Perisher
Perisher
4.1
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4.1
36 reviews
Excellent
20
Very good
6
Average
6
Poor
1
Terrible
3
Mairwen1
United Kingdom12,346 contributions
July 2023 • Friends
Skiing in Australia is fraught with high prices, erratic and unpredictable snow cover and poor food on the mountain. This isn’t like skiing overseas but I don’t expect it to be because we just don’t have the climate or a long enough season to compete with overseas resorts.
That aside, we’ve had great skiing trips in Australia at both Perisher and Thredbo. In recent years, we’ve chosen the larger resort at Perisher, rather than Thredbo.
I always spend some time at Guthega and we normally ski down the Norwegian Trail to the Guthega Inn for lunch. Sadly, this year it was only open for lunch for guests. It’s a lovely spot, with cosy indoor rooms and tables outside, overlooking the frozen Guthega Dam. Hopefully it will be open again for the next season.
NOTE ON EPIC PASS: We always buy the Epic Ski Pass. It's getting a bad rap on the reviews below. Yes, the customer support is non-existent but we’ve always found the savings worthwhile. There are two major caveats though - you have to be spending longer than a week at Perisher to do more than break even and you have to buy it well in advance, when it’s at its cheapest. The 2024 pass went on sale last year and it’s already had at least one price rise. It will get more expensive again as it gets closer to the ski season.
That aside, we’ve had great skiing trips in Australia at both Perisher and Thredbo. In recent years, we’ve chosen the larger resort at Perisher, rather than Thredbo.
I always spend some time at Guthega and we normally ski down the Norwegian Trail to the Guthega Inn for lunch. Sadly, this year it was only open for lunch for guests. It’s a lovely spot, with cosy indoor rooms and tables outside, overlooking the frozen Guthega Dam. Hopefully it will be open again for the next season.
NOTE ON EPIC PASS: We always buy the Epic Ski Pass. It's getting a bad rap on the reviews below. Yes, the customer support is non-existent but we’ve always found the savings worthwhile. There are two major caveats though - you have to be spending longer than a week at Perisher to do more than break even and you have to buy it well in advance, when it’s at its cheapest. The 2024 pass went on sale last year and it’s already had at least one price rise. It will get more expensive again as it gets closer to the ski season.
Written 16 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom12,346 contributions
July 2023 • Friends
One of the fun things to do at Perisher is the night skiing on Tuesdays or Saturday night. It takes place on the Front Valley only and starts from 6pm, finishing up at 9pm.
It’s easier to do if you’re staying on the mountain because there’s a gap of a couple of hours where chairlifts are not operating at all (if you’re elsewhere, then you can easily spend a couple of hours at the White Spider, across from the Front Valley).
Night skiiing is free if you have an Epic Pass but if not, you’ll have to buy a separate ticket because it’s not included in a normal daily ticket. It is a lot cheaper though.
They also do a fireworks display these nights. It’s actually worth staying on for. The first time I saw it I was expecting just a few nice sparkles but it’s a much full-on display with some stunning fireworks and lasts for some time.
It’s easier to do if you’re staying on the mountain because there’s a gap of a couple of hours where chairlifts are not operating at all (if you’re elsewhere, then you can easily spend a couple of hours at the White Spider, across from the Front Valley).
Night skiiing is free if you have an Epic Pass but if not, you’ll have to buy a separate ticket because it’s not included in a normal daily ticket. It is a lot cheaper though.
They also do a fireworks display these nights. It’s actually worth staying on for. The first time I saw it I was expecting just a few nice sparkles but it’s a much full-on display with some stunning fireworks and lasts for some time.
