Your Ultimate Guide to Skiing in Perisher in 2025

Australia’s counterpart to the epic ski resorts of North America and Europe, Perisher lays claim to the title of largest in the Southern Hemisphere, with about 1245 hectares of diverse slopes and turns to suit even the most seasoned snow bunnies. Sprawled over four areas – Perisher Valley, Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes and Guthega – in New South Wales’ Snowy Mountains, this powdery wonderland is home to more than 100 runs over seven peaks, and is serviced by a partial underground alpine railway, the Skitube. Planning a trip? From the best trails to hit to the accommodation and lift passes to book, consider this your complete guide to the 2025 ski season in Perisher.

When is the best time to visit Perisher?

Perisher’s official 2025 ski season runs from 7 June through to 6 October. If you’re a first-time skier or are planning to visit Perisher with young children, early June and from September through to October are ideal as the temperatures are milder, the snow is softer and the crowds are fewer, paving the way for quieter slopes and sunnier days. 

For the 2025 season, the resort debuted the new Mt Perisher 6 high-speed chairlift, which seats six skiers at a time and, at the top of its journey, is the country's highest lifted point at 2042 metres above sea level.

What are the snow conditions like at Perisher?

During the depths of winter, Perisher receives up to 1.9 metres of both snowfall and snow depth. The temperature between the peak period of June to August is known to plunge to -3.7°C. To stay up-to-date with the snow conditions and resort operations in real-time, keep an eye on Perisher’s daily snow report.

How to get to Perisher

Getting from Canberra to Perisher

Canberra hosts the closest major airport to Perisher – its a 20-minute drive from the city’s CBD – with regular flights from all Australian capitals. From there it’s a two-and-a-half hour-drive, making it an easy trip whether you hire a car, ride the bus or book a shuttle.

Getting from Jindabyne to Perisher

Located in south-east New South Wales, Jindabyne is the closest major hub to Perisher. While you can drive directly from town to the ski resort in about 25 minutes – or take the dedicated Snowy Mountains Bus – avoiding on-road traffic during peak season is made easy with the Skitube. Board the dedicated alpine railway at Bullocks Flat Terminal – a 20-minute drive out of town – and just 10 minutes later you’ll be in Perisher Valley.

Getting from Sydney to Perisher

From Sydney, the drive to Perisher takes around five-and-a-half hours.

Tip: If you’re bringing the car you’ll need a vehicle pass to enter Kosciuszko National Park, where Perisher is located, which costs $29 per vehicle per day during ski season (this is not included in your ski pass or lift ticket). The entry permit can be purchased online, at the NPWS Visitor Centre in Jindabyne or when entering the National Park from Kosciuszko Road towards Perisher. 

How to get Perisher passes or lift tickets

For visits under four days or one-off getaways, single and multi-day tickets as well as half-day lift tickets for either the morning or afternoon sessions are also available – just keep in mind if you’re planning on night skiing you’ll need a dedicated ticket in order to carve up the powder after dark.

The best slopes in Perisher

Perisher operates 47 lifts across four villages and seven peaks, delivering a diverse range of runs to suit all levels of skill. Ideal for beginners, 22 per cent of the ski resort’s slopes are soft and wide open, while 60 per cent are designated for those with intermediate skills. There are also thrills for the daredevils, with wild backcountry, a mini halfpipe and more terrain parks than any other Australian resort.

For beginner skiers and snowboarders

There are plenty of slopes for novice skiers to practise their turns but Smiggin Holes (Smiggins), Pleasant Valley and Front Valley have the gentlest slopes and dedicated beginner areas, as well as easy access to lessons and lifts. Front Valley has two runs in a designated slow area, while on the side of Mount Piper at Smiggins the Back Wood Run and Wood Run loop past snow-dusted forests and panoramic views of the Kosciuszko Range.

For intermediate skiers and snowboarders

The choices are abundant for intermediate skiers at Perisher. Among the best are: Happy Valley for wide-open slopes with options for speed; Mt Perisher – head to Shifty’s and Wylie’s runs for long, expansive trails; and the Blue Cow area, notably Outer Limits, accessible via the Ridge Quad Chair, for diverse terrain dotted with snow gums and large boulders. 

For advanced skiers and snowboarders

About 18 per cent of the slopes at Perisher are classified as advanced, with two of the best runs being Blue Cow’s Kamikaze – a steep run with an open bowl that isn’t for the faint-hearted – and Rock Garden, which is famed for its dramatic drop-offs and obstacles. Mt Perisher and the Guthega area also offer a blend of steep and varied terrain suitable for advanced skiers. 

For off-piste skiing and snowboarders

On a Snowy Mountains Backcountry guided tour, off-piste enthusiasts will find adventure at the Main Range, The Paralyser Range and Guthega River area, with the latter a great vantage point for views across the mountains.

For cross-country skiing and snowboarders

Perisher is ribboned with more than 100 kilometres of marked cross-country trails, with options for all levels. Skiers should start their experience at the Perisher XC Centre, the region’s central cross-country skiing hub, complete with a Nordic shelter. From here you’ll have access to 50 kilometres of groomed terrain for skate and classic skiing, as well as 30 kilometres of touring ski trails. About half of the trails here are classified suitable for beginner to intermediate skiers. Never tried cross-country skiing? Book in for a lesson, available onsite.

