History Timeline

Charles Kerry publishes the first photos of skiing in Australia

Photographer Charles Kerry publishes, in the Sydney Mail, the first photos of skiing in Australia taken at the Kiandra Snow Shoe Club races in that year.

Clement Wragge constructs weather station

Clement Wragge constructs his weather station on the top of Mt Kosciuszko.

Further reading: Wragge’s Hut by Wendy Cross, PHS Newsletter 14, p.4.

Wragge’s Observatory by C.D.V. Heyde, Aust. NZ Ski Yr. Bk., 1939, p.118.

Charles Kerry leads first winter ascent of Mt Kosciuszko

Charles Kerry leads first winter ascent of Mt Kosciuszko via the Thredbo Valley, ascending from Friday Flat.

Further reading:  The First Ascent of Kosciusko on Ski, Aust Ski Yr Bk, 1928, p.43.

Charles Kerry forms the NSW Alpine Club

Charles Kerry forms the NSW Alpine Club, the precursor of the Kosciusko Alpine Club, in Sydney. This club participated in the carnivals at Kiandra between 1898 and 1907 but ceased to exist when the Kosciusko Alpine Club was formed in 1909.

Old Betts Camp

The NSW Government builds Old Betts Camp on the old Kosciuszko Road.

Championship race at Kiandra

Championship race at Kiandra. L-R: George Irwin (starter), Bill Bourke (winner) and Dick Eastwood.

NSW Alpine Club at Kiandra

The NSW Alpine Club is formed by Charles Kerry in Sydney in 1898 with a view to participating in the the annual ski races at Kiandra, the only place where skiing existed in Australia at that time. The club was known by several names including the Alpine Tourist Club of NSW and the Sydney Alpine Club and lasted until 1907. No records of the club exist but there are several photographs, including the one on the left, and a number of newspaper articles, an extract from one of which one of which is shown below. The people in the photo whose names are indicated, were members of the NSW Alpine Club.

Further reading: With the Alpine Tourist Club of New South Wales, Sydney Mail, Aug. 4, 1900, p.270.

New Betts Camp built

The NSW Government builds New Betts Camp on the new Kosciuszko Road halfway between the Hotel Kosciusko and the summit of Mt Kosciuszko.

Further reading:  Demolition of Betts Camp, Aust Ski Yr Bk 1963, p.31.

The NSW Government builds The Creel

The NSW Government builds The Creel (a fishing lodge) at the junction of the Kosciuszko Road and the Thredbo River. The Creel was several kilometres downstream from where the present Kosciuszko Road crosses the Thredbo River and is now under the waters of Jindabyne Dam.

Shelter huts completed

Rawson’s Pass, Lake Albina and Blue Lake shelter huts completed

The NSW Government opens the Hotel Kosciusko at Diggers Creek

The NSW Government opens the Hotel Kosciusko at Diggers Creek and the Kosciuszko Road to the Summit is completed.

Further reading: Special Centenary Dinner at Hotel Kosciusko, PHS Newsletter 3, p.2.

Kosciusko Alpine Club (KAC) is formed in Sydney

Kosciusko Alpine Club (KAC) is formed in Sydney with Charles Kerry as first president. The NSW Alpine Club ceases to exist.

Further reading: Happy Birthday KAC (110 years), PHS Newsletter 23, p.4.

Page 1 of the Minutes of the first meeting of members of Kosciusko Alpine Club (KAC), Challis House, Sydney, 3 August 1909.

Formation of KAC by Percy Pearson, Aust. Ski Yr Bk.,1928, p.7.

First winter ascent of Mt Kosciuszko along the Kosciuszko Road

Sir Herbert Schlink leads the first winter ascent of Mt Kosciuszko along the Kosciuszko Road. L-R: Dr H. Schlink, Dr J. Cosgrove, Mr A.G.M. Pitt and Dr O. Paul (photographer). The trip from the Hotel Kosciusko to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko and return took 3 days with overnight stays at Betts Camp on the outward and inward legs.

Summit Badge and Summit Competition Begin

KAC inaugurates the Summit Badge and Summit Competition.

Further reading:  The Summit Trophy, Aust Ski Yr Bk 1928, p.116.

J. Jacobsen (Norwegian) instructs at the Hotel Kosciusko

A Norwegian, J. Jacobsen, arrives at the Hotel Kosciusko in 1914 and begins instructing the locals in jumping and cross-country skiing. A jump was constructed on the Grand Slam run beside the hotel

The photo shows Jacobsen jumping on the Grand Slam.

