Planning a ski trip to the New South Wales Ski Fields can seem a bit like an organisational nightmare – but make it super-easy on yourself by catching a ride on the Skitube!

The Skitube is a swiss-style mountain passenger train which takes you from Bullocks Flat and climbs up through the mountains via a tunnel to the Perisher Ski Resort (and on to Mount Blue Cow).

Where is the Skitube Terminal located?

The Skitube Bullocks Flat Terminal is located on the Alpine Way, around 20 minutes drive and 20 kilometres from the town of Jindabyne, NSW.

How long does the Perisher Skitube take?

The Skitube takes ten minutes from Bullocks Flat to Perisher Valley. Most of the journey is spent in the tunnel.

Free parking, no snow chains – and no National Park Permit required

The Bullocks Flat Terminal, or station, is located below the snow line, and prior to the ticket-booth entrance to the Kosciuszko National Park. This means that you aren’t required to carry snow chains in your 2WD passenger car to get there, like you are once you enter the National Park during winter. You also don’t need to purchase a National Park permit, as this cost is included in your Skitube ticket. In addition you can park for free!

Where do I get Skitube tickets/timetable?

Currently (2020) Skitube tickets can only be purchased online on the Perisher Ski Resort website. Your ski lift tickets and Skitube journey can all be loaded onto the same card, which is reusable from year to year. If you don’t already have one you’ll need to either have it mailed out to you, or pick it up inside the Terminal prior to your journey.

Skitubes leave regularly from the Bullock’s Flat station from very early to late, around every twenty minutes-half an hour. Skitubes only run during the ski season, which normally runs Winter through to Spring.

How much do Skitube tickets cost?

Skitube tickets are available as add-ons to your Perisher lift tickets, however individual ride tickets are also available. Prices are as follows:

A one day Skitube return trip ticket is $58

A return Skitube ticket valid for use within a 14 day period is $101

A season pass valid for unlimited Skitube use during the whole 2021 winter season is $449

Where to get Skitube ride tickets the 2021 winter season

You can book your Ski tube tickets online and see the most recent Ski tube timetable at the Perisher Ski Resort website here.

How do I catch the Ski Tube?

Watch our Perisher Skitube  video to see how it all works

The basic steps to catching the Perisher Skitube are:

• Drive to the Bullocks Flat Skitube Terminal on Alpine Way
• Drop your passengers and luggage or ski gear off at the kerb near the main entrance. After you’ve unloaded, follow the signs to park your car in the free carpark – it’s a two minute walk back to the terminal from the overnight or day carpark.
• Hire a trolley cart if you have a lot of luggage and gear to manage. You can take the cart onboard the Skitube. In 2020 the cost was $4.
• Proceed into the terminal. Collect your tickets from the counter if you don’t already have them. Otherwise, simply proceed to the gates and swipe through with your Skitube ticket/pass.
• Board the Skitube. Take a seat! Make sure your gear or trolley is placed in a way that it can’t slide away from you as you ascend the mountain in the train, as it does slope up a little!
• Ten minutes later, depart the Skitube at the Perisher Terminal. A lift is available for your luggage cart, but unless your skis are in a ski bag, you’ll need to carry them up the stairs to the ground floor yourself.
• If you are staying at a ski lodge, proceed to the Hans Oversnow counter to arrange your trip to your ski lodge
• If you are going skiing as a daytrip, make your way outside and cross the bridge to the main Perisher Centre where you can hire gear, arrange ski lessons etc. and then catch a ski lift up the mountain – have fun!

Where to stay overnight at Perisher – with kids!

There’s a lot of advantages to staying at Perisher for your winter family holiday. Staying with kids in the NSW snowfields calls for a family-friendly ski lodge to keep everyone happy. Staying on snow at Perisher means that everyone gets to have fun skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and snowman-building! Plus you don’t want to miss the weekly Perisher fireworks show over the mountain – or the Perisher night skiing! Add to those benefits, the fact that there’s no commuting backwards and forwards each day with kids and ski gear, and you’re onto a snow holiday-winner!

Our favourite family ski lodge is The Matterhorn Lodge, located on-snow at Perisher.

For further details, go to our Matterhorn Lodge feature here .

Watch our Matterhorn Ski Lodge, Perisher YouTube video here

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The Let’s Go Mum family partnered with the Matterhorn Lodge – Perisher Ski Resort in 2020. As always, all opinions are our own.

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We’ve just spent a week each at the two top NSW ski resorts – Thredbo and Perisher Ski Resorts. Social distancing measures have thankfully enabled the NSW 2020 ski season to go ahead during the Coronavirus pandemic, but it’s a very different experience on the ski and snowboard slopes this year.

