- Details
- Written by: Jim Walker
- Last Updated: 20 Aug 2012
In 1995 the four New South Wales ski resorts of Perisher, Blue Cow, Smiggins and Guthega joined forces to form the 'Super Resort'of Perisher, the largest single ski area in Australia. This amalgamation has meant that skiers and snowboarders can now explore an area of 1250 hectares of piste served by over 50 lifts As well as the sheer volume of skiing, there is also a good mix of levels and types of terrain, with lots of interest and challenge for skiers of all standards. The four villages have an alpine feel to them with purpose-built accommodation and cafes right on the piste, although one look at the gum trees which grow halfway up the mountain should tell you that you're not in the alps. The mixture of skiing and the excellent child care and ski instruction make Perisher a good resort for families, while at the same time, snowboarders and the young set will enjoy the frenetic nightlife. Skiers can drive to the resort - snow chains are mandatory, there is a charge to enter the national park where the resort is located but there is plentiful parking. However, there is an excellent Ski Tube which travels from Bullocks Flat - you get off either at Perisher at the base of the mountain or you can carry on to straight up to the summit of Blue Cow Mountain. In 2003 the resort introduced the southern hemisphere's first eight seater chairlift, the Village 8 Express, the first stage of a new resort development.
Created in 1995 from the merger and lift-linking of Perisher, Blue Cow, Smiggins And Guthega this new 'super resort' rivals the best in the world in lift infrastructure, whilst offering twice the lifts and triple the 'above snowline ski terrain' of any other Australian resort.
Mountain
The amalgamation of the four resorts of Perisher, Blue Cow, Smiggins and Guthega has made Perisher Blue, with one single bound, to become the largest ski area in Australia. And while quantity does not always mean quality, Perisher Blue really has plenty of good and interesting skiing for all standards, with 30 beginner runs, 65 at varying intermediate levels and a stonking 80 runs to entertain and challenge expert skiers. Snow cover is pretty certain - the slopes are south-east facing and in a good season (like 2000) the powder skiing is plentiful both above and below the tree line. (There are also 106 snow canons which can blast over 10% of the ski area). The local ski school employs 250 instructors from all over the world and so being taught in one's own language is a virtual cert. For cross country skiers there are over 100kms of groomed trails to explore.
Families
The mixed snow terrain and the excellent facilities provided by the ski and snowboard school make Perisher Blue a good choice for families. There is plenty of skiing for every level and intermediates can ski downhill from every lift on the mountains (with the exception of the Olympic T-bar), so families can ski all over the resort together. The Children's Ski and Snowboard School has excellent programmes for children; starting with the Creche where qualified staff care for babies and toddlers from six weeks to three years. There is even a 'Nursing Mothers' service which pages mums when feeding is required - how's that for customer care?! The Junior Ski Kids teaches three to six year olds to ski while giving them the time of their lives with fun and games on the snow. Six to fourteen year olds can make friends and improve their skiing with the Explorers Club. There are also two hour group lessons available for six to fourteen year olds. The lack of non-ski facilities such as a swimming pool or ice rink is the one possible drawback to what is otherwise a great resort for a family ski holiday.
Eating Out
Dining out in Perisher is highly recommended. Most restaurants and cafes serve 'Australian' food which is a fusion of all of the cultures in the country's melting pot and in Oz the recipes benefit from the excellence of the regional ingredients. The pizza restaurant is not to be missed - Australian pizzas are said to be the best in the world. Should you actually miss slaving over a hot stove, the restaurant at the Perisher Valley Hotel allows you to barbecue your own steak!
Apres
At the end of your day on the snow. the villages come alive. Australians are known throughout the world for their dedication to partying and if proof were required, the bars and restaurants of Perisher amply demonstrate this national pastime. The resort leaves nothing to chance; all the main venues provide a variety of events including music, comedy, clubbing and wacky competitions like karaoke, snow sculpture and wait for it...pub to pub races - Alka seltzer, anyone? Of course, none of this is compulsory and for those who prefer a rather more low key night life, there are cosy pubs and restaurants where you can simply chill. The Sundeck hotel has an internet cafe where, if you feel the need, you can keep in touch with the outside world.
Boarding
Australia has embraced snowboarding wholeheartedly and boarders of every level are welcomed at Persisher Blue. For a start, there's the good mix of terrain, plenty of easy to intermediate runs for cruising plus some of the most demanding advanced trails in Australia for the top bananas. There are four terrain parks - one with a superpipe above Perisher village next to the Happy Valley T-bar; another just below the summit of Blue Cow and reached by the Summit Quad. Finally, the nightlife in Perisher and the nearby (and somewhat cheaper) town of Jindabyne is excellent. One park is for children only.
