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Visitor reviews for Perisher Ski Resort

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Ski Resort Rating: Rate Perisher

• 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.

• August 18, 2009
  Top CAT from Australia
  

  I have been skiing for more than 35 years all over the world. I have lived & worked in Perisher. I have a membership of one of the oldest ski clubs in Perisher. I love skiing in Perisher because it costs less than a trip to South America and I can stay at my own ski-out ski-in lodge. That convenience is only available at one resort in New Zealand. I ski a different resort in Europe every (Aussie) summer. I also love Perisher in summer because there are no tourists, just true "alpinists". Perisher costs a lot to ski because it has the same quality and size of infrastructure as many European and North American resorts for, at best, a 12 week season. Most northern hemisphere resorts are at a higher altitude and/or latitude with 16 to 20 week seasons (some are on glaciers and operate for 52 weeks). They are also mostly located close large population centres. Therefore the operators can get a reasonable return on investment at lower charges to their customers.

• August 17, 2009
  Lee from Australia
  

  What I want to know is, why does this forecast differ from the Perisher site? This basically says rain whereas their site says light dusting of snow. Perisher can't give an honest snow report to save their lives. I don't mind paying all that money for a lift pass, but it annoys me how they have to exclude info from a snow report to get tourism. Yes, when conditions are right its great down there, but that's been not often at all this season. Don't think I'll be back next season.

• August 13, 2009
  Glen from Australia
  

  This is the first season in the past 10 that I have not bothered to go to Perisher. After boarding the last 3 seasons in either Europe or the USA, I cannot go back to the over priced Perisher.

  I cannot understand why they do not offer loyalty programs and discounted ski days when the weather is not so good. If you want to market the slopes better then you need to fluctuate the pricing to the conditions to minimise the risk for the people who travel long distances and risk the snow not being good. The staff at Perisher wonder why people head to NZ or O/S: less risk for money spent.

• August 05, 2009
  Paul Clarke from Australia
  

  Perisher is great when the conditions are right and if your attitude is right you can have the time of your life there. Yes, Perisher is expensive, but you can spend the same staying in the city for a weekend. Good things come at a price. Just pick your time. If you get icy, wet conditions or no snow then you're not going to enjoy yourself.
  Do go night boarding, it was the highlight of our last trip.

• August 04, 2009
  Tom from Australia
  

  All of the Australian ski resorts are a joke. I recently stayed and skied in Chamonix in the French Alps and the difference in quality and price is ridiculous. The lift passes over there are cheaper and there is far more variety on offer with a whole lot more snow cover. I am planning my ski holiday in Japan next and I have found that I can do a month for $8000 with a little change left over, less if I wanted to stay at one resort. New Zealand is cheaper in all areas. No, our snow area really is a joke. There are huge crowds and rubbish snow conditions. I won't be doing many more trips there, not when you can do so much better and experience another country at the same time.

• July 24, 2009
  Good snowboarder from Australia
  

  Australian snow fields are way over priced. Having boarded in Europe for 2 years coming back to Oz is a bit of a let down. Although it is still fun, you definitely don't get what you pay for compared with other destinations.

• July 22, 2009
  ROGER from Australia
  

  Perisher is obviously the best skiing in Australia. I've worked and skied all the hills and only Perisher offers so much new ground to explore. The crowds are minimal and the prices are to provide a vast lift system that covers a huge area. It's excellent value.

• July 22, 2009
  mick hunt from Australia
  

  I have been a season pass holder, at Perisher, for 4 years now and been going for six years. It is the most expensive thing I do and a complete rip off considering the amount of snow, the quality of snow and the vertical drop. It is laughable what they charge. The only reason I still go is because I am totally addicted to the sport.
  P.s. Guys, offer some discounts to long term pass holders.