Discover interconnected trails and forested backcountry powder at Perisher, a large resort in Australia’s Snowy Mountains. Cross-country ski through pretty alpine landscapes and enjoy gastronomy tours of the resort’s best restaurants.
Perisher combines four mountain areas, Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega and Blue Cow, into the Southern Hemisphere’s largest ski resort. Explore more than 3,076 acres (1,245 hectares) of skiable terrain, with deep natural snowfall supplemented with over 240 artificial snow guns. Travel between the resorts on Perisher’s Skitube, an underground railway.
Perisher Valley is the largest of the four areas, offering slopes for all ski levels. Practice your turns on the gentle runs of Happy Valley before trying the more challenging terrain of Mt. Perisher. Alternatively, explore 30 miles (50 kilometers) of groomed cross-country trails meandering through the valley.
Take the kids to Smiggin Holes, where a large alpine bowl offers moderate beginner trails. For a more secluded skiing experience, enjoy the uncrowded slopes of Guthega. After building up some confidence, try the advanced runs of Blue Cow.
Enjoy lunch at a mountain restaurant with spectacular views of the snow-covered landscape. The mid-Perisher Center serves a range of hot beverages and meals. Be sure to stop at Lil’ Orbits Donuts for a tasty treat before hopping on the Skitube home.
The villages within Perisher offer a number of après-ski dining and drinking options. Book a table at the Man from Snowy River Hotel for a special dinner. Afterward, try exhilarating snowtubing at Tube Town, warm up with a sauna or try night-skiing at Perisher Valley and Smiggin Holes on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Visit Perisher in summer to explore long mountain bike trails or hike to the top of Blue Cow Mountain.
Perisher is a 30-minute trip by car or Skitube from Jindabyne. Pay to park next to the slopes at Bullocks Flat. Alternatively, stay at a cabin on the mountain for immediate access to the slopes each morning.
Vail, one of the top U.S. ski resorts, acquired Perisher in early 2015. Ski Vail’s Northern Hemisphere winter and fly south to enjoy Perisher’s ski season from early June through early October.
