Perisher Resort is big, very big in fact, is the southern hemisphere’s largest alpine resort and covers four resort areas. Deciding where to ski is a tough decision, but a welcome one, as the options are plentiful when you have 3076 skiable acres.
It’s certainly no surprise that Guthega is one of the most popular areas at Perisher. You could say the jewel in the crown, at least if beauty awards were being voted by the loyal Perisher patrons. There simply is no better view in NSW than what you encounter when schussing the Guthega slopes. The Main Range is impressive, basking in snow and all before you at every turn.
Riding the Freedom chair and absorbing the magnificence of this view is second to none. When skiing here, don’t always look at your ski tips, the view while sliding along Bloody Mary or Woodpecker is as impressive and warming to the soul.
Blue Cow offers just as impressive views and should be high on agenda as your daily starting point. Taking the Skitube and arriving at Blue Cow Terminal, you are now skiing downhill and making turns while elsewhere people are riding a lift. Highly worth considering.
Cranking short turns down to the Summit Chair is your warmup, and what lies ahead is debatably the best skiing in the resort. From the Summit chair unload and head straight down Excelerator (Ridge chair), the long run offering an extra dose of pristine. On a powder day, Rock Garden into Yarrandoo will reward the advanced with deeper snow, so graciously deposited by prevailing winds.
Best advice, ski the Ridge area on a sunny morning with freshly groomed runs, or powder, and you will soon agree, this is the best of Perisher. (You could argue your case for other runs, but the verdict is “Ridge”). The second-best advice is ski as many runs possible and make the most of it before moving on. Especially weekends, when those not as savvy as you descend, and it becomes busy. Shifting to the Summit chair, the south facing slope is less sun affected and still in primo condition.
Blue Cow is also great for beginners who have the dedicated rope tow area with magic carpet. Learning here on a blue-sky day will also add stunning images to your Instagram collection and have friends jealous.
The Pleasant Valley quad chair is a beacon for the low intermediate skier and presents a long run with a mix of easy terrain. Oh, and those chairlift views again, did we mention them. The beauty of Pleasant Valley is after a few laps, you have easy access towards Perisher Valley, via Pretty Valley. The valley runs have a theme, all perfect to find your legs.
Perisher Valley is a familiar sight and regarded as the main arrival point for Perisher guests. The Front Valley slope has seen many aspiring skiers make their first turns. The Village Eight chair also a welcome relief for those legs as you combat your new sport and feel muscles you did not even know existed.
The Perisher Quad Express is the gateway out of Front Valley and to broader horizons. Namely Mt Perisher, Sun Valley, Happy Valley T-bar and Leichhardt chair. This is where Perisher exploring has commenced for many a snow enthusiast, and another exciting resort area to suit all abilities.
Circumnavigating the Leichhardt chair loop on your second or third day ever might be fantastic, but you are just scratching the surface. Expect each future Perisher holiday to be full of new experiences, there are countless terrain options and runs to keep you well entertained.
Mount Perisher presents a great argument with its far neighbour, the Ridge, as to where is the best skiing. Arcing turns down Towers run with the double and triple chair eyes all upon you has its appeal. Especially if your turns are as primo as the snow.
Combined, the Mt P chairlifts and International and Eyre T-bars offer something for all. Darting off into the off-piste of Burnum Burnum uncovers treasured turns and the GS Bowl is a favourite for several laps on those bountiful powder days. It still amazes that International is the least busy lift here, as it offers a good turnaround time for powder laps.
The Eyre T-bar is a favourite, out wide Shifty would be proud you have realised what he knew, seek and you will find gold, just the white variety. Overall, the terrain options on Mt Perisher, including Sun Valley are fantastic, hence why its often high on peoples list to explore. Now just bring on the new chairlift, with widening of Towers run which is planned.
On exiting Mt Perisher there is always the mandatory sneaky lap on Olympic, a steep black run that will test your mettle. Make the first turn a good one and rinse and repeat, as the saying goes.
Smiggin Holes has outstanding features that suit multiple occasions. When the weather is nasty up high, you will find luxury in the trees and sheltered slopes. For beginners, it is perfect and the ideal progression from the magic carpet, the J-bar and then onto the triple chair. The Wood Run a gentle slope to allow you to gain confidence.
The Interceptor chair at North Perisher is often used as a link to Blue Cow, and down into Pleasant Valley. But disregard this area at your peril, there is much to love. The more advanced who search for the best snow have always found it here on a powder day. And there are always “secret” stashes to be had.
On the note of best snow, guests are always comforted by the fact that Perisher always has the best snow quality.
More Information
Perisher is Australia’s favourite resort, and with over 3000 acres this is a mere snapshot of what you can expect when you explore Perisher. Book early for best pricing on lessons, lift tickets plus accommodation. See pages 31-35 for more information or visit the website.