Planning a ski trip in 2020 – even if it’s just for the day or weekend – now requires some essential prior arrangements. That said, it’s still absolutely possible to enjoy a great 2020 NSW ski holiday, and help support the snow businesses that are working to stay open and welcome you during these unprecedented Coronavirus times.

Here are our tips on what you need to know before you go – both in planning your ski holiday, and in following the ski resorts rules whilst you are there.

Allow for delays at both Thredbo & Perisher ski resorts

Expect delays as par for the course everywhere during your NSW ski fields holiday this year. From driving in and parking, to longer wait-times for shuttle buses or the Skitube, to lining up for the ski lifts or waiting to get into a restaurant. Patience is key. Whilst all the changes may seem confusing, or even annoying at first, it’s really no major hardship in the big scheme of things. After all, many snow-loving Victorians have no ski season at all this year due to Melbourne’s Stage 4 Coronavirus lockdowns. We NSW skiers and snowboarders are very lucky to have a 2020 ski season to enjoy.

No time to read? Watch our Perisher social distancing video to see how it all works

How Thredbo and Perisher social distancing affects your holiday

Perisher mandatory face coverings

The biggest difference between the two major NSW ski resorts this year, is that Perisher has a compulsory face covering requirement, and Thredbo doesn’t.

This rule means anyone over 12 years of age must wear a face mask, or have a scarf, neck warmer, balaclava or similar face covering pulled up over their nose and mouth at all times at the Perisher Ski Resort.

The face covering rule applies to all Perisher public areas, including all Skitube stations, riding on the Skitube, on shuttle buses, in the Perisher carpark, shops, all bars and restaurants (but not actually whilst you are eating), ski lift queues and skiing or snowboarding on the slopes.

This rule does not necessarily apply to inside private ski lodges or premises, and is dependent upon the individual lodge policy. It does also apply to The Station Resort in Jindabyne.

Ski lift tickets can only be booked online in 2020

The main booking concern this year isn’t securing accommodation as much as it is obtaining lift tickets. Both Thredbo and Perisher are only offering a few releases of ski lift tickets in 2020 which must be booked in advance, online. No walk-up ski lift tickets will be available in 2020

In the case of a reasonable snow fall more lifts progressively open, and the socially distanced capacity increases. This means more lift tickets can then be released for sale.

Once released by the ski resorts onto their website booking system, tickets are quickly snapped up and are usually booked out weeks in advance – particularly in the case of weekends.

As the ski season winds down in spring and the snow quality decreases, tickets should be in less demand.

Tickets are not transferable, so there are no resellers. No scenic or single lift rides, or multi day lift ticket discounts will be available in 2020 either.

The best chance of getting lift tickets for the dates that you want, is utilising a multi-pronged approach.

• Go to the official ski resort websites and sign up to their mailing lists – however don’t entirely rely upon them. Often the best tickets are sold out before the resorts even send out their email notification.
• Consider joining a Perisher or Thredbo Facebook group – members will usually spread the word quickly once a new ticket release is live.
• Keep a close eye on the ski resort website’s ticket pages – you may just be surprised with a new release of tickets!

Perisher’s most recent ticket release in mid-August immediately crashed their website for hours, however patience pays off – consistency is the key to getting the ski lift tickets you want – plus a bit of luck!

Avoid collecting your ski pass or renting gear the same day you ski

If you intend on picking up your lift pass or ski/snowboard rental gear at the resort, it’s best to plan to arrive the day prior to your first ski pass day – or prepare to lose precious time on the slopes.

Everything takes twice as long as usual at the ski resort centres. Social distancing slows things down and creates long queues due to limiting the number of people allowed inside at any one time. Thredbo in particular has extended delays at their small ticketing office. Perisher less-so, thanks to a larger office with more staff.

If you already have your lift pass (allow time for postage if you haven’t got one from the prior year) and have loaded it up ready to go online, and you have pre-arranged or own your own ski gear, you should be good to go the moment you hit the slopes.

Eating on the ski slopes at Thredbo and Perisher restaurants

Both major ski resorts have basically the same restaurant social distance systems in place.

Before entering any restaurant, you’ll be required to scan a barcode at the door with your smartphone camera. This generates a pop-up window on your phone which you tap to access an ID form to fill in. You can opt for your details to be remembered for next time – but only for that particular venue.

All restaurants require gloves to be removed and hand sanitiser to be applied upon entry.

If you would like the sit inside, you are required order a meal (and not just a drink) at many of the on-mountain restaurants.

Tables are cleaned and sanitised between diners – some restaurants have more effective systems than others. For example the Perisher Mid Restaurant has an enforced check-in system, asks you to dispose of your own rubbish after your meal and allocates table signage indicating when you are finished, and your used table needs to be sanitised.

If you are buying takeaway or eating outside, you are not usually required to scan in, or even line up in some cases.

