PERISHER
Ski & Snowboard Resort Review
Perisher Blue , NSW , AUSTRALIA is located in Kosciuszko National Park and is Australia’s largest ski and snowboard resort covering over 3,000 acres of terrain.
The 2009 winter season welcomed the introduction of the Perisher, Hotham and Falls Creek ‘Super Pass’. The super pass is a value for money season pass allowing the holder unlimited skiing and snowboarding at all 3 resorts over 2,000 hectares of terrain and 75 lifts.
Perisher Skiing and Snowboarding Terrain
Made up of seven interlinked mountain peaks and serviced by 50 lifts Perisher is a cruisers paradise covered with wide groomed trails, gentle flats and 18% advanced terrain.
The under ground ski tube train also links the mountains together; the train starts at Bullocks Flat stopping first at Perisher then Blue Cow Mountain. It is free between Perisher and Blue Cow Mountain with the purchase of a ski pass running every 20 minutes.
Advanced Skiing and Snowboarding
Advanced skiers and snowboarders get out early and enjoy fast GS turns down the groomed Hypertrail before heading to the trees in Devils Playground on the Backside of Perisher Mountain.
Natural snow filled bowls and steep chutes can be found under the Ridge Quad Chairlift on Mt Blue Cow. For some big moguls hit Kamikaze after lunch.
Intermediate Skiing and Snowboarding
Intermediates can explore the entire resort on long linked groomers of varying descents. Mt Perisher has some of the longest winding fast trails as does Guthega Peak.
Beginner Skiing and Snowboarding
The gentle slopes of Pleasant and Pretty Valley are perfectly suited for beginners; they are wide and open. A new beginner magic carpet (or conveyer belt) called 'Harry's and Herman's' was recently installed at the lift base in Smiggin Holes to make the initial ski or snowboard experience that bit easier for first timers.
The Perisher Snowsports School has first time lessons with a guarantee you will able to use beginner lifts after the first 2 ½ hour lesson. The Snowsports School offers ‘Mum and Me’ private lessons where instructors not only teach children how to ski but give Mum and Dad pointers on how to keep improving their children’s ski skills. A ski carpet has just been added in the Milo Discovery Kid's area making learning that bit easier.
Perisher spent $5.7 million on additional snowmaking equipment for the 2009 winter season. Equipment was installed in the Happy Valley area and top to bottom on Mt Perisher’s Towers Run. This came after $9.75 million was invested improving snowmaking for the 2008 winter season. Pipelines were installed and 34 Techno Alpin snow guns were positioned around the mid station of the Forester Express Chairlift and through the Yabby Flat and Goats Gully terrain into the Front Valley area. The improvements not only made the snowmaking 9 times more energy efficient than the older equipment but ensure great snow conditions throughout the winter seasons.
Perisher Terrain Park and Halfpipe
Perisher prides itself on having some of Australia's best terrain parks and superpipe. The terrain parks at Perisher received a face lift in the 2008 winter season with $10,000 being spent on new features in the terrain parks bringing the overall number of park features to 50. All the parks are very well maintained and frequently host national competitions. The PSP Terrain Park located in Front Valley is the main park with massive jumps, hips, table tops, fun boxes, step ups and rails. The PSP Superpipe is 95 metres long, 16 meters wide and 5 meters high.
The Garnier Fructis Terrain Park located on the left hand side of the Leichhardt T-Bar is an intermediate park with good sized fun boxes, rails and jibs. The Columbia Fun Park located on the right hand side of the Piper T-Bar is a beginner park with small boxes rails and jumps. The Perisher Blue Snowsports School has freeride lessons available for all levels of skier and snowboarder.
First Tracks at Perisher
Every Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 7.30am and 9am First Track skiing and snowboarding is available at Perisher. Accompanied by a guide and the ski patrol skiers and snowboarders can carve up the mountain and make their very own first tracks. Bookings are essential and the cost is $54 plus a valid day ticket.
Mountain Host Tours at Perisher
Free guided mountain host tours take place at 10am every Monday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at Perisher. Allow Perisher's friendly guides to show you some secret powder spots and learn a few other local secrets. Meet at the Trail Guide sign at the mid station of the Perisher Quad Express Chairlift. The tours are only open to confident intermediate level skiers and snowboarders.
Other Activities at Perisher
Other activities include snow tubing, cross country skiing, scenic walks and night skiing and snowboarding. more Perisher Activities
Shopping at Perisher
Perisher has a wide range of ski and snowboard shops with the latest equipment and rental gear. The village also has clothing shops, gift and souvenir stores, a photography shop, a pharmacy and a large supermarket and liquor store.
Perisher Restaurants
Restaurants at Perisher range from fine dining to casual pizza bars. Bibi’s in the Smiggin’s Hotel serves gourmet cuisine and has an extensive wine list. The Smiggins Bistro also located in the Smiggin’s Hotel serves cheaper but tasty pub meals.
The White Spider in the Eiger Chalet has a beautiful dining room with a large open fireplace and a delicious modern Australian menu. Aldo’s a family favourite restaurant has home made pizzas and pastas always served with a friendly smile.
Snow Gums Restaurant in the Perisher Valley Hotel has buffet dinners and beautiful slope side views.
Perisher Nightlife
The nightlife is busiest during the weekends at Perisher. Basil’s Bar has live entertainment and late night dancing and the Smiggin’s Hotel is always packed to the rafters.
More About Perisher Blue
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Your Perisher Blue Ski & Snowboard Resort Reviews
Richard T, Sydney Australia. I used to think Perisher was the best resort ever until I went to Vai, wow what a shock. It is still my favourite but only in OZ now. The area is great fun for just cruising terrain with heaps of natural obstacales and lips to hit. The terrain park and half pipe are well maintained and when a hard day on the slopes is done the nightlife and bands at Jindabyne goes off!
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Snowfall |
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78
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50 |
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Trails
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Terrain
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Halfpipe |
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2 |
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Terrain
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4 |
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Resort
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