About Perisher
Perisher is located in the Mt Kosciuszko National Park at the Southern end and stands at a height of 2,054 metres .It get most its history from the creation of the snowy river scheme where it was used to access various parts of the dam network.The first lodge was opened in the 1951.Like most Australian ski resort there is a strong European influence which cam from the people who worked on the Snowy Scheme.You can see this in the building architecture and food and drink available.During the 70’s the Packer family had taken ownership the resort till 2016 where it was taken over by Vale resort.
The flora and fauna of Perisher and Kosciuszko make it attractive for bush walker in Spring and Summer, especially during Christmas and Easter holidays where pilgrimage to the top of Australia is almost a right of passage. The resort technically speaking is only open during winter with the start date of 6 of June and closure early October snow dependent.But there are some lodges open to cater for bush walkers with basic services like ski tube and a few shops.
Perisher in winter is covered with snow which starts in June and goes through to October making it a popular snow destination for winter sports. Its only 5.5 – 6hrs drive from Sydney via Canberra and Jindabyne, 6 – 7hrs from Melbourne via the Hume Hwy and only 33km from Jindabyne. If your coming from the South Coast of NSW its only 2 hour drive via Dalgety . Perisher can also be accessed by the Ski Tube via The Alpine Way (heading to Thredbo) just 20km from Jindabyne for those who would prefer not to drive into the national park and avoid the snow conditions. The Ski Tube runs every 15- 20 minutes during peak periods and is the official car park of Perisher for over night parking.
Perisher has a large range of properties in Perisher Valley, Guthega and Smiggin Holes as well as Jindabyne . Choose from lodges, hotels,ski clubs and self-contained apartments that suit every budget.Staying on mountain is certainly the most pleasureful way to enjoy the resort and soak up the ambiance.Ski clubs if there open to public offer the cheapest way to stay on mountain with some been ski in and ski out,most are very family friendly.The hotels are generally well located to the heart of the village marking easy to get going on the first run.The hotels rate from 2 star up to 5 star.Towards the more quieter end of village are located the self contained apartments ,with some been studios catering for 2 up to 4 bedroom apartments designed for 8 people or more.Perisher also has budget accommodation just 5 klm outside of Jindabyne .
Perisher in Winter
Perisher is a hive of activity as people come as far as Queensland and Sydney to get some winter action.Perisher is the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere with over 12 square kilometre park.Buts that not including the back country activities of xcross or cross country skiers and snow walkers.The resort is the amalgamation of Guthega ,Smiggens , Blue Cow and Perisher.There are 47 lifts to take you to beginner ,intermediate and advanced black runs,the runs cover 1200 hectares with over 70 trails to choose from.
The start of the season is celebrated with the Peak Festival which will feature over 120 concerts across several venues in the unique environment of the Perisher snowfields.One thing about the snow its more than just going down a hill its all about the Apre’s activity and Perisher is packet full of entertainment with great venues such as the Eiger for its appetifs after a hard day on the snow ,unwind on their snow patio and gaze at the mountains as the sun goes down. Theres the Sundeck Hotel great for a yarn and on the way home.
Its a resort that caters for everyone .Its family friendly with child minding and young skiers or snowboarders programs.Large bus car park for the day trippers coming up for the day or staying down in Jindabyne. The day car park is just in front of ski tube with over night car park located off snow down in Bullock Flat.At night at around 7 pm the fire works come out and lets not forget night skiing down the front of Perisher. Theres ski and snowboard lesson to suite any skill level from beginners to advanced.
If your a XC enthusiast Cross Country Ski Week is a week for all XC enthusiasts whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned racer. Be part of a week long celebration of this great activity date to be announced
Perisher Ski, Snowboard & Clothing Hire
Perisher Ski, Snowboard & Clothing Hire have a few locations depending which part of the resort your staying in or coming from. You can hire skis and snowboards at Ski Tube terminal at Bullocks Flat where you can also buy a ski and tube pass or at the Perisher center which is the gate way to the resort on Perisher.Hiring on mountain makes life easier as you don’t have to lug you equipment around. If there are any problems with your equipment you can have it fixed right on the spot. If your staying at Guthega or parking there for the day there’s rental places there also.has.They also rent toboggans.
Oversnow Transport
Staying on-snow? Hans Oversnow is located in the Perisher Skitube Terminal and provides transport for selected lodges in Perisher and Smiggins for a charge. If you’re arriving after midnight bookings are essential and additional charges may apply. Hans Oversnow can be contacted 24 hours a day on 02 64575334 or 0418485144
Though many of accommodation providers offer shuttle services to their lodge from ski tube.
Perisher Resort Facilities
ATMs
Ski & Snowboard Hire
Pharmacy
Newsagency
Child minding
Mini Supermarket
Assorted retail outlets
Wide variety of food & beverage outlets
Police station
Post office
Getting to Perisher
Driving from Sydney is about 5 to 5 hours and Melbourne 5 hours.Chains are essential when entering the National Park except if your car is a four wheel drive.Flying is about 1 hour and 30 minutes,hire car is available at the Cooma airport or there is a shuttle Bus.Most accommodation providers will provide transport from ski tube.
There is no over night parking a Perisher,over night parking is at Bullocks Flat on the Alpine Way.