The Perisher Snowy Mountainsof Music survival guide

Thu 9th Jun, 2011 in Local News

The Perisher Snowy Mountains of Music Festival hits the slopes at Perisher this June long weekend. From Friday 10th to Monday 13th June more than 130 artists line up in the snow at 140 concerts across 10 on-snow venues. Artists include Ash Grunwald (Friday and Saturday nights), Christine Anu (Sunday night only), Dallas Frasca (Friday and Saturday), Skipping Girl Vinegar (Saturday and Sunday), Marshall and the Fro (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) and much much more. It’s going to be huge! Best to plan ahead, so here’s your survival guide:

What to wear
Bring your woollies there’s snow on the ground so it’s going to be cold. The minus zero temps could bite right through those jeans so consider bringing your sexy long johns, thermals, a warm parker and decent shoes with good grip. Gloves and beanies are essential. Inside the venues it’s warm so get ready to strip off all your layers when you hit the dance floor.

How to get there
Closest airport is Cooma or otherwise Canberra. Pick up a car, that’s the best way to get up to the mountains. If you’re driving check the weather conditions before leaving. You can park in the Perisher carpark but be prepared if you don’t have a 4WD you may need to look at hiring snow chains in Jindabyne if there’s a lot of snow. When you get to the National Parks entry to drive into Perisher mention you’re a festival-goer and you’ll get discounted entry. Otherwise, the simplest thing to do is to park at the Ski Tube just after Jindabyne and take the tube in. Over-snows and shuttle buses can take you to your accommodation.

What to see
Pick up a free souvenir program when you arrive at the festival. There are 10 venues to choose from. This is an intimate and cosy festival so you’ll be up close to the performers. Catch one of the headliners, get practical at one of the workshops or discover your favourite new band.

Festival at night
Some of the biggest acts of the festival are playing through to midnight, so make sure you get out when the moon rises to catch some of the night entertainment. At the end of the night and if you’ve still got energy then hang around the bars (Sundeck, Smiggins) as the musicians may be up for a tune or two. Sometimes the best music is played spontaneously at these late sessions! Ask musicians where they’re jamming to confirm the venue. If you want to party late, take a friend so that when you stumble home in the wee hours to your accommodation you’re safe at all times in the snow.

Bring the kids
The festival is very family friendly with a dedicated kids stage with 18 different artists and workshops. Children under 15 are free when with a paying adult! A Family Fun Day Pass for the parents is just $39 which gets you into the Kids Stage, all workshops, all venues at the festival on Saturday or Sunday from 9am-5pm PLUS a free ride on the Quad Express Chairlift and discounted skating at the new Smiggins Ice Rink.

Plan ahead
Plan your day ahead allowing adequate time to catch the FREE Shuttle Service which runs every 15 minutes around the festival. If the weather is inclement it will obviously take longer to get around.

Where to stay
Stay in Jindabyne or on-snow at Perisher, Smiggins or Guthega. Be warned, on-snow accommodation is fast booking out so if you want to stay on-snow book your tickets now! If you stay in Jindabyne there’s a Festival Bus running to and from the festival every day.

Hit the slopes
This is the official start to the ski season so the slopes will be open at Perisher if you want to board or ski. Hire boots, skis, snowboards and gear at Perisher. If you want to get up in the snow but don’t want to ski, why not catch the Quad Express, it’s free for festival foot passengers and can take you up to Perisher Mid Station (one of the music venues).

How to get tickets
Book online at www.snowymountainsofmusic.com.au or call 1300 811 324. Tickets are still available from Snowy Region Visitors Centre, Jindabyne Sports and of course at the Perisher Festival Office at the Perisher Ski Tube. Long weekend festival passes (Fri-Mon) are just $135, day passes are $70 and evening passes are just $45 from 5pm through to midnight.