TL;DR
Perisher's Mid-Station is changing. The on-mountain hub at the heart of the Front Valley network is undergoing a staged refurbishment that began this off-season, with the first phase already complete. A new pick-and-mix lolly concept called Sugar & Snow is the first visible addition for 2026, with further upgrades planned through the season and into next summer. The McGuinn family, who ran the venue for 22 years, did not have their lease renewed by Vail Resorts.
Perisher's Mid-Station is entering a multi-phase refurbishment, with the first stage complete ahead of the 2026 winter season.
The on-mountain venue - a central regrouping point within the Front Valley network and a fixture for ski school groups and families for decades - is being reimagined by Vail Resorts following a change in tenancy. The McGuinn family, who operated Mid-Station for 22 years, did not have their lease renewed. Their tenure covered everything from hot chocolates and glühwein to German soft pretzels, meat pies, and a snow-themed retail space that became a reliable stop for younger visitors. The 2026 season is the first without them.
Perisher confirmed the refurbishment plans in a blog post on 15 June 2026, describing the project as a staged upgrade designed to improve customer flow, accessibility, and the overall break experience between runs.
What's open for winter 2026
The first visible addition is Sugar & Snow, a pick-and-mix lolly concept that allows guests to build their own selection from a range of confectionery. Perisher positions it as a family-focused offering and the opening move in a broader effort to make Mid-Station a more interactive stop on the mountain. Epic Australia Pass holders receive a 15% discount at Sugar & Snow, along with the rest of the Mid-Station food offering.
Beyond Sugar & Snow, Mid-Station will have a food offering in place for the 2026 season, though Perisher has not detailed the full menu publicly at this stage. Concept renderings of the upgraded space will be on display, giving visitors a preview of what the finished venue will look like. Perisher is also inviting guest feedback on future menu direction ahead of the 2027 season.
What comes next
The refurbishment will continue through the 2026 winter and into the following off-season, with further upgrades targeted for completion over summer 2026-27. Perisher says the new layout will improve flow and accessibility once complete, and that Mid-Station will retain its function as a natural stopping point for skiers moving through the Front Valley.
The resort has been clear that the goal is evolution rather than replacement - keeping Mid-Station recognisable while modernising the experience around it. The full scope of the final build will be revealed progressively as construction continues.
About the author
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
