Perisher

Perisher

Perisher Ski Resort (known as Perisher Blue until 2009) is the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere. Located in the Australian Snowy Mountains, the resort is an amalgamation of four villages (Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega, and Blue Cow) and their associated ski fields, covering approximately 12 square kilometres (5 sq mi), with the base elevation at 1,720 metres (5,640 ft) AHD, and the summit elevation of 2,054 metres (6,739 ft) at the top of Mount Perisher. 4.4 square kilometres (1.7 sq mi) of this area is covered by 240 snow guns, which are used to artificially supplement the natural snowfall. Perisher was acquired by Vail Resorts, United States on 30 March 2015 for a sum of approximately AU$177 million.

The resort is accessible by road and by the Skitube from Jindabyne, Australia’s only underground rack railway. The main skiing period is in July and August, with the official season running from the second weekend in June to the first weekend of October. Perisher consists of 47 lifts: The Village Eight Express, an eight-seater chairlift (built in 2003), two high-speed quad detachable chairlifts, five fixed-grip quad chairlifts, four double chairlifts, two triple chairlifts, 21 T-Bars, three J-bars, seven ski carpets, and 2 rope tows. The run difficulties are graded 22% beginner, 60% intermediate and 18% advanced.

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Perisher Range Ski Resort, Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: A Lloyd/Perisher

Feel the thrill of carving fresh tracks down the snow-blanketed mountains of Kosciuszko National Park’s Snowy Mountains, near Jindabyne. With four massive ski areas, Perisher Valley is Australia’s most popular ski destination, and the largest alpine resort in the southern hemisphere.

You’ll find a range of snow sports to suit everyone from the beginner to the expert at Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega and Blue Cow. A whopping 47 lifts and 1,245 hectares (over 3,000 acres) of snow-covered terrain, means you’re bound to find the perfect slope. In the evening, kick back with a range of resort-style accommodation, restaurants and nightlife to suit every budget.

Spend the winter months skiing, snowboarding, cross-country and tubing, and when the snow melts, there’s fantastic walking, mountain biking and fishing. You’ll soon discover there’s plenty to tempt you any time of year in the incredible high mountain country. Visit the Perisher website for more inspiration and information.

Perisher Winter

With four linked resorts in one, Perisher is the largest snow resort in the Southern Hemisphere. Skiers and snowboarders will never be bored with an incredible variety of runs to enjoy in beautiful surrounds. Ride through the snow gums, stop by a rocky outcrop for views over the valley and marvel at the spectacle from the top of Mount Perisher. Perisher is for everyone – from those who have never stepped on skis or a snowboard before to big air warriors and free riders who love it steep.

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People enjoying a day of skiing and snowboarding at Blue Cow ski resort in Perisher, Kosciuszko National Park

Skiing & snowboarding

Perisher has 47 lifts servicing 1,245 hectares of skiable terrain. Perisher Valley is the main base and where most people start their Perisher experience. From Perisher Valley you can ski across to Smiggin Holes, then over to Blue Cow and across to Guthega. All have their own personalities and all are well worth exploring. You can even ride the Skitube from Perisher Valley to Blue Cow if you want to.

Young skier in Perisher

The snow sports school offers group and private ski and snowboard lessons for kids and adults. Lessons can help everyone, from learners to advanced riders who want to progress and improve technique. There are terrain parks for those with a love for riding the rails and half pipes for big air tricksters. On weekends, early birds can sign up for a magnificent First Tracks experience, riding freshly groomed runs that are untouched.

If you don’t get enough action during the day, you can head out after dark with the Neon Night Skiing and Boarding, delivering an exciting experience with the terrain around the Village Eight Express well lit.

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Friends enjoying drinks in Perisher, Kosciuszko National Park - Snowy Mountains

More on mountain fun

Have you ever wondered how the slopes are groomed so perfectly? Go behind the scenes riding in a groomer to see first-hand how it is done. For a different type of experience, you can try cross-country skiing as Perisher boasts over 100km of marked cross-country trails. Go for a tranquil glide or go hard for a decent workout. You can even organise lessons through an operator like K7 Adventures.

Backcountry in Perisher, Snowy Mountains

A backcountry experience is easy to arrange with Snowy Mountains Backcountry offering a variety of programs from introductory to advanced. They also have split boarding, snowshoeing and ski touring with the slopes around Guthega, a ski tourer’s delight. Before you do anything off-piste or in the backcountry.

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Accommodation & dining

There are lodges, hotels and apartments spread across Perisher Valley, Guthega and Smiggin Holes. Many, like Perisher Manor and the Marritz Hotel are close to the lifts so you can strap your skis on at the door. Many skiers choose to stay in Jindabyne and drive into the resort, which takes around 30min, or catch the Skitube from Bullocks Flat.

Woman enjoying a swim at Perisher's only heated pool in the Marritz Hotel, Perisher, Snowy Mountains

Perisher has a great selection of restaurants and cafes dotted all around the resort. The Perisher Centre at Front Valley is the main hub for breakfast and lunch, with excellent meals and drinks also to be had at the Man From Snowy River Hotel, the White Spider at the Eiger and Snow Gums at the Perisher Valley Hotel. At Guthega, the Alpine Inn is the spot for lunch. As for hot chocolate and coffee, there are plenty of cosy places on the mountain.

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