Perisher

Hit the piste

The seven alpine peaks that make up Perisher ski resort jut into the sky near Jindabyne. A picturesque five hours drive from Sydney, in the historic Snowy Mountains region, the Perisher resort is Australia's largest and most popular, with over 1200 hectares of skiing terrain across four resort regions. The skiing here is aided by a substantial investment in snow making - the resort has spent nigh on $10 million so far this season in ensuring Sydney's skiers and snowboarders have plenty of powder for their pleasure.

Perisher's resort moguls have also invested heavily in designing terrain for freeriders and Olympic halfpipe riders such as Torah Bright, who regularly trains there.

Snow business

Perisher has a reliable cover of snow from the start of the season (this June long weekend) until the end of the season in mid-October. The heavy investment in snowmaking has added to consistency of cover. Generally, snow depth is at its maximum from July to mid September - however this can vary from season to season.

Apres ski

Jax Bar (right at the bottom of Front Valley) offers a host of mountainous fun including apres entertainment on Saturdays and a games night on Mondays. For a sophisticated twist, a cocktail by the fireplace at Snow Gums in the Perisher Valley Hotel is damn near unbeatable after a hard day's knifing through the ice. Bazil's Bar is also a popular spot with locals and staff. Jindabyne is a hot-spot amongst the young for nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs and live acts throughout the season.

Other activities

There's a plethora of options to explore at Perisher other than skiing or snowboarding. Snow tubing at Tube Town is a great way to experience sliding down the slopes on a tube. Located conveniently on Mt Piper (next to the Perisher Valley car park), Tube Town has specially designed lanes and offers you a purpose-built lift back to the top. Groomer Tours offer the chance to ride in one of Perisher's $450,000 groomers and explore the slopes from an entirely different angle.

Indigenous Snowshoeing Tours are a unique opportunity to explore the Snowy Mountains backcountry under a full moon and hear indigenous Dreamtime stories and tales direct from your own blackfella guide. No experience is necessary for these activities, just a spirit of adventure and some gumption in the face of starry starry nights. Call Guest Services on 1300 655 822 for further information.

Bazil's Bar
The Perisher Centre, smack bang in the heart of it. Light bar snacks and well-hopped drinks to wash 'em down.
(02 6459 4430) 7 days, 12am-late

Jax Bar
Cuisine: Chargrill/ Bistro
Perisher Centre, Perisher Valley (02 6459 4437) Opening hours: 11:30-2:30am & 6-8:30pm. Open 7 days

Perisher Centre, Perisher Valley
Cuisine: Australian & International
Tel: (02 6459 4443 (booking essential) Open: 12pm-2:30am & 6:30-9:30pm. Bar open:  10am-11pm. Views of slopes. Buffet nights on Tuesdays & Saturdays

Snow Tubing
No booking required, just show up, no instructors, easy for kids.
Tel: Bookings 1300 655 882 Mon-Thu: 10:30am-3:30pm  Fri, Sat-Sun: 9:30 am-4:30pm snow dependent.
$6 for one ride - $48 for 15 rides

Indigenous Snowshoeing Tours
Guided by an Aboriginal guide from National Parks.
Tel: 1300 655 822. Book in advance. Tours run every full moon night, once a month. Cost: $30pp

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