Perisher Valley

Perisher Valley is the beating heart of Australia's largest alpine resort, a snow-covered playground that draws skiers and snowboarders from across the globe. Nestled in Kosciuszko National Park, this high-altitude valley offers a surprisingly European feel with its cluster of lodges, chairlifts, and wide, groomed runs. In summer, the same landscape transforms into a lush high-country paradise for hiking and mountain biking.

Highlights & What to See

• Perisher Ski Resort: Boasting 1,245 hectares of terrain, 47 lifts and four connected resort areas (Perisher Valley, Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes, and Guthega), it's a dream for all abilities. Don't miss the Front Valley for beginners or the Sun Valley for advanced runs.
• Mount Perisher Lookout: A short hike from the top of the Perisher Express chairlift rewards you with panoramic views of the Main Range and the Snowy River.
• Snow Tubing & Sledding: For non-skiers, the dedicated snow play areas at Smiggin Holes and Perisher Valley offer tubing and tobogganing fun.
• Cross-Country Skiing: The Perisher Valley trails connect to the vast network of groomed cross-country tracks leading to Charlotte Pass and beyond.
• Kosciuszko National Park Summer Walks: In the green season, hike the Snowies Great Walk or the Porcupine Track for wildflowers and alpine views.

Suggested Time to Spend

For a ski trip, allocate at least three to five days to fully explore the four resort areas and enjoy the après-ski scene. A day trip from Jindabyne is possible but feels rushed. In summer, a two-day stay allows for a solid hike and a mountain bike ride on the Thredbo Valley Track. Plan to arrive early to secure parking (the car park fills by 9am in peak season).

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Jindabyne: The gateway town with accommodation, restaurants, and the snowline for budget stays (20 minutes south).
• Thredbo: A more lively resort village with a European vibe, famous for its long runs and summer hiking (30 minutes west).
• Charlotte Pass: Australia's highest resort, a quieter alternative for advanced skiers and snowboarders (accessible via oversnow transport from Perisher).
• Kosciuszko National Park: Home to Mount Kosciuszko, Australia's highest peak, with epic day walks from Charlotte Pass or Thredbo.
• Snowy Mountains Scheme: Visit the visitor centre at Cooma or the Tumut 2 Power Station for engineering history (45 minutes north).

Please check official sources for current details.