Piste Skiing in Perisher Valley.
According to local legend the term ‘perisher’ was coined by herders on the mountain to describe the blizzard weather conditions that occasionally hit the region and trapped their livestock on the mountain. It may be comforting or alarming for those skiing in Perisher to know that the term means ‘extreme’ and ‘amazing’.
The ski resort of Perisher Valley has actually been formed by the merger of four smaller resorts.
Skiing in Perisher.
Perisher has something for everyone, from beginners to advanced skiers to freestylers. This includes Australia’s only Super-pipe housed on Front Valley.
Skiing in Blue Cow.
The Skitube can take you directly to Blue Cow where a great range of easy runs including Zali’s, Pleasant Valley and Roller Coaster, await. As well as some great Black runs such as Kamikaze and Yarrandoo.
Blue Cow has a direct link to Perisher and Guthega.
Skiing in Smiggins Hole.
Smiggins Hole is actually a great natural bowl with runs suitable for beginners and families like Plummer’s, Wood Run and Racecourse. Protected from the weather and containing plenty of restaurants everyone can have fun.
Smiggins has easy access to Perisher and from there you can get to Blue Cow or Guthega.
Skiing in Guthega.
With access on the Freedom chair lift, straight from the car park, Guthega has spectacular panoramic views of the Kosciuszko mountain range and ski runs to suit most abilities. The mountain restaurants are very popular for their views and photo opportunities.
RESORT OVERVIEW:
Piste Information for Perisher Valley.
- Ski Resort Altitude: Perisher Valley: 1,720m, Smiggin Holes: 1,680m, Guthega: 1,640m, Blue Cow : 1,890m.
- Bottom Ski Area: 1,605m.
- Highest Ski Lift: Mt Perisher at 2,054m.
- Skiable Terrain: 1,245 hectares.
- Average Seasonal Snowfall: 190cm.
- Kms of piste: 100km, 50% covered by snow cannon.
- Marked Pistes: 22% green/blue , 60% red , 18% black/ski routes .
- No of Ski Lifts: 46, 1 cog rail, 15 chair-lifts, 30 drag-lifts/conveyors.
- Mountain Restaurants: 32 eateries listed.
- Snow Parks: Yes, seven including a super pipe. There is also night skiing.
- Longest Ski Run: 4km long/429m elevation; top of Perisher Quad to bottom of Blue Calf T-bar.
- Ski Season: June to September.
- Main Advantages: Uncrowded pistes; huge ski area.
- Drawbacks: Unwieldy, fragmented ski areas.
Ski Pass Options for Perisher Valley.
A Perisher Card is your access to the slopes. Buy a pass online for between 2 and 7.5 days to receive a saving. The card can also be used as an electronic wallet in resort and offers discounts at some retailers and eateries.
Packages offer Skitube tickets and lessons together with your ski pass. As with most ski resorts, there are discounts for juniors, students and seniors, as well as different prices for different times during the season.
The other ski pass option for Perisher Valley is the Epic Pass. Perisher is owned and operated by Vail Resorts and they make a version of their Epic pass available in Australia. Valid for the whole season, Epic Australia covers Perisher, Falls Creek, Hotham, Whistler Blackcomb, Hakuba Valley, Rusutsu, Park City, Vail and Breckenridge. There are obviously conditions and limitations, but if you are a World skier it’s worth a look.
Ski Resorts near Perisher Valley.
Perisher Valley’s four resorts are in the Snowy Mountains. It is not a huge mountain range so other resorts on the mountain aren’t so far away. Thredbo, Charlotte Pass and Selywn Snow Resort are your other options. Thredbo is also on the list of Australia’s Best Ski Resorts.