Written 23 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jbr b
Wurtulla, Australia13 contributions
Sept 2022 • Family
Perisher was a place to suit all interests. Our family were not skiing or snowboarding and had left Thredbonthe day before having learnt that Thredbo only caters for those who ski or snowboard. We were delighted by Periaher. We hired snow shoes and went snowshoeing and discovered that it is hard work!!!! We underestimated this for sure. If u go snow shoeing to Porcipine expect a loooong day. I would suggest Hong with a guide. Snowshoeing enabled us to venture into untouched areas and we loved this so much. The NPWS helped us out with maps and is worth a visit, even to log ur walk so they can track that u return safely. We caught the ski tube to Blue Cow. It was lovely up there. We had a couple of beers ($15 each!) and took in the scenery and watched people skiing etc. We stayed for a while enjoying the moment. Our kids (13 and 10) loved the tobogganing area and we stayed here till about 630pm and had it all to ourselves. We then stayed for the fireworks which occurred on the Tuesday night we were there. Be prepared with ur own dinner if u stay late. Food works shut and so did the kebab shop. I have no idea where or what every one was eating who was night skiing cause it was all closed which was disappointing.
Written 21 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
angussydney
sydney3 contributions
July 2024 • Family
The cost of using this mountain has become so out of whack.
Everything from lift tickets, to storage lockers, to the food.
The food in the Perisher centre at the mountain base was absolutely disgusting and they are robbing people.
The lift tickets are so inflated compared to other resorts around the world and I cannot see what the consumer gets in return for the price hike.
There are no improved chairlifts, just the same old T bars. We shouldn’t have to subsidise the fact they need to buy more snow making equipment.
It’s a shame we are forced to take our money overseas.
Everything from lift tickets, to storage lockers, to the food.
The food in the Perisher centre at the mountain base was absolutely disgusting and they are robbing people.
The lift tickets are so inflated compared to other resorts around the world and I cannot see what the consumer gets in return for the price hike.
There are no improved chairlifts, just the same old T bars. We shouldn’t have to subsidise the fact they need to buy more snow making equipment.
It’s a shame we are forced to take our money overseas.
Written 23 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paul s
2 contributions
July 2022
1. Signage on the mountain is extremely limited. I would expect where ever there is a fork a sign would indicate the direction of different runs, especially if one is a green and the other a black.
2. There's so much up hill involved in getting to a lot of runs. That seems like a poor overall layout/design IMO. I would expect to get off a chair lift and ski directly to a run, not take my ski's off and walk or push myself up hill with poles. Why not make the chair lift exit the highest point for all nearby runs.
3. The car park is in urgent need of an upgrade. Everyone walks between small gaps between cars carrying their skis and poles, better foot paths needed, likely a few scratched cars out there. Many people were struggling to find their car on the way out, maybe some labelling of rows/bays needed
4. Quality of food and the customer service at eateries is not good. I had one staff member tell me my item was going to take a while so I waited, 15 mins later I complained only to find out the order hadn't gone to the kitchen. Also a grumpy cashier not handing spoons & forks out when the sign says 'ask cashier for forks' I had to make a deliberate point to get them. Another eatery ran out of most food items at 2pm - that doesn't seem like good planning. Finally an entitled staff member rudely 'instructing' my wife that our 11 year old girl could not eat the sandwich she'd brought, even though I was in the long queue ordering food. I would expect a little flexibility in limited circumstances instead of robotic staff blinding following rules without engaging their brain. I would expect more food options around the mountain also considering the volume of people.
Generally the place has an old fashioned village feel to it, like it's been there for 60 years and never had any money spent on upgrades, improvements or modernization. I'm sure Perisher doesn't even compete on an international scale.
I'll be going to Thredbo next time.
2. There's so much up hill involved in getting to a lot of runs. That seems like a poor overall layout/design IMO. I would expect to get off a chair lift and ski directly to a run, not take my ski's off and walk or push myself up hill with poles. Why not make the chair lift exit the highest point for all nearby runs.
3. The car park is in urgent need of an upgrade. Everyone walks between small gaps between cars carrying their skis and poles, better foot paths needed, likely a few scratched cars out there. Many people were struggling to find their car on the way out, maybe some labelling of rows/bays needed
4. Quality of food and the customer service at eateries is not good. I had one staff member tell me my item was going to take a while so I waited, 15 mins later I complained only to find out the order hadn't gone to the kitchen. Also a grumpy cashier not handing spoons & forks out when the sign says 'ask cashier for forks' I had to make a deliberate point to get them. Another eatery ran out of most food items at 2pm - that doesn't seem like good planning. Finally an entitled staff member rudely 'instructing' my wife that our 11 year old girl could not eat the sandwich she'd brought, even though I was in the long queue ordering food. I would expect a little flexibility in limited circumstances instead of robotic staff blinding following rules without engaging their brain. I would expect more food options around the mountain also considering the volume of people.
