: If it's going to be windy and raining, postpone for another weekend.

The benefit of camping is that your 'accommodation' rarely gets fully booked (midweek, anyway). So it's easier to chase a good snow forecast last minute, where there isn't too much wind, or rain. Ideally you want calm conditions and ironically enough, you want it to be cold enough to snow. Why? Because wind and rain is, for my money, infinitely more unpleasant to wake up to than a beautiful coat of frost (or snow) over your tent (which is fine, so long as you have the equipment to deal with it). 

4. Have a sturdy four seasons tent 

My mate didn't bother to properly attach the fly, but regretted it during the night (I slept in the car, as we decided it was impossible to sleep together).

I've done it in a 3 seasons tent and survived, but having a four seasons tent would have given me much greater peace of mind (which would have allowed me to sleep better). I also went in June (my first time) and September (my second time) and neither time did it snow as far down as the campsite (though you should always be prepared for it happening, especially if you are going when there is snow forecast).

5. Bring plenty of firewood

Beware: while it might be snowing on the slopes, it could just be rainy and windy at your campsite.

There's nothing better than camping at the snow, with a crackling fire. If conditions are right, you might even be tempted to 'cowboy camp' out in the open air, lying next to the fire, with the embers keeping you warm (you shouldn't though, because once it goes out you will literally freeze). 

6. Bring sleeping bag liners

Warming up with a coffee after a cold night at Island Bend.

And thermals. And a flask of whiskey (to keep you warm). And lots of chocolate frogs. Oh and always be prepared to retreat to your car, should your tent pack it in. 

7. If it's a beautiful night, don't be lazy and not bother with the fly of your tent

Hot take: wind and rain is worse than snow. Much worse.

As I have learned the hard way, conditions can change during the night. 

8. Go with a mate, not your partner (unless your partner loves the snow)

The benefit of going with a snow-mad mate is you feel no pressure to make the experience comfortable or pleasurable for them (you might even lock them out of your car at 2am as a joke). On the other hand, going with your partner there is a certain extra pressure on things going well. 

Originally published as Sleeping in a tent is the superior way to see the snow - here's how to survive