Perisher ski resort closes two of its most used lifts after poor snowfall and high costs
Perisher Ski Resort is closing two of its most-used lifts after poor snowfall and high costs
One of the country’s most popular ski resorts has announced one of the first-ever major ski slope closures.
It has been a disappointing season for snow sports enthusiasts, as warmer-than-average temperatures and low snowfall failed to create ideal conditions in the alpine regions.
Perisher Ski Resort, in the NSW Snowy Mountains, has announced that Sunday will be the last day of operation for two of the most heavily used lifts for the 2023 season.
“Given the current circumstances, it is fast approaching the time of the season when we need to wrap up operations in certain resort areas,” the resort said in a statement posted on Facebook on Sunday.
‘The last working day in Blue Cow & Guthega is Sunday, September 3.’
One of the country’s most popular ski resorts has announced one of the first-ever major ski slope closures
It’s been a disappointing season for snow sports enthusiasts, after warmer-than-average temperatures and low snowfall failed to create ideal conditions in the Alpine regions (pictured skyrocketing prices outraged skiers in Perisher)
It’s one of the first season closures for the major ski lifts, according to reports from Perisher loyalists on the Ski.com.au online forum.
One of the lowest snow years on record in 2006, when the snow depth at Spencers Creek fell to 9 inches (22.7 cm), was not enough to trigger such an early closure of the Blow Cow lift, with operations running through September 28.
The current snow depth at Spencers Creek is 40 inches (105.6 cm).
Perisher Valley will remain open through October and 28 of the 47 lifts are expected to remain open for the next week.
Meanwhile, Thredbo has kept 12 of 15 lifts open, Charlotte Pass has four of five open and Selwyn Snow Resort remains closed.
People took to the comment section of Perisher’s post to confirm how unusually early the resort has started winding down its operations.
“Madness unheard of in Perisher. I never remember the snow season ending so early,” one person wrote.
Most people thanked the resort’s overnight care crews who worked hard to keep as much of the resort open as possible
Most people thanked the resort’s overnight care crews, who worked hard to keep as much of the resort open as possible.
“Just got back from a week at the resort and have huge respect for the uphill and grooming staff who worked some serious magic every night,” said one.
“Despite the less than ideal conditions we had a blast and we are counting down to next season!”