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Mount Perisher

Perisher

Where else in the world can you do this., Perisher

Perisher

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Ski Australia - New South Wales

Perisher Resort Reviews

Resorts > Australia - New South Wales (4) > Perisher

Visitor reviews for Perisher Ski Resort

  • August 17, 2012
    PJ from Australia

    Just got back from the best weeks skiing we have had in Perisher for at least 10 years. Great snow, great company and no hassles. Like most punters are saying, if you get there a little earlier and plan your day then there is no problems with crowds. Love the new ticketing system except for one problem. Not all the lifts have an electronic gate (as yet) so my sixteen year old son got the wood on me for the week, because I spent too much time @ Nth.P. The only place that really needs attention is getting back from Mt.P.via Happy Valley T-Bar, where a lift is desperately needed. P.S even got 15% off beer @ Jax bar using my cheap season pass.

  • Perisher Ratings

    Based on 15 votes. Vote

    Access: 3.6

    (1) At least one overnight stop, (2) requires a whole day, (3) requires more than half a day – you may have time for a few turns (4) arrive by lunchtime and ski all afternoon, (5) there is a main airport within an hour of Perisher.

    		 Public Transport: 3.9

    (1) There are no buses or taxis to Perisher, (3) there are slow or infrequent buses / trains available, (5) getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections.
    Scenery: 3.7

    (1) An ugly resort in a bland setting, (3) average mountain views and resort, (5) a spectacular setting and a beautiful / historic resort town.

    		 Accommodation: 3.9

    (1) No places to stay in/near Perisher, (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets.
    Cheap Rooms: 2.7

    (1) No budget accommodation available, (3) just one or two hostels so book ahead, (5) several cheap hostels and pensions available.

    		 Luxury Hotels: 4.1

    (1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in Perisher.
    Ski in/Ski out: 4.0

    (1) The ski area is located far from any accommodation, (3) a free ski bus takes you to the ski area in a short trip, (5) Ski-in ski-out accommodation is available.

    		 Childcare: 4.0

    (1) There are no child care facilities at Perisher, (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche.
    Snowsure: 3.8

    (1) Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing, (2) is often closed due to a lack of snow, (3) occasionally suffers from a lack of snow, (4) rarely suffers from a lack of snow, (5) Perisher is snowsure even in the poorest seasons.

    		 Snowmaking: 4.2

    (1) Perisher relies entirely on natural snow, (3) there are just a few snow cannons, (5) there are snowmaking facilities on all pistes.
    Snow Grooming: 4.5

    (1) There are no snow groomers at Perisher, (3) occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state, (5) all the runs at Perisher are groomed daily.

    		 Shelter: 3.3

    (1) there is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut, (3) there are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close, (5) Perisher is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close.
    Nearby options: 1.8

    (1) If snow conditions are poor at Perisher, it will be poor everywhere nearby, (3) there are good alternatives within an hours drive, (5) other locations on the same lift pass provide a rich variety of snowsure ski conditions.

    		 Regional rating: 4.3

    (1) Perisher usually has poor snow conditions compared to other resorts in region, (3) has average conditions for the region, (5) usually has the best snow conditions in the region.
    Lift Staff: 3.7

    (1) The staff at Perisher are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at Perisher are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help.

    		 Crowds/Queues: 2.9

    (1) the resort is always busy and there are usually long lift queues, (3) it is quiet apart from occasional weekends and school holidays, (5) it is uncrowded and lift queues are very rare.
    Ski Schools: 4.1

    (1) No ski schools available, (2) one or two ski schools but local language only, (3) a few ski schools but book early for multi-lingual instructors, (4) plenty of ski schools and multi-lingual instructors available, (5) excellent ski schools with friendly multi-lingual ski instructors.

    		 Hire and Repairs: 4.5

    (1) Nothing can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex. (3) there are some ski shops but rentals need to be booked in advance, (5) good quality ski equipment can be purchased or hired and overnight repairs are possible.
    Variety of pistes: 3.7

    (1) The ski runs are featureless and unvaried, (3) the ski runs are varied but not extensive enough for a week, (5) Perisher has diverse and interesting pistes including forests and high alpine terrain.