Generally the place has an old fashioned village feel to it, like it's been there for 60 years and never had any money spent on upgrades, improvements or modernization. I'm sure Perisher doesn't even compete on an international scale.
I'll be going to Thredbo next time.
Written 10 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EatMeetGreet
Redcliffe, Australia60 contributions
July 2020
As a QLD'er the sheer awe and size of this place, had 3 days to kick around, hit the lifts, snowboard and hit the slopes. We were fortunate to book lift passes. Whilst not all areas were open, it is reasonable to take in the experience at your own pace. Would go again. Put your windscreen wipers up when it snows, pack a BBQ or packed lunch and Engel to save money on food (and Beers). Car parks can be small, take gumboots or wet weather shoes. First time to snow? dont purchase every item of snow clothing, as some days its is hot. Take heaps of photos!!!
Written 27 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natalie TayTay
Sydney, Australia124 contributions
July 2019 • Family
We had 2 private 3 hr lessons over 2 days. There was 4 of us and we were total beginners! Our teacher was Brooke, and she was absolutely fantastic! Over the 2 days, we went from total noobs to being able to ski down basic, ‘green’ runs at Smiggins and Perisher. Brooke was an excellent teacher, patient and an excellent communicator. We highly recommend! Good tip for families with mixed ages- book a private lesson and the whole family (up to 6 ppl) can join in, otherwise you are separated from your under 15s who have to join an age specific group. Will book again next visit to help guide us to the next level.
Written 4 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam C
Avoca Beach, Australia6 contributions
Aug 2019 • Solo
So, I’ve been to Perisher many times. I’ve been to other ski resorts in other parts of the world. Paid $185 for one day, with the ski tube ride. The resort was packed, the life lines were long. The lifties couldn’t manage to make sure each ride was full. The canteen told us the delivery truck didn’t come today. Now if this was a cheap resort I would be less critical, but this is the most expensive in the world. So why is the most expensive resort on the world providing terrible service! The owners clearly have no integrity!
Written 11 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
45viv
Sydney, Australia46 contributions
Sept 2019 • Family
First time to Perisher and I know it was late in the season but I did feel ripped off. There were no reductions on lift tickets, ski hire or the tube for low season yet there were no restaurants open, only the pub and 1 night the Aldo’s pizza (which were delicious).
But my main gripe was I just can’t understand why most lifts don’t open until 9 in spring especially when it’s so slushy by 10.30! I can’t think of any other country where the lift times don’t alter for the season or light! The 8 chair opened at 8 but it didn’t connect anywhere until 8.30, so just meant going up and down with the dangerous pile ups at the offload.
They are very happy to announce that the resort will be open for another 2 weeks until middle of October but they are doing little to preserve the snow by allowing people to ski late afternoon. Very strange!
But my main gripe was I just can’t understand why most lifts don’t open until 9 in spring especially when it’s so slushy by 10.30! I can’t think of any other country where the lift times don’t alter for the season or light! The 8 chair opened at 8 but it didn’t connect anywhere until 8.30, so just meant going up and down with the dangerous pile ups at the offload.
They are very happy to announce that the resort will be open for another 2 weeks until middle of October but they are doing little to preserve the snow by allowing people to ski late afternoon. Very strange!
Written 28 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elinor D
7 contributions
Aug 2018 • Solo
Perisher Valley is an excellent place to ski with many ski trails and suitable for all levels.
I had 2-hour 'Max 6' class's in the mornings and found the instructors so helpful - improved my skiing and gave me more confidence.
I had 2-hour 'Max 6' class's in the mornings and found the instructors so helpful - improved my skiing and gave me more confidence.
Written 12 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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