Media personality Rebecca Wilson could ski anywhere in
the world. Here’s why she chooses Perisher Blue every year.
As a 19-year-old university student from the Gold Coast, the idea of a trip to the snow was something so wildly exotic I could hardly imagine it.
Wild and exotic was exactly how I saw myself as I first headed south on the train from sunny Queensland to the almost mythical Snowy Mountains. Naturally,
as a teenager with my head in the snow clouds, I arrived in the mountain town
of Jindabyne entirely ill-equipped for the cold weather, let alone the slopes.
Luckily, in those days, you could hire a job lot of ski clothes and equipment on the cheap, and, thus equipped, I headed for my first date with the snow.
When I finally arrived at Perisher, exhausted but excited two full days later, a love affair started the second I put on my second-hand ski boots – a love affair that survives to this day.
In those days, I loved Perisher for its simplicity; 26 years later, it’s that same simplicity that makes it so appealing.
This is a place about accessible skiing for everyone – it’s not for snobs or show-offs.
If you’re a skilled skier, there are great runs. If you’re shocking, or have never done it before, there are wide, forgiving slopes that allow you to learn.
It’s the skiing that makes Perisher special. If the snow is good, you can find dozens of different runs to keep you interested. If the snow isn’t so good, the resort’s snow-making facilities mean the well-worn runs stay ice-free until very
late into the afternoon.
As any skier knows, it’s how the sport captivates a hundred per cent of your attention that makes it so enticing. You can’t think about anything else when you’re on the slopes – if you do, you fall over, simple as that. If you don’t, the
feeling of exhilaration is unforgettable.
For those of us who work in complex worlds, there can be no greater form of relaxation than concentrating on getting down a slope in one piece.
Perisher is different from international resorts because of its landscape. Snow gums dot the slopes. A trip across to Blue Cow and Guthega skiing areas are joys because of the views across the valley.
It’s rare indeed to be able to ski next to an Australian creek.
And the light – the beautiful light. It’s starkly beautiful and so very Australian.
It’s also very friendly. As annual visitors, we are remembered. My sons, Tom, 14, and Will, 12, are greeted like old friends. Bruno from Brunelli’s coffee shop never fails to put their favourite lunchtime paninis aside.
In our first year, we stayed at The Stables, up the hill above the slopes, and struggled as we dragged our bags full of enough food to last us the week. We have since dumped self-catering and moved to the Perisher Valley Hotel at the bottom of the hill, right on the snow. The hotel is ski-in and ski-out and the food is fabulous.
I’ve visited with my boys for the past six years. This is where they conquered the nursery slopes and moved to whatever terrain Perisher could throw at them.
Now they know the layout so well they could be tour guides.
The highlight of the year is our skiing pilgrimage – we ski together, eat together and laugh together. I’ve taken the boys skiing to the US, but they say they prefer Perisher. To be honest, so do I. Before I booked next year’s trip, I asked if they wanted to bring a friend. They said no. I reckon that’s the best compliment they could pay the place.
SNOW/ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS AT PERISHER BLUE
NSW Northern Interschools: July 15 – 18
Open to all government and non-government primary and secondary schools in the Northern Sydney Region.
NSW/ACT Cross Country Championships: July 19
Open to all government and non-government primary and secondary schools in the ACT and Southern Regions.
ACT-Southern Interschools: July 29 - 31
Open to all government and non-government primary and secondary schools in the ACT and Southern Regions.
AUGUST
Coca-Cola Tube My Ride: Aug 1 - 2
Grab a mate and get a camera! Skiers and boarders are invited to take on the PlayStation Slopestyle course on Front Valley. The twist is that a run (can be multiple runs pieced together) is to be captured on film and edited into a slick video of no more than 5mb. Competitor videos will be hosted and voted on Perisher’s website and You Tube. Entries must be received no later than 15 August. The winner will be announced 31 August. $5000 is up for grabs; winner takes all. More details announced soon.
NSW Junior Mogul Series: Aug 9
This entry-level event is for junior skiers to help prepare and develop their skills in a competitive arena. The event offers a pathway to prepare athletes for FIS competition and beyond.
King of the Mountain Series: Aug 16
Australian Freestyle Mogul Championships: Aug 20 - 22
The world’s best mogul skiers will compete to earn FIS points for Olympic selection on Australia’s best moguls course - Toppas Dream.
PlayStation Australian Halfpipe Championships: Aug 23
The very best skiers and boarders from Australia and overseas compete for the national crown in the Superpipe.
Subaru NSW State Interschools: Aug 27 - 30
Selected athletes via regional competitions vie for State school titles.
Boost Mobile Sno Sho presented by LG: Aug 28 - 29
In a word, this is HUGE! Over 3000 spectators are again expected to witness incredible feats by fearless snowboard combatants. This event is part of the TTR World Snowboard Tour and will showcase some of the biggest names in international snowboarding. The event will see a field of 23 invited riders plus two Wild Cards compete for the chance to win up to $30,000 in cash and prizes. If you are an experienced rider and think that you can take on the guns register your interest at: wildcards@boost.com.au. Who can conquer the Sno Sho Wheel that sees competitors attempt a variety of amazing technical tricks? And, the world’s longest rail slide attempt will also be featured. A must see resort event.
SEPTEMBER
Pub-to-Pub Classic: September 3
A part of living history at Perisher, the Pub-to-Pub is a cross-country mix of serious racers and dressed up cruisers, having fun. The Classic takes in five watering holes and is open to anyone with a pair of skinny skis and a thirst for adventure.
King of the Mountain Series Final: Sept 6
For serious skiers. More details soon.
Coca-Cola Spring Carnival: September 7-21
Spring is a magical time to be at Perisher, cold crisp mornings are greeted with beautiful clear afternoons, perfect to get active or simply relax and enjoy. Ski or snowboard for as long as you like and then if you wish, enjoy leisurely afternoons taking in the assortment of great indoor and outdoor entertainment including live music, fun kids activities, events, cultural activities, fireworks and much more. Best of all, it’s at no extra cost to your lift pass.
Coca-Cola King of the Mountain: September 13
For hardcore free-skiers looking for the ultimate challenge. Tackling a big mountain course competitors add their own style and flare to capture the judges eye.
For more info go to: www.perisher.com.au
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