    		 Beginners: 3.9

    (1) Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard, (3) a few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week, (3) Vast areas of gentle terrain.
    Intermediates: 4.4

    (1) No intermediate terrain at Perisher, (3) intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days, (5) vast areas of cruising runs.

    		 Advanced: 3.3

    (1) Nothing for advanced skiers and snowboarders, (3) enough steep terrain for a few days with some good offpiste, (5) Enough steep terrain and offpiste areas to entertain advanced skiers for at least a week.
    Snow Park: 4.0

    (1) Not even a kicker at Perisher, (3) average sized park quite well looked after, (5) huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails.

    		 Off-piste: 3.1

    (1) No off-piste worth mentioning, (2) off piste is out-of-bounds, (3) some varied offpiste that stays fresh for one or two days, (5) a vast array of off-piste routes that can stay untracked for several days.
    Cross-country: 4.1

    (1) There is nowhere to go for cross-country skiing around Perisher, (3) there are some cross country trails available, (5) the area features many spectacular and well maintained cross-country trails.

    		 Luge/Toboggan: 1.5

    (1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) Perisher has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages.
    Mountain Dining: 3.6

    (1) Nowhere to buy food by the pistes, (3) some places to eat up on the mountain but they are often busy and expensive, (5) there is a variety of excellent mountain eateries right next to the slopes to suit all budgets.

    		 Eating: 4.3

    (1) Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. (5) A wide variety of places to eat and drink in the resort, from fast food to fancy restaurants.
    Apres-Ski: 3.3

    (1) Nothing to do, not even a bar, (3) there are a few bars in the resort but nothing special, (5) clubs and bars stay open until very late and have a friendly atmosphere.

    		 Other Sports: 2.0

    (1) No sports facilities at all apart from ski lifts, (3) resort has just a small public swimming pool, (5) resort has all kinds of sports facilities, including a full-size swimming pool.
    Entertainment: 2.7

    (1) Besides the snow and walking there is nothing to do here, (3) the non-skier will find things to do for few days but may become bored after a week, (5) the resort area is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of winter sports.

    		 Winter Walks: 3.0

    (1) Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails, (3) a couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails, (5) extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities.
    Ski Pass Value: 2.9

    (1) A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available, (3) the ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts, (5) ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area.

    		 Value (National): 3.3

    (1) Overall, Perisher is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country and not worth the money, (3) overall represents average value for money, (5) overall offers the best value resort in the country.
    Value (Global): 2.2

    (1) Overall, Perisher is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, (3) overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries, (5) internationally the resort offers excellent value for money.

    Based on 15 votes. Vote

  • August 09, 2012
    Anne Bourke from Australia

    Look out for "The Pole Planters Ski Team 2012" - week commencing 12 Aug 12, we have definitely timed it right with this latest dump. We have skied Perisher on about 6 occasions and have enjoyed it immensely. My son Sean has cerebral palsy and last year he skied unaided after the wonderful instruction from the Adaptive Ski Instructors. The staff all over the mountain make our holiday a wonderful experience. The Man from Snowy River Lodge is a home away from home, and I agree with previous reviews, if you get up early and plan your day, you can miss the queues. If the weather closes in there is always somewhere to ski. We are Queenslanders and we love coming to this winter wonderland. Two more sleeps. Yeehaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!

  • August 05, 2012
    Kerry Putland from Australia

    Just spent a week in Perisher, first time in decades and have to say the electronic pass readers were fantastic and efficient. We did not have to endure waiting for a lift for more than 2 minutes in any part of the resort and the snow quality was exceptional. Lift operators were always on hand to offer out smallest skier help onto the chair. Ski tube was a great and safe way to access the mountain enabling us to use off snow accommodation. Only problem we encountered were a lot of snowboarders who just did not stop and hoped the skiers would get out of the way so that they did not have to, not a fair way to share, very dangerous and not necessary to board as though the mountain is for them only. Other than that a great time and we will be back.

