Perisher: ski resort and cross-country in New South Wales

• Perisher is in Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales.
• The resort comprises Perisher Valley, Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes and Guthega.
• Ski and snowboard trails connect the four areas.
• Alongside alpine pistes, Perisher has marked cross-country trails.
• The Skitube runs from the Bullocks Flat terminal to Perisher Valley.
• For Blue Cow, the journey continues by train.
• The Skitube links road access with the two rail stations in the resort.

Perisher lies in the Snowy Mountains in southeastern Australia and is part of New South Wales. The ski area is located within Kosciuszko National Park. Its name does not refer to just one slope or village: the resort includes Perisher Valley, Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes and Guthega. Ski and snowboard trails connect these areas so they can be used together within the resort.

Each area has its own access points and landscape. Perisher Valley is a central starting point with the Skitube terminal; Blue Cow can be reached by train as well as by piste connections. Smiggin Holes and Guthega are further parts of the resort. Choosing a base therefore depends on accommodation and which area a visitor wants to reach.

Perisher is best known as a large alpine ski area, but its offer also includes Nordic skiing. In addition to lifts and downhill runs, there is a marked network of cross-country trails for travel under one’s own power. The trails are distinct from the pistes: they cross high-alpine terrain and are designed for classic gliding or skating technique. Cross-country skiers can plan a day independently of lift operations, subject to the access and preparation of the particular trail.

For rail access, visitors use the Skitube system. It departs from Bullocks Flat, a terminal on the approach from Jindabyne, and runs to Perisher Valley. From there, connections lead into other parts of the resort; the journey to Blue Cow continues by Skitube. The system links road access with the resort’s two railway stations.

Perisher is one of Australia’s major ski destinations, combining alpine and Nordic options within a national park. For regional context, see our overview of skiing in Australia; visitors focused on Nordic skiing can also compare the resort with our guide to cross-country skiing.