Sydney Skiing | Your Complete Guide to Perisher Night Show Fireworks

It's ski season again, and time for Perisher's night fireworks. I've compiled some practical information and my past experiences of photographing the fireworks to create a guide for everyone.

Perisher's night sessions are from 18:00-21:00, but the main highlight is the fireworks display, which happens every Tuesday and Saturday, weather permitting:

· 19:20 – Preliminary fireworks begin (a few small ones to alert everyone)
· The main display lasts approximately 6-10 minutes

 

 

The fireworks are set off at the 9 o'clock position from the V8 chairlift drop-off point (if you're facing downhill, it's the area on your left).

Only the Village Eight Express, the 8-person high-speed chairlift, is open at night. Season pass holders can swipe directly for free. Non-season pass holders should ideally purchase night session tickets in advance on the Perisher official website, then scan the QR code at the snowfield to get their card, and then swipe the card to take the chairlift.

The ticket collection machine is near the V8 chairlift entrance. There aren't many people at the night session, but it's not deserted either, so arriving 15 minutes early is a good idea. There are three spots to photograph the fireworks, depending on your preference. In previous years, I've tried all three positions, each with pros and cons.

 

 

Position 1: Downhill, left of V8 (bar area) or right (magic carpet area)

These areas are relatively less crowded. Find an open spot, and you can capture the complete snowy mountain backdrop, the ski trails, and the rising fireworks. The panoramic effect is best, suitable for wide-angle shots. The downside is that it's a bit far from the fireworks, requiring a telephoto lens.

 

 

Position 2: Take the V8 chairlift up the mountain in advance and wait at the drop-off area

This spot is close to the fireworks, but the view is limited. You'll only see the chairlift and fireworks together; the full mountain view is mostly blocked by chairlift supports and the crowd. Also, the drop-off area is crowded. It's suitable for close-ups or photos with the chairlift in the foreground.

 

 

Position 3: Swipe your card and enter the chairlift waiting area

Don't rush to get on; wait until around 19:17-19:18 to take the chairlift up. This is what I personally think is the most rewarding way to shoot. You swipe your card to enter the queue area, but don't take the first chair up. Wait until you hear the sound of the preliminary fireworks (around 19:17-19:18), then get on the chairlift. As the chairlift slowly ascends, the fireworks will be bursting beside you or diagonally below you. The entire display lasts 6-10 minutes, and the fireworks will be mostly over by the time the chairlift reaches the top of the mountain.

The advantage of this angle is that you are among the fireworks and the snowy mountains, with the chairlift frame acting as a natural compositional element. The downside is that you need to time it precisely, and if there's a large queue, you might miss it. I recommend arriving at the queue area by 18:50, letting others take the first few chairs, and staying near the turnstile.

 

 

A small reference: Ed Sheeran's "Perfect" MV ski resort scenes
A part of Ed Sheeran's "Perfect" music video was filmed on a chairlift at a ski resort. Although it's a different resort, you can draw inspiration from the feeling of the chairlift slowly ascending with fireworks or lights bursting behind. If you're with friends, you could try filming a slow-motion shot of them looking back in the chairlift, with the snowy mountains and fireworks in the background. The effect is truly good. Don't try to imitate too much; a more natural shot is even better.

Practical tips
· Stay warm: Night temperatures are lower than daytime, so dress warmly.
· Don't drink too much: The bar area is great for watching fireworks, but it's unsafe to take the chairlift down after drinking too much.
· If you have children: Position 1 (magic carpet area) is recommended. No need to go up the mountain, you can leave right after watching.

Finally, Perisher's night fireworks aren't grand, but they excel in creating a snowy mountain atmosphere. Don't strive for the "perfect spot"; finding an uncrowded place to quietly watch a few minutes of fireworks with friends is quite nice.

 

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