Skiing the Perisher

Perisher Valley NSW 2630 (Pop varies greatly with up to 2 500 in winter)

Perisher Valley is a Snowy Mountains ski resort village located within Kosciuszko NP and administered by the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service. Access is via the Skitube (underground railway) or road but cars are not allowed to stay overnight during winter. Originally a Snowy Mountains Authority campsite (1950-70), being above the snowline the area subsequently became one of the most popular skiing resorts in Australia with the first ski lodges opening in 1951. Unlike Thredbo it is not a year-round resort and therefore is very quiet in the summer months. Perisher Valley is 493 km s-w of Sydney.

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Skiers in winter can use 30 interconnecting ski lifts, more than 100 ski instructors & extensive snow making facilities. Perisher also has two of Australia’s highest churches and a ski lift rising to 2 054 m. The Skitube for the non-skiiers runs for 8.5 km (6.3 km of which is through Australia’s longest tunnel).  It operates the whole year and is an ideal beginning for climbing Mt Kosciuszko.

Nearby:
Many beautiful Alpine walks can be enjoyed during spring/summer. Smiggin Holes (named after the pools formed in the rocks by cattle) another popular ski resort and said to be the country’s best beginners’ ski run as well as excellent for experienced skiers. Guthega a small day ski resort located 40 km from Jindabyne.  It was one of the original Snowy Mountains workers’ camps. Mount Blue Cow the state’s newest ski resort is located between Perisher Valley & Guthega at 1 875 m, is only accessible by Skitube and only for day skiers in winter & walkers in summer. Charlottes Pass another popular ski resort and departure point for the 8 km walk to Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

Accommodation: Perisher Valley has over 20 hotels/lodges/chalets and a B&B. Visitor Information Centre: Perisher Valley Village. Tel (02) 6459 4421.

Airport:
Cooma Airport (OOM) Kosciuszko Rd, Cooma West. Tel (02) 6452 4455. (78 km n-e). 
 
Hospital:
Cooma District Hospital, Bent St. Tel (02) 6452 1333 or (02) 6455 3222. (94 km n-e).