First Group of Ladies to reach the summit of Mt Kosciuszko

The first party which included women to reach the summit. L-R: Mr Raffan, Miss Creswick, Miss D. Pitt, Mrs Raffan.

First Ski Proficiency Tests

KAC institutes the first ski proficiency tests in Australia, based on the Ski Club of Great Britain third class test.

To the left is a photo of the badge given for passing the proficiency test.

Further reading: The Club Tests by Charles Maclurcan, KAC Yr Bk, 1919, p.19.

KAC inaugurates the Championship of Australia, an 8 km cross-country race

First Australian 8 km Open Championship Course

First Australian 8 km Open Championship Course: Kerry Course, Percy Pearson Run, Gates of Heaven, Plains of Heaven, Dainer’s Gap, Kosciuszko Road to foot of Kerry Course.

Richmond Scott becomes first Australian Ski Champion

KAC Year Book

Kosciusko Alpine Club (KAC) publishes its first Year Book, the first skiing publication in Australia.

Smiggins Hut Built

The NSW Government builds Smiggins Hut (the Black Hut) at Smiggin Holes.

Red Hut built

The NSW Government builds Red Hut on the Kosciuszko Road at Charlotte Pass.

Foreman’s Hut Built

Foreman’s Hut (a shepherd’s hut) is built at the junction of Club Lake Creek and the Snowy River.

Pound’s Creek and Dainer’s Gap Huts Built

The NSW Government builds Pound’s Creek Hut at the junction of Spencer’s Creek and the Snowy River and Dainer’s Gap Hut at Dainer’s Gap.

First Kiandra to Kosciuszko Crossing

Sir Herbert Schlink leads the first Kiandra to Kosciuszko crossing. L-R: Dr Herbert Schlink, Bill Hughes, Bill Gordon, Dr John Laidley, Dr Eric Fisher.

Further reading:  Kiandra to Kosciusko by Sir Herbert Schlink, Aust Ski Yr Bk, 1928, p.128.

George Aalberg instructs at the Hotel Kosciusko

Further reading: The Late George Aalberg, Aust. and NZ Ski Yr. Bk., 1939, p.126.

The Australian Ski Year Book is founded

The Australian Ski Year Book is founded by Kosciusko Alpine Club and the Ski Club of Australia with Percy Hunter the first Editor.

The Ski Council of NSW is formed

Kosciusko Alpine Club and the Ski Club of Australia form the Ski Council of NSW and are joined by Millions Ski Club, Sydney University Ski Club and Kiandra Ski Club. Percy Hunter (photo left), a member of both the Kosciusko Alpine Club and the Ski Club of Australia, is the first president.

Further reading: The Ski Council of NSW, Australian Ski Yr Bk, 1929, p.6.

Laurie Seaman and Evan Hayes perish near the summit of Mt Kosciuszko.

Laurie Seaman (left) and Evan Hayes, both members of the Millions Ski Club, perish near the summit of Mt Kosciuszko.

Further reading:  Kosciusko Fatality of 1928 by J.W.S. Laidley, Aust. Ski Yr Bk, 1929, p.97.

Seaman’s Hut Built

The NSW Government builds Seaman’s Hut with money donated by Laurie Seaman’s family.

Further reading: The Seaman Memoriam by Keith P. Bath, Aust Ski Yr Bk, 1929, p.170.

In Memoriam, Keith P. Bath, Aust Ski Yr Bk 1929, p. 156.

Adams Hut is built

Adams Hut (a shepherd’s hut) is built about this time on the Kosciuszko Road next to Mt Sugarloaf and overlooking Spencer’s Creek. It was rebuilt in 1947 by the NSW Water Conservation and Irrigation Commission and renamed Ibis Hut (shown here).

The NSW Government opens the Kosciusko Chalet at Charlotte Pass

Further reading:  The Chalet at Charlotte’s Pass, Aust Ski Yr Bk, 1930, p.14.

Some Notes on the Chalet Opening, Aust Ski Yr Bk, 1930, p.57.

First Interstate Race

The first interstate race is held between NSW and Victoria at Charlotte Pass. This took place in conjunction with the National Championships. NSW was represented by Venn Wesche, Cam McFadyen and John Collins.