  • July 18, 2012
    Gerry from Australia

    Hello Everyone, I've just read previous comments about Perisher, good to see that most were positive and enjoyed their snow holiday.
    I've skiied Perisher every season for the last 43 seasons and greatly enjoyed every one of them. Having also extensively skiied America, Canada, Europe and Japan I feel I'm well qualified to make comparisons.
    Perisher is without doubt a world class resort and the management and staff do a wonderful job of providing us with the best possible ski experience every day despite a very challenging environment (no, I don't work there).
    I'm still blown away by the discounted season pass deal which makes Perisher's prices comparable to a lot of overseas resorts which have much longer seasons.
    As for crowds, yes it can be a pain waiting in long lift queues, but as a previous reviewer mentioned if you arrive early and plan your day you can usually avoid the worst of them.
    Here's my tip;
    Make a point of getting on the V8 for first lift, cross to Mt P when lifts open there, hot choc at halfway by 10am, when most day trippers are arriving.
    If you have kids take them on a tour to Blue Cow before lunch and even to Guthega. On crowded days avoid Blue Cow like the plague, you'll spend a lot of time waiting in queues, Mt P is generally the best option. Don't be afraid to have a look at Smiggins, it can be surprisingly uncrowded.
    Most of all, just enjoy being in the high country, breathe some clean air and leave your stress behind.

  • July 06, 2012
    Nic from Australia

    Hey all. Sunny days,stress free. It is what it is. I left Sydney this week from a busy week to now play in Australia wonderland. Oh what a difference a few days can make to your life if you just enjoy your every day. Look at it this way, you ski as little or as much as you like. Use someone else's power water. Heat up by the open fire. Chill den with a few drinks with friends. No need to cook a meal as that is also supplied for you. Just relax. Don't think of it as money, think of it as well earned rest in the winter playground called Perisher. You will quickly forget about the cost when you return home. Back into your everyday existence. Exist to live, not live to exist! Think about it. Be happy.

  • June 26, 2012
    Andy from Australia

    Will all the wingers about prices stop and think about how expensive their flights around the world are!!!!
    Perisher has such a varied terrain, stacks of lifts and if you avoid the main areas,and or plan your day, small waiting times.
    Sure tickets are not cheap but I get value for money each and every day on the snow.
    Early season obviously has less snow than August {just look at the snow depth graphs}.
    Start taking overseas trips and get buses or drive to the slopes each day instead of just going outside the door of your accommodation.
    Suck it up and enjoy what we have!!

  • June 16, 2012
    Adam from Australia

    Well, I see Perisher has raised its prices for lift tickets again this year. $112 a day. Perisher obviously wants to turn skiing and snowboarding into a sport for the rich. I have been snowboarding at Perisher for 6 years now and when I first went tickets were $89, not cheap but not excessive. Apart from adding more snow guns nothing has changed in terms of infrastructure to justify this excessive rise in price. Same chairs that stop every time you get on them and spew toxic fumes while you're waiting to board them. I love snowboarding but I think I'm going to buy a new steamer and go do more surfing this winter and take a trip to Chile or New Zealand. It's just not worth it anymore and I know a heap of my friends feel the same way. Poor effort Perisher and the rest of the Aussie snow resorts are not much better.

  • April 09, 2012
    Tracey Devon from Australia

    How many people here know Australia had the worlds first Alpine Ski Club?... “The Holmenkollen Ski Museum confirmed in 2006 that the first two ski clubs in the world were formed by Norwegians in 1861, both in Australia and Norway”. Wikipedia.

    On reading the comments above I noticed this - generally the Australians bag Perisher out but skiers/boarders from overseas are pleasantly surprised. It is all about expectation. If you ski Australia because you need your adrenaline fix, you will enjoy it. If you understand that we have a fickle short winter, you will enjoy it. If you would like to continue to learn and hone your skills for those overseas trips, you will enjoy it. If you want to compare it to the rest of the world, you will not enjoy it and will find fault.

