It’s official, folks: Mt Perisher just got much easier to conquer—comfortably, swiftly and with a view that’ll knock your thermals off.
Australia’s largest ski resort has flicked the switch on its gleaming new high-speed, six-seater chairlift, the Mt Perisher 6 (or the “Mt P 6” if you’re fond of abbreviations and the kind of person who calls ski goggles ‘gogs’). And after months of anticipation, scaffolding, snowdrifts and summer sun, the mighty lift took its first delighted passengers to the summit today in a moment that could only be described as alpine euphoria.
The new addition doesn’t just raise the bar—it raises six people at a time, shaving precious minutes off the old ascent to the summit while adding a welcome dose of legroom, smooth gliding and even a footrest for good measure. That’s right, comfort in the clouds has arrived—with speed to match.
“It’s like flying, but warmer,” said 11-year-old Jackson, who shared his birthday with the lift’s grand debut and was one of six lucky guests to ride the first chair. Peering over the snowy landscape, he added, “We’re above the clouds right now… best birthday ever.”
Frankly, who could disagree? After all, something is thrilling about being hoisted to Australia’s highest lifted point with zero queues, zero jolts, and all the glory of the Snowy Mountains sprawling beneath you like a powdered carpet.
Local skier Madi Davis was beaming. “I’ve been watching it being built all summer,” she said. “It’s so fun to be up here and really cool to be one of the first to ride the Mt P 6. The snow’s amazing and we’re having so much fun.”
And Chelsea Rae, clearly living her best ski life, added: “Smooth ride, very comfy chair and a footrest too. And the run down? Fresh corduroy – we’re living the dream!”
Indeed, gone are the days of the lumbering Triple and Double chairs. The new Mt Perisher 6 slices the ride time in half, offering a luxurious skyward trip with panoramic views. It’s the kind of investment that says, loudly and proudly: Australia can do world-class alpine infrastructure—and do it with style.
Perisher’s Vice President and General Manager Nathan Butterworth was understandably chuffed.
“The launch of Mt Perisher 6 is a huge improvement for our guests,” he said. “It’s not just about speed; it’s about elevating the entire mountain experience. This lift is a major investment in the future of snow sports in Australia and couldn’t come at a better time as we head into an Olympic year in 2026.”
You can almost hear the AOC scribbling down training dates already.
Behind the scenes, it was no easy feat. The lift was delivered in partnership with Doppelmayr Australia, whose General Manager, Shaun Turner, said his team faced the full force of the elements to get it done on schedule.
“Our crews worked in challenging high-altitude conditions through scorching summer sun and wintry frosts,” Turner said. “We’ve innovated along the way—like building our own concrete plant in Jindabyne. It’s been a rewarding experience for all.”
And if you’ve ever tried mixing concrete in thongs and minus-two-degree fog, you’ll understand what he means.
This is more than just a chairlift. It’s part of a broader strategy to upgrade and future-proof Perisher’s offering while preserving the pristine charm of the Snowy Mountains. The Mt P 6 project reinforces the resort’s commitment to providing “the experience of a lifetime,” a phrase that’s quickly becoming less slogan and more reality with each new enhancement.
Whether you’re a ski bunny, a shredder, or someone who likes to pretend you’re athletic while sipping hot chocolate at the café, this is a development to cheer for.
The lift is open now. The snow’s ready. The mountain is calling.
And as we like to say in traditional Aussie ski style: get up there before Sydney turns tropical.
By Anne Keam