Further reading:  The Inter-State Race, Aust Ski Yr Bk, 1932, p.51.

Sverre Kaaten sets Australian Ski Jump record

Sverre Kaaten sets Australian Ski Jump record of 43.5 m at Charlotte Pass.

The NSW Government brings Ernst Skardarasy, the first overseas qualified ski instructor, to Australia

The NSW Government brings Ernst Skardarasy, the first overseas qualified (Austrian) ski instructor, to Australia to teach the Arlberg technique at the Hotel Kosciusko and the Chalet at Charlotte Pass.

Frozen Lessons ski instruction book published

KAC publishes ‘Frozen Lessons’, a ski instruction handbook based on the Arlberg technique taught by Ernst Skardarasy.

Further reading:  Frozen Lessons, the Stem Turn.

Australia Selects its first Interdominion Team to Compete in New Zealand

Standing, L-R: Dorothy Tickle, Derek Stogdale, Tom Mitchell, Reg Gelling, Curly Annabel.

Seated, L-R: Beth Davy, Pat Farquharson, Olive Lamble.

First international competition held in Australia at Charlotte Pass between teams from USA, Australia and New Zealand

Photo: Dick Durrance, captain USA team.

Further reading: Australian Championships 1937, Aust. Ski Year Bk, 1938 pp.2-17.

The NSW Government builds the ‘ski hoist’ at Charlotte Pass, the second ski lift in Australia after the ‘Cresta Run’ at Mt Buffalo, Victoria

The NSW Government builds ‘the ski hoist’, the first large ski lift in Australia. It resembled a modern T-bar except that the stanchions were A-frames made of wood rather than steel poles and the seats were J-bars carrying one person rather than T-bars carrying two. Because of the Chalet fire, ‘the ski hoist’ hardly operated during 1938 but did so in 1939.

The original Kosciusko Chalet burns down

KAC gains an interest in White’s River Hut

KAC gains an interest in White’s River Hut near Mt Gungartan which it uses as a Main Range touring hut, and adds a room and a radio mast.

Hotel Kosciusko instructors

Hotel Kosciusko instructors, L-R standing: Ted Shields, Friedl Pfeiffer (St Anton), George Lamble. Seated: Roland Cossman (Salzburg).

The NSW Government opens the new Chalet

After the 1938 fire, the NSW Government immediately decided to rebuild the Chalet for the 1939 season. George Day was placed in charge of the project and, after a fine summer of 1938-39, the new Chalet was completed in four months.

The Alpine Hut Club builds Alpine Hut at Brassy Mountain

The Alpine Hut Club builds Alpine Hut on freehold land at Dead Horse Creek under Brassy Mountain.

Further reading: The Alpine Hut, Brassy Mountain by T. Southwell-Keely, Aust. Ski Yr. Bk., 1940, p.39.

The NSW Government builds an annexe to the Chalet for the use of members of the Ski Club of Australia

When the original Chalet burnt down in 1938, the Ski Club of Australia (SCA) lost its club room within the Chalet. SCA had its own club room because it had donated money towards the building of the Chalet. SCA also donated money to the rebuild and the NSW Government added an annexe to the Chalet for the exclusive use of SCA members.

The photo shows the SCA annexe attached to the right hand end of the Chalet by an enclosed overhead walkway.

The Allied Services Meeting held at Charlotte Pass

This is the second international ski competition held in Australia with teams from Australia, New Zealand, England and Norway and other individual allied soldiers from Canada, China, France and the USA.

Further reading: The Allied Services Meeting 1945, Aust and New Zealand Ski Yr. B. 1946, pp.12-17.

Johnny Abbottsmith installs and maintains radios at the Chalet, Hotel Kosciusko, Seaman’s Hut, White’s River Hut and Alpine Hut

In 1946, Johnny Abbottsmith obtained the job of installing and maintaining radios at the Chalet, Hotel Kosciusko, Seaman’s Hut, White’s River Hut and Alpine Hut. In winter this involved a weekly round trip of 80 miles (128 km) on skis. During this period Johnny and his wife Phyllis lived in Betts Camp.

The photo shows White’s River Hut near Mt Gungartan.

Leonard Green instructs at the Chalet

Leonard Green was the first overseas ski instructor from Great Britain.