    Perisher might not be the greatest resort in comparison to other world resorts, but I say this... if you can ski Australia you can cope skiing anywhere else. It can be hard packed, icy and slushy at times and requires precision and skill to ski here competently. If you can carve it up here, you can ski anywhere in the world.

    Our snow groomers are also well respected overseas, we have to "farm" the snow and "build" a significant amount of the runs here as opposed to just grooming the snow elsewhere.

    Skiing in Australia in unique. You cannot compare it to OS resorts, we just don't have the same climate. If you just love to ski/board you will enjoy it no matter where you go.

  • August 27, 2011
    Phil from Australia

    Just back from skiing three days at Perisher. All blue bird days.

    All but a few lifts were open and the snow coverage was very good. This was the first time I had skied this area, and I was impressed with the lift access and the staff. I am not sure what people are expecting when skiing Australian resorts but I must say Perisher was well worth a visit. There has not been much snow of late, but all open runs had full cover and most were groomed. Lift queues were minimal which was surprising as there was such a great cover of snow with blue bird conditions.

    Access on to the hill was very easy from Jindabyne though one always has to pay the National park fee. Lift prices are expensive, but that is the price and with all the snow making I can understand that it cost more than some areas that have more natural snow.

    Certainly a good resort for those that are beginners to intermediate skiers. There looked like there was a lot of back country skiing available and more advance skiers could find a challenge if they know where to look. The half pipe and terrain parks looked as good as any I have seen. Not my thing but I can see why Australia produces some good free stlye skiers/boarders.

    Overall, a great few days, and if you like skiing/boarding and are in Australia, why would'nt you have a look. For me back to Europe in December and more skiing.

  • July 28, 2010
    Mark from Australia

    After being at Perisher last week, I'd like to congratulate the lifties for raising their previously poor standard. Whoever is briefing you guys has certainly got you to lift your game and it shows: the crowds are more respondant and it makes a big difference. So well done guys, I'm proud of you... MS

  • July 28, 2010
    Mark from Australia

    Had five days at Perisher last week and no doubt the natural snow could be better, but thanks to the extra $ spent @ Perisher the man-made snow was great. With more snow arriving next week it will be great to get all the lifts and runs open and I will be back then, hopefully to an extended resort. Also booked Whistler in Feb next year and can't wait to go back for our third trip. MS

  • July 24, 2010
    sandra from Australia

    I have to say that I'm very disappointed with skiing in general in Australia. Yes, we're lucky to be skiing at all, but like so many of you, I'm not sure how the likes of Perisher justify the lift prices when not even half the resort is skiable. The staff leave a lot to be desired and it's a great shame that management aren't more selective or stricter with their staff.

  • July 23, 2010
    George Carey from Australia

    Hi Guys and Gals, I live in Perth and have been watching intently on the webcams and foxtel. Mother nature knows what she is doing and surely the weak years are part of a healthy cycle. I am a half glass full type and I book my Perisher holiday well in advance of any idea about the snow conditions. I am just so grateful to know that when I finally arrive in Perisher that there will be some sort of snow. It's great about the intense work from the snowmakers and the grooming staff are contributing. It is a short season in Australia anyway but if you live on the east coast you don't have a massive airfare to go to Canada or USA for example. On average I usually get great snow at Perisher but, I won't be able to have access to Guthega this year. However, I am blown away by the half million++ cubic metres of snow by the Perisher team and have not lost my money or my holiday. Get real people because when Perisher does pump I would not want to be anywhere else and I have skied in Europe and Canada.

  • July 22, 2010
    Leon from Australia

    I know Perisher can't help the weather conditions & lack of natural snow falls, but it's a bit rude when you pay top dollars to board/ski there when the only runs are open are man-made snow runs with massive line ups & they still charge full price for the lift tickets when only half the runs are open! I have been there for the last 4 seasons with my young family & have had some good times & skiing thanks mainly to Barakee lodge & their great staff & management. We had a nightmare experience at Lodge 21 (Smiggins). But I am sick of getting ripped off at Perisher. Next year I will be spending my money overseas.

