Fast facts
- Regarded as Australia’s premier winter ski resort
- Dominated by the 2,054 metre Mount Perisher with superb alpine scenery
- 489 km south-west of Sydney, population 1,800
Why go there
Like many of the New South Wales ski resorts, Perisher was a work camp for the Snowy Mountains Scheme from the 1950s and grew to become one of the country’s premier winter playground.
Considered to encompass the individual ski resorts of Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega and Blue Cow, there are more than 50 ski-lifts, a wide range of accommodation, restaurants, bars and nightlife, and lots to do in both summer and winter.
History
The first ski lodges opened in 1951 with a towrope built for skiers in 1958, followed by the first chairlift in 1962. The Skitube, a Swiss-design rack-rail railway system, which runs from Bullocks Flat to Perisher and Blue Cow began operations in 1984.
Things to do
- Ride the 8.5 km long Skitube from Bullocks Flat to Perisher and Blue Cow.
- Seek out the Mountain Pygmy Possum in its main habitat around Blue Cow.
- Walk to the top of the Porcupine Track for a grand view of the region.
Events
- The Celebration of Winter Festival in June kicks off the ski season and includes a traditional Blessing of the Snow.
- The Perisher Blue Spring Carnival in September has a range of activities including live music and art exhibitions.
Don’t miss
- The alpine flowers blanketing the mountain in spring.
- Night skiing under the vast star-scattered sky.
- The extensive nightlife and leisure options.
- More than 100 km of cross-country ski tracks.
- Mountain biking and bushwalking during summer.