Rock Creek Hut

Rock Creek Hut is built as a halfway hut between the Hotel Kosciusko and the Chalet.  Construction commenced in 1938, suspended during War II, finished in 1947, destroyed by lightning in 1949 and re-built by Rock Creek Ski Club in 1959 using predominately the rubble from the site and the existing walls and fireplace.

Patsy Finlayson instructs at the Chalet

Experimental Air Service

A KAC syndicate buys an Avro Anson airplane (the ‘Ski Flier’) and experiments with a twice-weekly air service for skiers between Sydney and Cooma. The service is successful but, when continued over summer, the Dept of Civil Aviation rules that it has  breached its charter and closes the service.

Charles Anton forms the Ski Tourers Association

Charles Anton (Austria) emigrates to Australia in 1938. During WWII he joined the section of the armed forces known as ‘the aliens’ which entitled him to compete in the Armed Services Meeting at Charlotte Pass in 1945. Anton had been a keen skier in Austria but this was the first time he had seen snow in Australia and he was immediately entranced.

In November 1950, Anton forms the Ski Tourers Association (STA) with the aim of building a series of ski touring huts on the Main Range. In no time at all, STA had several hundred members drawn from all the existing clubs.

Kosciusko Snow Revellers Club completes its Temporary Hut

Kosciusko Snow Revellers Club Temporary Hut, is completed in December, the first ski lodge in Perisher Valley.  The main lodge is completed for the October Long weekend 1953.

Hotel Kosciusko burns down leaving only staff quarters building

YMCA Canberra Ski Club, now Brindabella Ski Club, is formed.

Tony Sponar and Rudi Würth instruct at Charlotte Pass

Tony Sponar and Rudi Würth instruct at Charlotte Pass.

The photo shows Tony Sponar (left) and Rudi Würth free skiing together at Charlotte Pass.

Selmer Engineering starts construction of Guthega Dam and Power Station

Ski Tourers Association opens Lake Albina Lodge at Lake Albina

Ski Tourers Association begins Summer Races

On 29 December Ski Tourers Association starts summer races on the Mt Northcote South America Drift.

Johnny Abbottsmith starts first Oversnow transport in Perisher Valley

Johnny Abbottsmith operates a dog sleigh team from Smiggin Holes to Perisher Valley, which was Perisher’s first oversnow transport.

Telemark No 1 built

Telemark No 1 is built and occupied for the winter (pre-fabricated and fully imported from Norway).

Johnny Abbottsmith builds Ski Haven rope tow at Smiggin Holes

The Ski Haven tow is the first private ski lift in the Kosciusko area and the first lift at Smiggin Holes.

Bill Day selected for first Winter Olympics

Bill Day selected for the first of his three Winter Olympic Games.

Sasha instructs at Charlotte Pass

Sasha Nekvapil joins Tony Sponar at Charlotte Pass and remains until 1957.

Johnny Abbottsmith starts first motorised winter transport

Johnny Abbottsmith retires his dogs and begins driving Weasels for the Alpine Transport Company which becomes Perisher Valley’s first motorised winter transport.

Ski Tourers Association opens Kunama Huette in the Kunama basin

Kunama Huette opens in the Kunama Basin. This was the second project of Ski Tourers Association after Lake Albina Lodge.

The photo shows Kunama Huette on the left and the Northcote ski tow (opened 1954) on the right.

Ski Tourers Association opens the Northcote Ski Tow

Ski Tourers Association opens the Northcote Ski Tow, situated in the Kunama Basin about 200 m from Kunama Huette. At the time of its opening and for about four years thereafter, it was the best ski tow in the Snowy Mountains. Originally built for Main Range ski tourers, it was also used on good weather days by skiers from the Chalet, a trek of 4 km.

Guthega Dam and Power Station completed

Selmer Engineering completes construction of Guthega Dam and Power Station and removes all but three buildings from its construction camp. These three buildings were the start of Guthega resort.

Ski Tourers Association opens the Northcote Ski Tow and Tow Hut next to Kunama Huette. This was the second private ski lift in the Kosciusko area.

Paul Reader, Keith Field and Doug Baglin retrace the Schlink party crossing from Kiandra to Kosciusko.

The Chalet J-bar, the ‘ski hoist’, is dismantled and replaced by a Hamilton rope tow.

Graham Chalker becomes first paid ski instructor in Perisher Valley

Graham Chalker, manager of Kosciusko Snow Revellers Club, becomes the first paid ski instructor in Perisher Valley.

