HOW TO GET THERE: 5.5 hours drive from Sydney
PARK PASS: Mt Kosciuszko National Park single-day pass is required at $29 per car per day
LIFT PASS: From $128 per day
MOST SUITABLE FOR: Freestylers, beginners, intermediate
www.perisher.com.au
The largest resort in the southern hemisphere with over 12 square kilometers of skiable terrain spanning over four combined areas (Perisher, Smiggins, Blue Cow and Guthega), this snow destination is the best bang for your buck. The terrain consists of mostly intermediate (60%) and beginner (22%). Although there are some black runs, they’re pretty short. There’s a little bit of tree skiing, and also access to some backcountry if you know where to look.
Australia’s biggest halfpipe lives at Perisher, renowned as the leading resort for Australian terrain parks and recognised as one of the most innovative worldwide. With over 7 parks built by local dude Charles Beckinsale, one of the world's leading park designers, you’ll be spoilt for choice with a whole lot of jumps, rails and boxes.
Snow coverage is generally pretty good at Perisher due to the resort's overall edge in altitude. With breath-taking panoramic views of the Kosciuszko mountain range, you’ll be tempted to stop and pull out the camera for a few instagram moments while you ride.
Perisher also offers some sweet night boarding Tuesday and Saturday nights until 9pm.
There are a few ski-in ski-out accommodation options as well as plenty of restaurants and pubs on the resort.
With no central village, Perisher doesn’t quite have the magic village atmosphere like that of Thredbo, but nearby Jindabyne (30 min drive away) has a buzzing nightlife and is a common hangout for most NSW skiers and boarders. Although it costs money to enter the national park, parking at the Bullocks Flat Skitube railway is free. Many people opt to stay in Jindy, leaving their car there for the day before riding the train up the mountain straight to the slopes. The train will take you from Bullocks Flat, stopping at Perisher Valley before heading on to Blue cow. You can make a saving by buying the Skitube and lift ticket together.