  • July 21, 2010
    Lynette from Australia

    I have skied Perisher for the last 8 years and had fun every year. I have to agree with the comments about management. I questioned them about the price difference between first time lift & lesson ticket & the non first timer lift & lesson ticket which is more expensive. Basically, after a lot of emailing back & forward I was told that the first timer lift ticket had a discount & the non first timer lift ticket didn't & that was just the way it is. No further explanation & the way the email ended was abrupt and just plain rude. True we have a short season but still I think return customers should be able to get some sort of discount on their lift tickets for their loyalty.

  • July 14, 2010
    Adele Scott from Australia

    Hey I love Perisher...but it's about time they replaced Pretty Valley chair with something that's easier to load with kids and that doesn't nearly knock you off your feet. Also the trip to the top is soooo slooooow on the old thumper. I have been skiing there for 30 years now with the same old same old chair and it's about time! My first lift ticket at Perisher was $14.00 per day - I wish the old days were back again.

  • July 14, 2010
    sue avery from Australia

    Had a lot of fun at Perisher during the first week of the school holidays despite very few lifts open. However, I did spend an hour queuing on Happy Valley T-bar, whilst watching the Milo ski school pass through it 3 times. Is there any chance these ski schools could stop getting so much priority when there are few lifts open and we have all paid the same price for our lift pass? Also saw ski school push in on jumps where there was no priority line. Fair is fair guys. Perhaps different conditions require different approaches.

  • July 14, 2010
    Mucker from Australia

    I have skied in Australia for decades and I love Perisher. It is vast, there are runs to suit all levels of skiers and the lift lines can be avoided by skiing around.
    I find it offensive that Australians rubbish our resorts. I have skied at least 25 different resorts in the USA ,Canada and Europe and as much as I enjoy them I enjoy here as well.
    I admit it is expensive here but realistically we have a very short season and I believe that the operators are entitled to make a profit. Skiing is not a cheap sport anywhere in the world.
    I also feel that the lifties are far better here now than they were 20 or so years ago but maybe they could be given a little more training in hospitality and attentiveness.
    I

  • July 13, 2010
    Julie from Australia

    Just came back from skiing at Perisher. Thank God for the snow making, as the natural snow didn't want to be seen when we were there in the first week of July 2010. My kids, husband and I love skiing, but can only afford to go every 2/3 years in Australia, as it's sooo expensive! The accomodation, lift tickets for 5 days, and the terrible prices on food! I know that our ski season doesn't last as long as the US or Canada and they have to make money in the winter season, but holy cow!, these prices are stupid! I have never been to other countries to ski, as I love my country and spend my money in my country, but from now on I will be looking to go overseas to ski as it's heaps cheaper and it snows! But, we did enjoyed our holiday despite the growing price hike!

  • July 13, 2010
    Kelly from Australia

    After reading so many posts I just couldn't help myself but comment on the wide world of Perisher.
    Like many people, I have had my fair share of the ski seasons.
    I am total agreement that the ski season in Canada, or any where else for that matter, are no doubt, hands down the best ones I have ever had.
    It is the snow over there that makes it better for me, however, I deem it nessecary to comment on the Perisher Blues Staff attitude of Perisher Blue.
    Whilst I was lining up for the V8 lift, a girl fell over, one of the 'lifties' ran over and picked her up wilst another liftie pressed the emergency stop button.
    The mother and the child that had fallen were put back on the lift safely by the Perisher Staff.
    I thought this was a nice thing to do, even if it was their jobs, it was still good to see.
    However, as i approached the lift to hop aboard, the lifty to my right was laughing at this womens expense, calling her a "stupid punter".
    Now, I know exactly what this means, and while it may be funny to some staff, others take offence, and ESPECIALLY people who knew what it meant.
    After I had found a ski patrol who showed me where the manager was, he did nothing but say to me "well, it would have been funny, if you dont know how to use the lifts, dont use it"
    I was appauled!
    This year, Thredbo has my business!