The Chalet J-bar , the ‘ski hoist’ is dismantled and replaced by a Hamilton rope tow.

Big Tow and Tow Hut constructed

Sverre Kaaten’s syndicate constructs the first permanent ski lift in Perisher Valley, the Big Tow and associated Tow Hut, in North Perisher. The Tow Hut was the first private, commercial ski lodge in the Kosciusko area.

Guthega resort commences with YMCA Canberra, SMA (Cooma) and Sydney University ski clubs occupying the last three Selmer buildings.

The Chalet rope tow is turned into a duplex.

Christine Davy sets Australian speed record of 112.85 kph.

Christine Davy, Olympian 1956 and 1960, sets Australian speed record of 112.85 kph.

Avalanche destroys Kunama Huette and kills Roslyn Wesche

A fire destroys the Northcote Ski Tow hut.

KAC obtains Ibis Hut from the NSW Water Conservation and Irrigation Commission.

Johnny Abbottsmith leaves the Alpine Transport Company and Bob Strizek buys their Weasels.

Johnny Abbottsmith builds Village Tow

Johnny Abbottsmith builds the Village Tow between Kandahar and KSRC lodges.

Bruce Ferguson becomes manager/instructor for Kosciusko Snow Revellers Club.

Ken Murray builds Edelweiss Lodge

Ken (K.G.) Murray, future developer of Perisher Valley, makes his entry to the valley by building Edelweiss Lodge for his private family use.

John and Pat Davis operate the Big Tow and Tow Hut in North Perisher

John and Pat Davis become the managers of the Big Tow and Tow Hut in North Perisher for the Sverre Kaaten syndicate.

Perisher Ski Association is formed

Perisher Ski Association is formed with Max Gregory as first president.

With the help of YMCA Canberra, SMA (Cooma) Ski Club  constructs a ski lift up Tate East Ridge.

Jean Ecuyer instructs for Snow Revellers

Ski Tourers Association converts Pound’s Creek Hut into Illawong Lodge

SMA ( Cooma) Ski Club constructs a ski lift up Tate East Ridge at Guthega

SMA ( Cooma) Ski Club constructs a ski lift up Tate East Ridge with the help of YMCA Canberra Ski Club.

Cooma Ski Club constructs it own ski lift on Back Perisher

Cooma Ski Club constructs its own ski lift, a rope tow, on Back Perisher. This was the third ski lift in Perisher Valley after Sverre Kaaten’s Big Tow and Johnny Abbottsmith’s Village Tow.

Ken Murray begins investment in Perisher

After building his private ski lodge,Edelweiss, Ken (K.G.) Murray begins his investment in Perisher Valley by buying and relocating Johnny Abbottsmith’s Village Tow from the Telemark Basin to Front Valley. As part of the relocation, the engine was sited at the top of the tow rather than at the bottom. For some reason, this had the effect of causing the rope to often twist badly and caused several accidents. Murray decided that the tow was far too dangerous and removed it from the valley.

The NSW Government builds the Woodrun Tow at Charlotte Pass

The Woodrun Tow was about 1.5-2 times as long as the original Pulpit Rock lift and was very successful during its time of operation. It was dismantled in 1963 to make way for the ‘World’s Longest Chairlift’ (WLC) as the Chalet section of WLC was supposed to take its place. Unfortunately, the WLC was a failure and only worked for two years. Thc Woodrun tow was never rebuilt.

Ken Murray builds Sundeck Hotel and first T-bar

Ken (K.G.) Murray begins major development of Perisher Valley with Sundeck Hotel and the first T-bar.

The photo shows the original Sundeck Hotel before it was burnt down.

Tony Sponar rebuilds burnt-out Hotel Kosciusko staff quarters

Tony Sponar rebuilds burnt-out Hotel Kosciusko staff quarters and opens it as Sponars Lakeside Inn.

Sverre Kaaten, John and Pat Davis and Dick Gilkes form Perisher Valley Enterprises to develop Smiggin Holes.

Ken Murray builds the Man from Snowy River hotel

After one year of operation, Sundeck Hotel burns to the ground. As it had proved so popular in its first season, many skiers ask Ken Murray to rebuild it. Murray had already started to build a new hotel, the Man from Snowy River Hotel, and did not know what to do. Finally, he decides to rebuild Sundeck at the same time as constructing the Man from Snowy River, thus creating “the most difficult year of my life”. Both hotels still exist and have been very successful.