Night Skiing is limited or cancelled

Thredbo night skiing and snowboarding (apart from the flare run) are not available in 2020, however fireworks still happen on Saturday nights.

Perisher night skiing and snowboarding Tuesday nights have now finished, however Saturday night fireworks and night skiing are still going ahead into September. Pre-booking as far in advance as possible is the way to go, as people buying second or third release ski tickets are finding that due to the reduced number of night skiing tickets available, the first release ticket holders or annual pass holders are booking out the night skiing sessions far in advance.

No toboganning or snow play in 2020

Tobogganing, snow play and scenic ski lift rides are not allowed at either ski resort during the 2020 ski season. This is to help keep numbers in the resorts at a manageable level, but there are unfortunately some very disappointed kids and tourists this year. Hopefully things can return to normal next year.

Booking NSW Snow Accommodation in 2020

We stayed at two great family ski lodges at the snow this year, and can highly recommend them for offering safety etaining their excellent snowy mountains accommodation experience.

Perisher Ski Resort on-snow family friendly ski lodge

If you’re looking for Perisher family-friendly on-snow ski lodge accommodation, you really can’t go past the Matterhorn Ski Lodge at Perisher.

Rooms can accommodate from small to large families, and your stay includes hot breakfasts and three-course hot dinners. Accommodation also includes complimentary shuttles to and from the Skitube terminal to the lodge. The Matterhorn offers complimentary WIFI, a guest laundry, a public bar, large guest lounge and games room.

For further details, go to our Matterhorn Lodge feature here .

Watch our Matterhorn Ski Lodge, Perisher YouTube video

Thredbo Village budget friendly ski lodge for families

YHA Thredbo in Thredbo Village offers excellent value and a great family atmosphere.

Located centrally, this cosy ski lodge features family ensuite rooms, a large self-catering kitchen, ski drying room and comfortable lounge with panoramic views over the Thredbo ski slopes. The Thredbo YHA is the perfect accommodation for a skiing or snowboarding holiday.

For further details, go to the YHA official website .

Watch our Thredbo YHA Ski Lodge YouTube video

Even though all of the new social distancing measures are a lot to navigate, don’t be discouraged from visiting the NSW snowfields – a wonderful family snow holiday is just waiting for you – it’s time to go make some super-fun memories at the snow!

If you enjoyed reading this article or found it useful, please consider sharing it on Facebook, or leaving a comment below – thank you!

Pin it for later on Pinterest!

The Let’s Go Mum family partnered with the Matterhorn Lodge – Perisher Ski Resort and YHA Thredbo Ski Lodge – Thredbo Resort for these famil trips.  As always, all opinions are our own.

The post What Perisher and Thredbo social distancing looks like in 2020 appeared first on Let's go Mum.

When we received an invitation to stay at the famous Matterhorn Lodge in Perisher during the 2019 Australian ski season, we were thrilled to visit – and learned that it more than lives up to its outstanding reputation for ski accommodation excellence.

On Snow Accommodation in Perisher

The Matterhorn Lodge is a stunning alpine lodge located right in the centre of Perisher Ski Resort in the NSW ski fields of Australia. It’s the perfect Perisher Valley base for on-snow stays. Whilst you can book for stays of any length, I’d recommend booking for as long a stay as possible – because when you get to the Matterhorn you’re not going to want to leave!

Driving and staying overnight at Perisher

Leave your car behind and catch the Skitube for a short underground ride right through the mountains to Perisher. The big bonus with using the Skitube is that you don’t need to worry about hiring or fitting snow chains to your car, as the Skitube carpark at Bullocks Flat Skitube Terminal is located below the snow line, plus parking your car at Bullocks Flat is free. Getting to Perisher via Skitube also includes your National Park entry fee.

How long does the Skitube take to Perisher?

The Skitube takes ten minute from Bullocks Flat to Perisher Valley. You can also take the Skitube between Perisher Valley and Mount Blue Cow for free.

If you’ve booked your Perisher ski lift tickets and Skitube tickets for the first time online, then you can pick them all up at the Skitube Terminal too. This means that once you arrive at Perisher Ski Tube station, if you have your own gear or have already hired your snow gear, you can start skiing and snowboarding straight away!

Skitube Tip! Carry your skis or snowboard in a travel bag so they can go in the Skitube Perisher Station luggage lift – then you don’t have to carry them up the stairs!

Matterhorn Accommodation includes free transfers

A complimentary over-snow transport service is included with your Matterhorn Accommodation with Hans Oversnow Transport. Yourself, your luggage, skis and snowboards are delivered from the Skitube via snow mobile right to the front door of the Matterhorn Lodge.

Ski from your accommodation to the chair lift

The Matterhorn Lodge and surrounds look like a scene straight off a Christmas card – it’s absolutely charming!