  • July 12, 2010
    Natalie from NZ from Australia

    Wow, first time I have heard Australians being negative about their own country... I guess it is alot about expectations... We have been in Canberra for 18 months and travelled up to Perisher last year and again last week. I was absolutely amazed how good it was...and how big and how many chairs.. last year... and yes expectations were high for this year.... but I knew they had not had the snow YET and only half the chairlifts open... half the space... more cues but hey.... we did not expect it to be the same as last year...
    I have skied in Colorado, Europe and North and South Islands of NZ... it is absolutely stunning on the mountain anywhere a unique experience each time and I
    just enjoy the day and I must say the beautiful reflection in Lake Jindabyne.... as for the cost, it would be on a par to NZ apart from the exchange rate... we travel further in NZ to get there, yes and sometimes fly.... I think it is about the adventure and fun in the snow...Holidays cost $$$ Thank you Perisher and the team for making it available for us to enjoy in Winter xx

  • July 07, 2010
    Fritzwah from Australia

    Wow, so many comments. Good and the ugly. I've been skiing all around the world for over 40yrs. 11 seasons in NZ and hell of a lot overseas and every year bar 1 in Australia. Yes, it is expensive here at Perisher, that is why I now only ski one weekend a year, the rest overseas, but that is my choice. Overseas resorts have bad seasons as well and I have skied on some crap. Guys, the only way to hopefully stop the price rise here in Aust is to stop skiing here all together. Wow, wouldn't we then have some discounting going on, maybe, but I doubt it cause the owners are a greedy bunch downunder. But, there is no easy solution. Put up or let your feet do the talking.

    [note from the editor: there are too many submissions concerning costs at Perisher. Unfortunately, they cannot all be listed amongst Resort Reviews. We would prefer to keep this information directly relevant to standards, services, impressions of snow sports on the hill etc.]

  • July 04, 2010
    Steve Symm from Australia

    Last year my wife and I handed over $500 each day for two day tickets and two creche passes for our kids at Perisher. In NZ the same cost less than NZ$300 and the staff are much nicer than in Perisher and really taught our kids to ski.

  • June 28, 2010
    the bright side from Australia

    Every contributer here has made completely valid points: yes, the tickets at Perisher are expensive, and the staff can be on the strict side (and the management questionable!!), no the snow is not always great, and no the mountains aren't as big as in Europe or North America, and the food can be over priced....

    So is it still worth going.. Yes of course it is... it's snow , i's fun, lots of fun. There is a very limited amount of it here in Australia and for a very limited time so make the most of what you get... Yes, if you go expecting Europe you will be disapointed you are in Australia... But despite all the hassel and "injustices" that people have pointed out (when life's hardships relate to overpriced skiing then I have to say we are being pretty spoilt) there are plenty of good times to be had... plan ahead and pack lunch and make it an adventure!!!! Enjoy the terrain, trust me there are plenty of fun and challenging spots to be found...

    And please don't forget to admire the snow gums, the wombats, the rosellas, and even the occasional echidna if you are so lucky!!!!

    And if you still want to make comparisons to Europe and North America... just think about what people living over there go through to have a beach holiday....

  • June 23, 2010
    dee from Australia

    In response to another reviewers comments: So what if they run blowers for 36 hours straight at Perisher? It's recycled water. You can’t tell me the cost of power warrants thousands of people paying for expansive tickets, all season long. Countries with an abundance of snow have higher costs, avalanche bombing every day, fleets and fleets of personnel, sleds, cats even choppers, larger, longer gondolas and lifts to maintain, heaps more competition, much more area to service and much more ski patrol and medic services.

    The real reason is because you have no other choice. You can ski very few places in Australia. The owners of the resorts have a monopoly and you as the consumer have no choice, but to pay through the nose or don’t go. Plus there is no governing body that makes them keep the prices down. They do as they like.
    Face it, Perisher has crap service, crap parking, crap lift lines, crap overpriced food and most of the time crap snow, but for some reason huge ticket prices.... yeah, makes perfect sense.
    I am like the rest of you. I love the snow, have been 'round the world just to experience it and ride in it, and still to this day can't help myself and end up payn' for shit snow and $100 lift tickets.

