Cliff Wallis owned the hotel until its recent sale. Photos: MQ & Associates.
It might be Australia’s highest hotel – but the Sundeck Hotel is looking to hit new heights with a new owner.
The hotel is perched 1769 metres above sea level, directly on the ski slopes within Kosciuszko National Park.
Built in 1959 and rebuilt shortly thereafter following a fire in 1960, the hotel has long been a beloved institution within the Australian ski community.
For more than 30 years, it’s been owned by Cliff Wallis, but it has now been sold, passing into the hands of hospitality investor Peter Dean.
Selling agent Leonard Bongiovanni, director of MQ & Associates, said it attracted strong interest during the sale because of its reputation and iconic position within the Perisher ski resort.
“Assets like the Sundeck Hotel are exceptionally rare.
“It occupies a truly unique position directly on the slopes at Perisher and has been part of the Australian skiing landscape for decades.
“There was strong interest from buyers who recognised both the history of the venue and the opportunity to continue building on its reputation as one of the Snowy Mountains’ most distinctive hospitality experiences.”
The property features 41 accommodation rooms, a public bar, dining room, commercial kitchen, guest lounges, sauna facilities and ski storage areas.
It has a capacity for up to 90 overnight guests.
The venue operates seasonally during the winter snow season, with most of its revenue understood to be generated from accommodation packages.
The Sundeck’s slopeside bar and outdoor deck have become a famous gathering point for après-ski drinks and live entertainment.
It has also hosted community events, such as the long-running Sundeck Cup cross-country ski race and comedy nights popular with locals and guests.
Forbes Stynes Prestige Property Sales agent Michelle Stynes described the sale as the end of an era for the Wallis family.
“Cliff Wallis has been the long-time custodian of the Sundeck and has built it into one of the most recognised venues in the Perisher resort.
“It’s a very special property that holds enormous sentimental value for the skiing community, and we’re pleased to see it transition to a new owner who appreciates its unique alpine character.”
Located about 30 kilometres from Jindabyne and forming part of the Perisher ski resort (the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere), the Sundeck occupies a strategic position within Australia’s premier snow tourism destination.
The resort has experienced increased international visitation in recent years following the acquisition of Perisher by global ski operator Vail Resorts, which integrated the resort into its global lift pass network.
The transaction was negotiated by Leonard Bongiovanni and Ray Larkin of MQ & Associates, in conjunction with Michelle Stynes and Alex Cherry of Forbes Stynes Prestige Property Sales.
Original Article published by Claire Sams on About Regional.
