Perisher and Thredbo
At The Snow, one ticket to rule them all
Ah, frigid weather, what’s it good for? Well, lessee: drinking, fireplaces, drinking, roasts, channel surfing, mulled wine, drinking.
Oh, yeah, and skiing and boarding. That’s right, snow season is upon us, and to get you in the mountain mood, we though we’d share some of the most notable developments for our local hills.
Firstly, check out the killer new deal for The Snow: the SuperSki Ticket. The days of the Perisher vs Thredbo smack-down are over; this year both destinations are making nice and doing the previously unthinkable – sharing a new ticket that allows skiers and snowboarders access to both resorts.
This special five-day lift pass will be available in the peak winter season from 25 June to September 4, and can be used within any six-day period, opening up access to 1700 skiable hectares, over 60 lifts and the widest choice of terrain around.
Also worth checking out is the new MyRide Club. From $49 for adults and $27 for kids, it allows for discounts on early-bird lift tickets and special rates to stay at The Station, which sleeps up to six, allowing you to fit the whole family or all of your Swedish backpacker friends. It also offers a 15 percent discount on hire equipment from select stores.
Night owls, or those looking to squeeze in extra runs, will want to check out Perisher’s Night Skiing and Boarding on the Front Valley, which starts 30 June. Chairlifts will run from 6-9pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays – moon tanning is optional.
There’s plenty of off-piste potential after dark as well. At Perisher, there are live bands on Wednesdays at Smiggin’s and comedy nights on Tuesdays at the Sundeck Hotel. The Knickerbocker at Thredbo is the newest venue to take in a view. Opened last year by the Wildbrumby Schnapps posse, its authentic European fare and fine wines are nod to alpine style.
And if you’ve left your ski run late this year, all is not lost. ‘Clicquot in the Snow 2011’ runs from 1-7 August at Thredbo Village’s Denman Hotel, combining fine bubbles with parties, tastings, dinners and (yes) a picnic in the snow.
Aspen, it ain’t, but 2011 is looking to be one extra-appealing snow season. And hell, one lift ticket is way, way better than two.
When: Season opens this week
Where: Perisher and Thredbo, The Snow
Price: Five-Day SuperSki Ticket | $499 adults, $275 kids
Details: www.snowymountains.com.au
