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Image: Instagram / Perisher_resort
You’ve probably clicked on this blog for one of two reasons, the first, you’re heading to Mt Perisher this year (we’re jealous) and need a run-down of what to know or secondly, you just love the snow (like us) and what to know everything about it. Either way, we are here to guide you with the best tips and tricks to getting the most out of Perishers Ski Season.
Perisher is a collection of four mountains combined as one in the Snowy Mountains - Perisher Valley, Mount Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes and Guthega. It’s the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere, two and a half times the size of Thredbo and three times the size of Falls Creek for reference - so you’ll definitely need to pack your bags for a few days if you want to ski every slope the mountain has to offer.
Image: Instagram / Perisher_resort
Average Snowfall –2.4 - 4in/week (Jun-Sep)
Skiing Area – 1245 hectares (3075 acres)
Trails -113
Number of Ski Lifts – 47
Lift Capacity - 53,990 skiers lifted per hour
Average Snow depth – 1.9m
Highest elevation – 2,054m (Mt. Perisher)
Longest run – 3km
Ski Level– 22% Beginner / 60% Intermediate / 18% Advanced
Terrain Parks - 5
Closest airport – 3hrs from Canberra
Click below to download the official maps from Perisher.
Image: Instagram / jesseclarke_
Image: Instagram / jamesdanielbuckle
The slopes and especially popular lunch spots can get packed during the lunchtime rush, to avoid this by having an early or late lunch. That way there is no crazy long lines you have to deal with and can enjoy a relaxing feast or coffee with no fuss, and have more time out on the snow.
A different tactic to what most people think, but it saves a lot of time and money in the long-run. Although it may be expensive at the start buying snowboards, skis, jackets, boots and everything else needed for the slopes, however purchasing your own gear from a store like Auski, not only will you get a good deal, you’ll get to bypass all the faffing around in the rental stores. As an added bonus, you will feel comfortable and stylish in an outfit you choose, so invest in snow gear as it will last you many years and if you’re a frequent visitor, may end up saving you money.
Only helpful if you have previously been to Mt Perisher, but find your old card, log onto the Perisher dashboard and reload this year’s ride days. In doing this ahead of time, you’ll get an early bird discount, avoid paying for the cost of the card again, and you get to skip those lines.
Adult Skitube Open Return - $95
Child Skitube Open Return - $51
Over 65’s Skitube Open Return - $77
You may be thinking why take the ski tube when you can easily drive up the mountain. However, taking the tube you avoid paying the national park entry fee and it saves you a crazy amount of time trying to find a park and let me tell you the parking bays on a popular day is not a fun time. So, trust us and get on the ski tube and skip all the fuss, being dropped off right at Blue Cow terminal.
Night skiing and boarding occurs on Tuesday all season and Saturday only in July and August; from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm on the Village Eight Express! It’s a one-of-a-kind experience and worthwhile doing while you’re there.
Booking accommodation can always be tricky and you should get it organised early. There are various options around that give you different access to different parts of the resort. Remember,there are different mountains and endless trails and runs so do your research before you book.
A family-friendly lodge located just minutes from the Perisher Quad Chair. Ski-in, ski-out is an incredible factor that you need to take into consideration, going back to your room for a mid-day break for some R&R is necessary when skiing the slopes all day long - what easier way to do it by skiing off the slopes straight to your front door. Equipped with a large guest lounge including a bar and games room, breakfast and dinner included – what else could you ask for!
If you want to be first on the mountain going down untouched powdery slopes, then the Perisher Manor is for you. Located in the heart of the mountain it’s a quality ski-in ski-out hotel, right across from the Village 8 Express Chairlift and Perisher Express Quad Chairlift. Perfect location for families as meeting points for lessons and kids club drop off is opposite the hotel. Perisher Manor is home to ‘The Pub’, the largest public bar and food court located on the mountain and an incredible location for lunch or a drink or two.
If you are wanting to stay off the mountain to save some cash, then Kosciuszko Tourist Park is for you! Only a 20-minute drive to Mount Perisher snow resort, this hotel offers free parking, shared lounge and kitchen area; highly recommended to couples.
A ‘home away from home’ stay, ideal for comfort and convenience for you and your family. Located a short walk from the Perisher ski lifts and bus stops, making it easy to access Perisher Front Valley via the free shuttle bus. The Altitude is known for their 3-4 course dinner menu and affordable wine selection. They have a variety of rooms up for offer and include a kid’s zone, with a PlayStation, board games and movies; allowing for the parents to kick back and enjoy their time away.
Perisher boasts an equally impressive food and drink offering to match the high calibre skiing and snowboarding scene and below are some of our tried and tested recommendations.
The perfect ski-in ski-out spot located halfway up the mountain making it the perfect place to drop in for a drink, a game of pool or some live music. Sundeck offers a variety of drinks from beer, wine and spirits, and are also known for their 40 different types of schnapps. We recommend trying the ‘tasting platter’ - you’ll be served 5 different shots in test tubes (takes us back to our high school science days).
Get in early for your coffee hit before the lifts open! Recently opened in 2017, this caffeine hub is tucked behind the Manor Hotel. It has all your breakfast and lunch favourites from eggs benedict, Canadian waffles, burgers, hearty pies and so much more.
Famously known for their ‘deluxe’ hot chocolates, this family-owned restaurant is just off the Home Trail from Blue Cow. If you’re looking for a naughty treat on the way home then the delicious hot chocolate with marshmallow snowmen, Toblerone and Flake are just what you need. But wait there’s more, adults can add Frangelico or Schnapps as a reward for their hard day skiing the slopes.
Look no further, your favourite Italian café is at the slopes, tucked away in the Perisher Centre. A perfect pick-me-up for coffee lovers, grab and go treats are available. The café is known on the mountain for outstanding customer service from the owner Bruno, a previous ski instructor at Perisher so any questions you have, he is the man to go too.
An outdoor café located at the bottom of Pretty Valley ski run, this is the perfect stop on the mountain as it provides lots of outdoor seating, good tunes and magnificent views. A convenient and easy place for lunch for families, kids can still build snowmen while you can put your feet up and enjoy a sausage roll or pie.
Spa/massages
Mountain Spa is located in the Man from Snowy River Hotel. An incredible facility with relaxing treatments from massages, facial therapy, a hair salon, nail spa, tanning room and incorporating AlpineX fitness with yoga & personal training studio. This wellness studio will have you switched off from the outside world within seconds.
Peak Music Festival
The Peak Festival is a 4-day music event held on the long weekend of June. It features local and international acts performing across 10 stages: with cosy lounges, sightseeing lift rides, kids’ entertainment, and much more. An amazing range of music and entertainment, a great way to celebrate the opening of the season.
Image: Instagram / perisher_parks
Still don’t believe how good Perisher is? Check out the video below.
So if you're planning a trip to the snow, add Perisher to the list. Have another great recommendation when visiting Perisher? Or if you’re after any further local tips for the slopes or advice on gear for your upcoming adventure, send us an email or hit us up on Facebook.
✌🏻See you out at Perisher!
PS Make sure to share your Perisher adventure with us on Facebook or Instagram (@auskiaustralia)!
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