Ken Murray builds No 2 T-bar in Front Valley

The photo shows the first two T-bars in Perisher Valley, No. 2 (left) and No. 1 (right) and Sundeck Hotel extreme right.

Phil Dulhunty brings first power from Guthega Power Station to Perisher Valley

Phil Dulhunty’s company, Dulmison Australia, brings first mains power from Guthega power station to Perisher Valley. Dulhunty used Studebaker ‘Weasels’ to drag the electric cables from Guthega to Perisher leaving plenty of slack in the cables as they were dropped on the ground. As there was already snow on the ground and there was no time to properly entrench the cables, Dulhunty applied power to the cables thus warming them. The warmth allowed the cables to drop into the snow thus removing their risk of being a hazard to skiers. The cables were properly entrenched the following summer.

The Perisher Ski Association forms the first Perisher Valley Ski School

During the its first ten years, Perisher Valley did not have a ski school. Ski instruction was carried out by instructors associated with ski clubs. In 1960, the Perisher Ski Association decided to create a formal ski school and asked Prof Stefan Kruckenhauser, of the Ski Austria Academy at St Christof, to nominate four instructors to join Jean Ecuyer who had already been appointed to head the school. The members of the first Perisher Valley Ski School were, in photo, L-R: Jean Ecuyer (captain), Jean-Claude Decostard, Eric Walka, Johnny Muller and (missing) Denis Bertholet.

Perisher Valley Enterprises converts Beaver Lodge into Alpine Gate Hotel

Perisher Valley Enterprises converts Beaver Lodge into the Alpine Gate Hotel and commissions Dulmison Australia to build the first ski lift (Poma) in Smiggin Holes.

The photo shows the Poma lift in the foreground with its out-run onto the Kosciusko Roadand the Alpine Gate Hotel in the background.

Walter Spanring instructs at Guthega

Walter Spanring instructs at Guthega for YMCA Canberra Ski Club (now Brindabella Ski Club) members.

Ken Murray opens the Mt Perisher double chairlift

Alan Limbrick, Peter Clark and Neville Andrews join Perisher Valley Enterprises and fund the first T-bar in Smiggins Basin.

Walter Spanring, while continuing to instruct, builds his own hut at Guthega and leases the YMCA Canberra beginners lift and the SMA (Cooma) ski lift on Tate East Ridge.

YMCA Canberra Ski Club buys Johnny Abbottsmith’s Ski Haven Tow

YMCA Canberra Ski Club buys and relocates Johnny Abbottsmith’s Ski Haven Tow from Smiggin Holes to Guthega as a beginners tow.

Garry Fischer opens Eiger Chalet

Garry Fischer opens Eiger Chalet while Jake Zweifel and Jean Ecuyer open Perisher View Motel.

Fritz and Margot Feiersinger open Marritz Alpine Inn

After two years running the Man from Snowy River Hotel for Ken Murray, Fritz and Margot Feiersinger open Marritz Alpine Inn.

The photo shows Marritz as it is now.

Ken Murray begins snow grooming

Ken (K.G.) Murray begins snow grooming in Perisher with a corrugated iron roller pulled by a weasel.

KG Murray builds the Piper Poma to connect Perisher Valley and Smiggin Holes.

Perisher Valley Enterprises converts the Big Tow to North Perisher T-bar.

James Wallace Holdings begins operations in Smiggins.

Perisher Valley Ski Instructors 1962

Perisher Valley Ski Instructors 1962, L-R: Jean Ecuyer, Len Harrison, Fritz Halbwidl, Jean-Claude Decostard, Eric Walka, Johnny Müller, Noldi Giovanoli, Andre Papp and Helmut Gritscher.

Ansett Pioneer moves into Oversnow transport operating Nodwell snowmobiles

Perisher Valley Enterprises(PVE)  sells the North Perisher T-bar to K G Murray.

James Wallace Holdings forms a consortium with Ansett Pioneer and H C Sleigh known as Smiggins Kosciusko Ltd (SKL). SKL runs transport including a new transport terminal and service station, builds a hotel, several lodges and a new T-bar in Smiggins.

SKL takes over PVE in a share exchange.  Sverre Kaaten (head of PVE) remains with SKL but John and Pat Davis retire.

Hans Trumm becomes non-teaching head of the Ski School.