    [note from the editor: slight alteration made to review to eliminate names etc]

  • June 15, 2010
    Steve from Australia

    Ok, so I've just read every review here and come to the conclusion some of you lack common sense...

    There is a reason Perisher is so over-priced: the size, the location, the duration of the snow season, but mainly the requirements of resorts.
    Because Australia is so hot and the ski season so small, the resorts spend millions on producing artificial snow to prolong the season and attempt to cover the main slopes as best as possible. I think Perisher this year has had their snow blowers running daily for 36hours straight at times.

    Resorts in countries with an abundance of natural snow don't have these additional costs, hence the cheaper lift passes etc. So it's understandable why Perisher has such high prices from that regard.

    Additionally, the majority of families/couples and single skiers go for periods of 5 nights, which costs about 2200 dollars (flights included) for the entire week. For most Australians it's not worth it to fly to e.g. Canada for around 2000 dollars and then pay less for lift passes and accommodation when the flights almost equal the price of a holiday at Perisher.

    So for Australians wanting to ski/board for a week or less I highly recommend Perisher, for those who plan on ski/boarding for extended periods of time, then overseas is more viable because the ratio of money spent on plane tickets to accommodation and ski passes, is more lower.

  • June 08, 2010
    leo from Australia

    Perisher may be several thousand acres in size, but lets get real, there are only a few lifts worth skiing on (Mount Perisher & racecourse in Guthaga) all other runs are 1 minute long & flat, big deal. Like a lot of Australians I go to Canada/USA in our summer for a real ski holiday. One thing that really stands out in North America compared to here and that is staff attitude; Perisher lifties are so up them selves. I don't know how Perisher finds these guys, mind you senior management isn't much better, try winning an augment with one. Now guys, I know the price of fuel has gone up a lot over the last few years but so has your lift tickets, so why don't you start your groomers up every now and again. Except for the kiddies runs you leave everything else to nature, haven't any of you managers ever left Australia, people love North America mainly because of the fantastic grooming (and the huge runs, cheap lift tickets, great staff attitude plenty of good cheap food & drinks).

  • June 04, 2010
    Barbie from Australia

    Sweet Perisher - are you insane?? You say that your experience at Perisher equals your experience in Switzerland or Colorado - what a crock! Zermatt, in Switzerland, is a wonderland that Perisher doesn't come close to touching and as for Colorado - are you telling me that the regular 4ft of powder at Breckenridge or Aspen is comparable to Perisher? Sweet Perisher, when you wake up from your fantasy, I suggest you revisit Colorado mate.

  • October 06, 2009
    Sweet Perisher from Australia

    At Perisher you can stay on snow and play with the kids after skiing with friends, or enjoy the lake side view from Jindabyne. You can enjoy long scenic runs and not have to sit on a chairlift for 8 minutes getting a cold butt. I love catching the Interceptor early and making 'first tracks' through the long runs down to Gutherga. I'm almost the only one there, and I feel like it is my own. My experiences at Perisher give me wonderful memories for the years to come. Corny? Yes, but true. I only really got into skiing as an adult, and have come to know and love Perisher. And after skiing in places like Switzerland and Colorado, I know that Perisher offers an equally good time without travelling two days to get there. My gorgeous kids are just starting out and already love Perisher as much as I do.

  • September 17, 2009
    George from Australia

    I returned to skiing in 2006, after a long absence, with a trip to Canada and skied in Vancouver and several weeks at Whistler. I had a ball and the runs were long and the snow was great but, I have to say, I really rate Perisher. You manage a long run in Whistler but then you have 20 mins of lifts to get back up there. In Perisher you can have a real blast on Eyre or Excelerater and hop on a lift and have just the right amount of recovery time to go again. Also in Canada the lifts started much later than in Australia and closed much earlier. Because Perisher is so vast we easily find places to ski that are not too busy. I can guarantee that I do way more top to bottom in a day at Perisher than a day at Whistler. I love my country and especially Perisher.