First Timers Tips for Travelling to the Snow

A snow holiday can be one of the most fun, memorable and rewarding holidays. Perisher believes a first time experience in the snow should also be simple and straightforward. It's all about being prepared, so here is a list of important things that will make a first trip to the snow that much easier:

 

• Plan and book accommodation in a convenient location
  Perisher Snow Holidays offers a wide range of accommodation, both on-snow in the resort and off-snow in Jindabyne. For ultimate convenience for first timers, on-snow accommodation is the way to go. The Perisher Valley Hotel, for example, is located right at the bottom of the slopes in Front Valley so that you can literally ski-in and ski-out.
  
  Alternatively if you are on a budget, or simply prefer off-snow accommodation, Jindabyne offers a wide variety accommodation including self-contained units and hotel accommodation. See the Perisher Snow Holidays brochure.
  
  
• Book your accommodation, Lift Tickets, snowsports lessons and equipment hire online with Perisher Snow Holidays.
  Simply read up on the various locations, available specials and types of accommodation, enter your dates, location, lift pass, lesson & equipment requirements to get a trip quote and away you go. Booking a snow holiday at Perisher has never been this simple! Perisher Snow Holidays consultants are also on hand to provide you with any information about your holiday. Simply call 1300 655 811.

Arrange your transport to the resort. Please go to the "Getting Here" section.
For guests staying on-mountain, there is free and secure overnight parking at Bullocks Flat Skitube Alpine Railway Terminal. There is very limited on-mountain overnight parking at Perisher, so it is best to catch the Skitube Alpine Railway from Bullocks Flat to the resort. The Skitube is a convenient way to travel to and from Perisher. The Bullocks Flat Terminal located on the Alpine Way is at a lower elevation so there is a reduced chance of needing to fit snow chains to your car.

• Check out Perisher's ‘How To' tips to learn some handy do's and don'ts in the snow.
  
  
• Take lessons from a qualified instructor: For the fastest progression with your skiing or snowboarding and to avoid picking up bad habits, Perisher recommends taking a First Timer Lesson Program with the Snowsports School.
  
  
• Take advantage of Perisher's FREE First Timer lesson. Purchase a 5 or 6-day First Timer lesson package starting Monday and receive a FREE lesson on Sunday afternoon at 2pm.
  
  
• Follow the Alpine Responsibility Code (ARC). You see the ARC signs around the resort, it's important to follow this safety code (or these safety rules) whenever you are on the slopes.
  
  
• Kids can learn about snow safety and Perisher's very own mascot Professor Nugget online at the Kidzone section.
  
  
• Beat the chills! Ensure you have suitable clothing.
  A water-proof and wind-proof jacket, pants (or full-piece suit), thermal underwear, fleece jumper, warm beanie, gloves, goggles and appropriate boots are needed to protect yourself from the elements. Pants, jackets and boots can be hired from Perisher's Ski & Snowboard Hire located at various locations around the resort.
  
  
• Go night skiing or boarding! Skiing or boarding under the stars is an experience not to be missed. Front Valley is lit up for night skiing/boarding fun from 6.30pm to 9.30pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays during July & August and Tuesdays during September.
  
  
• Take frequent breaks and don't tire yourself out! Remember, new environments can be tiring so don't push yourself too hard on the slopes when starting out. Pack energy snacks such as muesli bars and/or mini chocolate bars and take hot choccy breaks at any of the various on-mountain eateries to re-charge and warm up. Remember; take in plenty of fluids, as activity in higher elevations can dehydrate you.
  
  
• Try other on-mountain activities while you're here. There's a whole world of options to explore at Perisher aside from skiing and boarding. Snow tubing at Tube Town (adjacent to the Perisher Valley car park) is a fun experience for people of all age with specially designed lanes and a purpose built lift back to the top. Groomer Tours offer the chance to ride in one of Perisher's $450,000 groomers and explore the slopes from an entirely new angle! Tours are available on Tuesdays and Saturdays during July & August and Tuesdays during September from 5pm. Snowshoeing Tours provide the opportunity to explore the spectacular Snowy Mountains backcountry. Please call Guest Services on 1300 655 822 for more information.
  
  
• Sign up to Perisher's Perisher Club to receive newsletters and snow reports delivered straight to your inbox so that you know what to expect when you arrive. You can also go in the draw to win fantastic prizes simply by answering a few questions.

• Holiday Check list. To ensure you don't forget anything when planning your snow holiday, we have compiled a checklist. Simply read on and click the relevant links for further information.