We were welcomed by the wonderful Jacqui and all the Matterhorn Lodge staff, and were soon checked in.

Watch our Matterhorn Ski Lodge, Perisher YouTube video

Our Matterhorn Lodge Accommodation

Our rooms were beautiful. We were located on the ground floor. We even had our own long veranda with wicker lounge chairs overlooking the snowy street, right down to Perisher Front Valley.

Warm and cosy, even our comfortable beds had beautiful views all-around of the alpine village and circling snowy mountains. There was a remote control flat screen TV in the corner, and a temperature-adjustable long radiator along one wall with hooks above it to hang any damp clothes.

The ensuite was fitted out with everything we needed, including a hot, strong shower, towels and bathroom toiletries all supplied.

Ski-out Perisher Valley accommodation

The snowy mountains were calling us, so soon after checking in we headed to the ski room to get our skis. Here you can store all your ski gear, including boots, skis and ski boards and helmets.

In mere minutes we were sat on the chair lift looking back at the Matterhorn Lodge – this on-snow accommodation is perfectly located, with an easy down-hill ski straight to all the front valley Perisher chair lifts.

The Matterhorn Lodge is also perfectly placed for night skiing, plus you can see the Perisher Valley fireworks from the Matterhorn’s front door!

After a fantastic day’s skiing the Perisher, Blue Cow, Guthega and Smiggins Holes runs, we headed back to the Matterhorn Lodge, worn out with fun – and very hungry!

We left our ski gear to dry in the ski room and headed into the dining room for a hot dinner. Three delicious courses followed for both adults and children. The tables were full of happy families, excitedly chatting about their day’s skiing and snowboarding adventures.

Three-course hot dinners are included

The Matterhorn Lodge menu was a delight – delicious, chef-crafted hot meals, served to your table by wait-staff. Menus change daily, with a different soup-starter each night, followed by a delectable main or popular kids-meal. Then to finish, a scrumptious desert.

By the end of our stay, we had learned to look forward to dinner – it became a highlight of our day!

Family friendly Après Ski Fun!

After dinner each night, we all loved to spend some time in the guest lounge, bar and games room.

The Matterhorn Bar is open from 4pm in the afternoon, and wine, Schnapps and beer are all available for your après-ski preference.

The Matterhorn Lodge also features a complimentary self-serve coffee and tea bar available 24/7. Or if you’re craving a barista-made coffee or espresso coffee, you can order one at the bar.

The guest lounge is a great place to relax during the day, or after dinner. Families, couples and solo snow guests wander in to relax on the comfy lounges, and unwind or chat together near the log fire. It’s also the perfect place to pull out your laptop, catch up on the news, or perhaps just watch one of the ski films continually playing on the big flat-screen TV.

Everybody loves to play in the games room, located just off the lounge. There’s a large variety of fun games, including electronic games, a ping pong table, table-soccer, air hockey, and coin-operated pool tables. Board games are also available.

It’s all device-free, good old-fashioned family fun. It’s really lovely to see all the children – from toddlers to teens – playing together.

The Matterhorn has a lovely happy family atmosphere, with welcoming, family-friendly staff putting everyone at ease.

After a lovely evening we headed back to our cosy rooms, snuggling under the quilts on our large, comfortable beds. It was time to recharge our batteries for another big day of skiing tomorrow!

If you’re a bit of a night owl, don’t worry – you won’t be locked out. Whilst the lodge front door is locked after hours, you’re are able to access the lodge via a pin pad on the front door.

Breakfast is included with your accommodation

In the morning we were ready to go skiing again, but not without a hearty Matterhorn Lodge breakfast first!

Both full and continental breakfasts are included with your accommodation. Hot breakfasts are available from 8am, with early-risers able to have a continental breakfast from 7:30am. Again, barista coffee is available to purchase.

After our first stay at the Matterhorn Lodge, we loved it so much we soon found ourselves returning for a second ski holiday during the 2019 ski season!

If you’re looking for a fabulously fun on-snow ski resort accommodation option for your family, you really can’t go past the Matterhorn Ski Lodge at Perisher!

Matterhorn Lodge Perisher useful info

Accommodation includes hot breakfasts and three-course hot dinners

Complimentary shuttle service from the Skitube

Complimentary WIFI

Guest Laundry with coin-operated washing machines and complimentary dryer

Public bar, guest lounge and games room

Guest dining room

Where is the Matterhorn Lodge?

Location:  Perisher Valley Ski Resort, NSW ski fields, Kosciuszko National Park, Australia

Phone:  02 6457 5299

Email:  bookings@matterhornlodge.com.au

Book your stay on Tripadvisor here

Go to the Matterhorn Lodge official website to find out more!

The Let’s Go Mum family were hosted guests of the Matterhorn Lodge. As always, all of our opinions are strictly our own.

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