Australia’s Alpine Resorts Invest in Improvements

The Alpine snow skiing resorts of Australia have been buzzing with activity in the summer months preparing for the 2008 snow skiing season. More than $25 million has been invested in making improvements which will ensure that winter visitors enjoy top quality skiing conditions regardless of the weather.

The Alpine snow skiing resorts of Australia have been buzzing with activity in the summer months preparing for the 2008 snow skiing season. More than $25 million has been invested in making improvements which will ensure that winter visitors enjoy top quality skiing conditions regardless of the weather.

About 2.3 million skiers visit Australia‘s Alpine resorts each snow skiing season and resort owners are looking forward to introducing the many upgraded facilities for the enjoyment of their guests. Executive Director of the Australian Ski Areas Association has assured snow skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts that Australian resorts are diligent in their efforts to stay up-to-date with world-wide trends in order to provide their guests with the very best in Alpine technology.

Topping the list of improvements is the installation of 99 snow making guns for the fully automated snowmaking systems, which will produce an additional 712,000 cubic meters of snow during the season. New grooming equipment has been purchased to efficiently handle the increased quantity of snow. Additionally, improvements have been made in snow fencing and drainage, all aimed at providing excellent snow skiing and snowboarding conditions. No expense has been spared in ensuring that superb snow quality prevails, and to help skiers get onto the slopes without delay, capital expenditure has included the installation of Australia’s first six-seater chairlift and a new skier conveyor lift.

Investments that have been made in the upgrading of terrain-park features are aimed primarily at attracting younger skiers and boarders to the thrilling world of snow sports. Ski rental and children’s facilities have been upgraded at some of the resorts and real estate development, lodge accommodation, restaurants and shops have been built to fulfill the needs of the growing numbers of skiers visiting Australia’s Alpine resorts.

In New South Wales, the Perisher Blue Resort has invested over $6.6 million in snowmaking and grooming equipment as well as a lighting system for Tube Town which will enable guests to enjoy night time tubing. In line with their commitment to preserving the environment, Perisher Blue has introduced green power, and their Village 8 express chairlift is now operated on 100% renewable energy.

Also in New South Wales, Thredbo Resort has invested more than $2 million to fully automate their snowmaking system, as well as purchasing a Kassbohrer 600 Winch Cat groomer, which operates with significantly reduced emissions, at a cost of $500,000. As part of an art acquisition program, a new sculpture by Robert Hague will feature in the Village Square of Thredbo. The bronze and weathered iron sculpture, named “The Run”, features the mountain with a skier’s path carved through the snow.

In Victoria, Falls Creek Resort has dramatically improved their snowmaking capability and are progressing with the new St Falls Development. The family-oriented resort at Mount Baw Baw has constructed a new toboggan run and a new Terrain Park. Mount Buller has also focused on improving snowmaking equipment as well as grooming equipment. The resort has also upgraded its freeride facilities to provide something for everyone, from beginner snow boarders through to experienced riders. Additionally, two new children’s play areas have been built and the Buller Kids Center is licensed to care for children from three months old through to six years, allowing parents some free time to ski.

Certainly, Australia’s Alpine Resorts have pulled out all the stops to ensure that their guests will have an exciting and memorable snow skiing experience.