For night skiing and snowboarding

Enjoy hitting the slopes after dark on Front Valley, where the way is illuminated by the bright lights of the Village 8 Express chairlift and the star-lit sky. Depending on weather conditions, the evening sessions typically start in mid-June and run every Tuesday and Saturday evening, with fireworks on some nights. Tip: Wear neon gear for maximum visibility.

Accommodation in Perisher

Stay close to the action by checking into one of the many chalets, mountain inns, lodges and self-contained apartments that dot the Perisher resort. A little further away from the slopes, you could also stay in Jindabyne, 30 minutes down the road.

At Kooloora Lodge, you're just a 15-minute walk from the Village 8 Express chairlift. A hot breakfast, plus a platter of snacks after you return from the slopes, are included in the room rate. There are two communal lounge spaces kept warm by a roaring fire, an in-house restaurant and bar and a cosy reading nook to wind down in. The guestrooms range from accommodating two up to five guests at a time.

Named after the imposing Swiss mountain, the Eiger Chalet is one of the sleekest stays on the Perisher slopes thanks to its refined interiors, the buzzy après scene and fine dining at onsite White Spider Restaurant and Bar, as well as a hot tub, sauna and massage room for the ultimate post-ski relaxation. With guestrooms for solo travellers up to self-contained three-bedroom apartments and a prime location 100 metres from the Quad Express lift, it’s easy to see why the ski-in ski-out property is so loved.

In the heart of Perisher Valley, modern meets rustic in The Stables Resort, where self-contained one- to three-bedroom apartments and chalets (above) will help you defrost from the chill with under-floor heating, a heated boot room and gas fireplaces. When your appetite calls, onsite restaurant The Stallions serves views of the powder alongside generously plated classics such as confit duck and grilled steak. Takeaway is also available for resort guests if you’d prefer to feast in your room by the fire.

Ideal for families, the ski-to-door Guthega Inn in Guthega village is a quick ski down to the Blue Calf T-Bar Chairlift. Breakfast in the Raven Room is included in your stay, while lunch and dinner are available at the onsite restaurant and bar. After zipping down the slopes, guests can rest weary muscles under the winter sun on the terrace or in the accommodation’s cosy lounge.

Travelling in a group and prefer to stay a little removed from the action? Check into Wonder on Alice in Jindabyne, which sleeps up to eight people. Complete with mountain views, heated polished concrete floors and an infrared sauna, it’s the ideal escape from the buzz.

Where to eat and drink

Perisher’s cosy cafés, après-ski hotspots and fine-dining restaurants ensure you’ll be more than adequately fuelled up for every session on the slopes.

Brunelli’s

Touted as serving the best coffee on the hill – alongside 10 varieties of Italian hot chocolate – Brunelli’s in the Perisher Centre has breakfast covered with its array of freshly made pastries and panini.

The Man From Snowy River Hotel

With views spanning from Front Valley to Mount Perisher and multiple open stone fireplaces, popping into The Man From Snowy River Hotel after carving up the powder could easily be considered a ski season essential. Head to the pub bar to savour woodfired pizza, play a round of darts or pool and revel in the buzzy atmosphere as live music plays in the background. Or, if you feel like indulging in a three-course set menu, book into the main dining room to feast on hiramasa kingfish and seared duck breast. 

White Spider Restaurant

With its quaint Tyrolean chairs and lack of dress code – snow boots welcome –the White Spider in Eiger Chalet (above) is an on-snow fine-diner without the pretension. Make a reservation for hearty pan-European classics including braised beef cheek with vanilla carrot puree and bug tail linguini as well as decadent desserts such as the Pear Tarte Tatin paired with raisin ice cream.

Pretty Valley Kiosk

For a quick post-slopes bite, the Pretty Valley Kiosk at the bottom of the Pretty Valley Double Chair makes the ideal pitstop. Take a seat at one of the brightly coloured outdoor tables and warm up with their crowd-pleasing hot chocolate or a bowl of homemade soup while you bask in the sun.

What to do in Perisher if you’re not skiing

Not planning to hit the slopes? There’s a plethora of activities to keep non-skiers occupied at Perisher. For those who still wish to enjoy the snow, snowshoe tours are a great way to explore the alpine trails without the intense physical exertion of skiing.

Those visiting in early June should be sure to check out Perisher PEAK Festival, which kicks off the ski season with live music across multiple stages from 7 to 9 June 2025. Bonus? Entry is free.

Similarly, June sees Valhalla Perisher hold its annual Yulefest: a month-long celebration of winter where the Viking tradition of Yule and Christmas in July collide. Held each Saturday throughout June, book your spot for a Viking-inspired feast complete with games, rune readings and mead.

Treat yourself between runs with a soothing stint at the Mountain Spa. Located in The Man From Snowy River Hotel, the full-service menu runs the gamut from a Himalayan salt stone massage to Japanese head spa treatments and infrared sauna. 

Fancy going further afield? Drive 30 minutes out to Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery (below) in Crackenback to sample award-winning schnapps made with pristine local alpine water, wander the sculpture garden and taste Austrian-inspired cuisine at the onsite eatery, Stillhouse.

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