K G Murray installs the Sundeck Poma lift, the No. 3 T-bar (on the site of the current Blaxland-Wentworth duplex) and the No. 4 T-bar (Technology).

K G Murray erects a new staff building behind the Man from Snowy River hotel, an on-piste comfort station between No.3 and No. 4 T-bars and a mini-mart cum ski shop.

Broken Hill Holdings builds Poma lift on Mt Guthrie, Charlotte Pass

The photo shows the Poma lift on Mt Guthrie as it is now.

‘World’s Longest Chairlift’ opens at Charlotte Pass

The ‘world’s longest chairlift’ opens at Charlotte Pass but is badly damaged by many blizzards and sees little operation.

The ‘year of the shovel’, one of the heaviest snow years of the twentieth century. Ski lifts and lodges had to be dug out almost every day.

Smiggins Kosciusko Ltd builds the Link T-bar at Smiggin Holes to connect with Perisher Valley.

KG Murray replaces No 2 T-bar with Doppelmayr duplex

KG Murray replaces No 2 T-bar with Doppelmayr duplex and relocates No 2 T-bar between Telemark lift and North Perisher T-bar as the Flat lift.

He erects a new T-bar next to the duplex and a new Poma lift between the Technology lift and the Perisher chairlift.

K G Murray takes over the Ski School from Perisher Ski Association and appoints Fritz Halbwidl as Director of a 15 man team.

The Year of the Shovel

KG Murray opens the Valley Inn (now Perisher Manor)

Inaugural year of The Paddy Pallin Classic – Australia’s first cross-country ski classic.

The Catholic Church is completed.

Walter Spanring’s syndicate builds Blue Calf T-bar at Guthega

Tate East Ridge ski tow burns down.

Kosciusko State Park Trust withdraws approval for the Davwhit Village on Mt Tate.

Andi Krallinger becomes Ski School Director

Mt Piper 42 metre Ski Jump built

Burke-Wills duplex replaces No 1 T-bar at Smiggins

Smiggins Kosciusko Ltd (SKL) converts the No. 1 T-bar into a Doppelmayr duplex (Burke and Wills).

The photo shows the Burke-Wills duplex as it is now.

Sir Frank Packer combines Perisher Valley and Smiggin Holes resorts

Sir Frank Packer combines Perisher Valley and Smiggin Holes resorts to form Kosciusko Alpine Resorts (KAR). KAR constructs the Olympic T-bar.

The photo shows the Olympic T-bar.

Hans Oversnow formed

Oversnow transport taken over by Hans Zollinger calling it Hans Oversnow and is still owned and operated by his son Ralph.

The All Denominational Church opened by Sir Roden Cutler, Governor of NSW.

Guthega Developments builds Blue Cow T-bar

Guthega Developments builds Blue Cow T-bar, Cowpastures rope tow and a replacement rope tow for Johnny Abbottsmith’s Ski Haven tow.

The photo shows the Blue Cow T-bar.

KAR constructs the Back Perisher triple chair.

KAR builds the Kaaten triple chair at Smiggin Holes.

KAR constructs the Pretty Valley double chair, the Happy Valley T-bar and the Mt Perisher triple chair.

Sverre Kaaten Nordic Shelter opens

Charlotte Pass Village builds Kangaroo Ridge triple chairlift

New Guthega syndicate builds chairlift from carpark and new Blue Cow T-bar.

Mt Blue Cow begins operations

Mt Blue Cow begins operations with four new quad chairs, (Summit, Ridge, Terminal and Pleasant Valley) and the early starter double chair.

Skitube begins operations

Skitube begins operations taking passengers via the tunnel from the Alpine Way at Bullocks Flat to Perisher Valley.The tunnel link from Perisher to Blue Cow was not quite finished and buses were used to run through the tunnel with a turntable employed for the return trip.  The Perisher to Blue Cow section was completed next year.

Perisher resort constructs the Village 8, eight seater chairlift.

Perisher Resort builds the Freedom quad chair

Perisher Resort builds the Freedom quad chair to replace the Cowpastures Poma lift at Guthega.

Vail Resorts acquires Perisher Ski Resort

Vail Resorts, Inc. announces that the Company has agreed to acquire its first international mountain resort, Perisher Ski Resort (“Perisher”) in New South Wales, Australia, for total cash consideration of AU$176.6 million (approximately US$136 million), subject to certain adjustments.