How to Get the Best out of Perisher
Perisher is Australia’s Mr Reliable – and it’s well connected in more ways than one. Large and wide, Perisher stands tallest Down Under when conditions elsewhere can be marginal. With 1246 hectares of terrain, there’s plenty of room to move and the 47 lifts help spread the load across the mountain. Great park facilities and a dearth of cat tracks make it a good choice for snowboarders. Owned by Vail Resorts, it handily features on the Epic Pass, opening up riding at 14 resorts in North America.
Where to ski
A wide berth
Chairlifts usually offer the most convenience on a mountain but T-bars can give surprising access to some of the best riding. To wit: while others plug away at Mount Perisher's spine, target the flanks and hit the Eyre T-bar. Under fresh snow there are few sweeter experiences than lapping runs such as Come Back Again and Shifty’s.
Catch a (super) star
If freestyle is your thing, the boxes, jumps and halfpipes of Perisher's terrain park are the best in Australia. And if you don't want to do it yourself, sit back and ogle some of the best riders in the world as they fine-tune their preparations for the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.
Where to stay
Barrakee Lodge
Located near the North Perisher T-bar and Interceptor Quad chair, Barrakee ticks the first box by being true ski-in, ski-out accommodation. It just gets better from there. Panoramic views, stunning meals that lean heavily towards local produce and a can-do attitude from staff make it a low-key gem.
Eiger Chalet
Much like the Swiss mountain after which it is named, the Eiger impresses the more you get to know it. Modest on the outside and casually appealing inside, its charms are the great facilities for kids, consistently good food and a vibrant bar with regular entertainment throughout the season. The high return-rate speaks volumes about the meticulousness of the owners, the aptly named Frosts.
Find a room
Eating and drinking
Brunelli's
Breakfasts shouldn't be a long affair when a powder day awaits, so fuel up with a quick bite – there’s a cabinet full of panini and pastries – and the best coffee on the hill at Brunelli's in the Perisher Centre. Perisher Valley Centre, Perisher Valley
Alpine Eyre Kiosk
It's no great secret that snow prices can leave a skier feeling a little cold, so it's nice to find a place that serves up great fare without breaking the budget. Handily located near the Eyre T-bar, there are quality burgers, sensibly priced beer and a good spot to enjoy the sun when it's out. Base of Eyre T-Bar, Mount Perisher
Base 1720
Whether you’re seeking a sneaky post-piste pint or cocktail by the fireplace or a three-course dinner, the Base 1720 Bar & Restaurant can accommodate. It’s perfectly located in the Perisher Manor Hotel, just a hop, skip and a jump (even in ski boots) from the Village 8 Express. Perisher Manor, Kosciuszko Road, Perisher Valley
