History Timeline
The Perisher Historical Society defines its area of interest as extending from the point where the Kosciuszko Road crosses the Thredbo River to the Summit of Mt Kosciuszko. Thus it includes all the resorts along the Kosciuszko Road including Sawpit Creek, Wilson’s Valley, the Hotel Kosciusko (Sponars Inn), Smiggin Holes, Perisher Valley, Blue Cow, Guthega, Skitube, Betts Camp, the Chalet and all the huts adjacent to the Kosciuszko Road and on the Main Range.
Readers will note two different spellings of the word Kosciuszko. It was spelt Kosciusko until 1997 when the spelling was changed to Kosciuszko, to give it its Polish spelling. Any government organisation, road names etc, must use the modern spelling but organisations that have ceased to exist, such as the Hotel Kosciusko and the Kosciusko State Park Trust were only ever known by the older spelling, a tradition we have followed here. Private organisations, such as the Kosciusko Alpine Club are under no obligation to change their spelling.
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Recreational skiing in Australia begins
Recreational skiing in Australia begins at Kiandra and, almost simultaneously, in Norway and the USA. At Kiandra there was a short lived goldrush (1859-62) which brought miners from all over the world. Several of these miners were Norwegian and, as the region was heavily snowbound in winter, they constructed skis and showed the locals how…
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First ski club in Australia formed
The Kiandra Snow Shoe Club (KSSC), the first ski club in Australia, is formed at about this time. No records exist as to the formation of KSSC but an article in 1900 by Lockyer in the ‘Town and Country Journal’ said that snow shoe carnivals began in 1882, implying that the club may have begun…
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Old Betts Camp
The NSW Government builds Old Betts Camp on the old Kosciuszko Road.
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Championship race at Kiandra
Championship race at Kiandra. L-R: George Irwin (starter), Bill Bourke (winner) and Dick Eastwood.
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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…
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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.
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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.
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Shelter huts completed
Rawson’s Pass, Lake Albina and Blue Lake shelter huts completed
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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.
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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.…
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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…
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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KAC Year Book
Kosciusko Alpine Club (KAC) publishes its first Year Book, the first skiing publication in Australia.
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Smiggins Hut Built
The NSW Government builds Smiggins Hut (the Black Hut) at Smiggin Holes.
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The Ski Club of Australia is formed
The Ski Club of Australia is formed with Consett Stephen as first president. Further reading: Formation of the Ski Club of Australia by Dr H.H. Schlink, Aust. Ski Yr. Bk. 1928, p.8.
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Red Hut built
The NSW Government builds Red Hut on the Kosciuszko Road at Charlotte Pass.
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Foreman’s Hut Built
Foreman’s Hut (a shepherd’s hut) is built at the junction of Club Lake Creek and the Snowy River.
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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.
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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.
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George Aalberg instructs at the Hotel Kosciusko
Further reading: The Late George Aalberg, Aust. and NZ Ski Yr. Bk., 1939, p.126.
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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.
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The Millions Ski Club and Sydney University Ski Club are formed
The Millions Ski Club (T.E. Armitage, President) and Sydney University Ski Club (Dr E. Fisher, President) are formed. Further reading: Formation of Millions Ski Club by S.A. Bailey, Aust. Ski Yr. Bk. 1928, p.11. Formation of University Ski Club, Aust. Ski Yr. Bk., 1928, p.13.
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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…
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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Ski Council of NSW runs the first 4-event Australian Championship
The Ski Council of NSW runs the first 4-event Australian Championship. The Slalom and Jump were held at Piper’s Gap and the Downhill and Langlauf (Cross-Country) were held at Charlotte Pass.
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Sturgeon Hut is built
Sturgeon Hut (a shepherd’s hut) is built on the Kosciuszko Road next to Mt Sugarloaf.
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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.
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Cooma Ski Club and Kosciusko Snow Revellers Clubs are formed
Cooma Ski Club and Kosciusko Snow Revellers Clubs are formed.
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Sverre Kaaten sets Australian Ski Jump record
Sverre Kaaten sets Australian Ski Jump record of 43.5 m at Charlotte Pass.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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…
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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.
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Hotel Kosciusko instructors
Hotel Kosciusko instructors, L-R standing: Ted Shields, Friedl Pfeiffer (St Anton), George Lamble. Seated: Roland Cossman (Salzburg).
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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.
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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.
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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…
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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.
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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…
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Leonard Green instructs at the Chalet
Leonard Green was the first overseas ski instructor from Great Britain.
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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.
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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.
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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…
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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.
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Hotel Kosciusko burns down leaving only staff quarters building
YMCA Canberra Ski Club, now Brindabella Ski Club, is formed.
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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.
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Ski Tourers Association begins Summer Races
On 29 December Ski Tourers Association starts summer races on the Mt Northcote South America Drift.
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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.
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Telemark No 1 built
Telemark No 1 is built and occupied for the winter (pre-fabricated and fully imported from Norway).
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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.
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Bill Day selected for first Winter Olympics
Bill Day selected for the first of his three Winter Olympic Games.
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Sasha instructs at Charlotte Pass
Sasha Nekvapil joins Tony Sponar at Charlotte Pass and remains until 1957.
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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.
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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.
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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…
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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.…
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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.
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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.
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Christine Davy sets Australian speed record of 112.85 kph.
Christine Davy, Olympian 1956 and 1960, sets Australian speed record of 112.85 kph.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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…
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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…
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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.
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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.
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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…
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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.
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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…
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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…
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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.
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Walter Spanring instructs at Guthega
Walter Spanring instructs at Guthega for YMCA Canberra Ski Club (now Brindabella Ski Club) members.
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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.
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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.
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Garry Fischer opens Eiger Chalet
Garry Fischer opens Eiger Chalet while Jake Zweifel and Jean Ecuyer open Perisher View Motel.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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…
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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…
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Broken Hill Holdings builds Poma lift on Mt Guthrie, Charlotte Pass
The photo shows the Poma lift on Mt Guthrie as it is now.
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‘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…
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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…
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Winter opening of the Kosciuszko Road from Smiggin Holes to Perisher Valley
Ken Murray converts No.5 T-bar into a duplex (now the Blaxland-Wentworth) and constructs the Sun Valley T-bar. Ken Murray imports the first modern snow groomer, a Swiss Ratrac.
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KG Murray begins snow making with Larchmont Blizzard Jet machines
Kurt’s Keller Restaurant opens to cater for growing skier numbers. Ansett Pioneer pulls out of Oversnow transport which was then taken over by Cottrills Clipper Tours owned by Ron Deane.
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Ken Murray buys Smiggin Holes Resort
Ken (K.G.) Murray buys Smiggin Holes Resort (Smiggins (Kosciusko) Ltd) and appoints Mel Skelton to run it.
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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.
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NSW Ski Association is formed
NSW Ski Association (NSWSA) is formed, taking over the administration of the sport of skiing in NSW from the defunct Ski Council of NSW. The Association had committees to care for the individual interests of the various ski disciplines and regional zones – Perisher, Charlotte Pass, Thredbo and Smiggins (Guthega was the domain of the ACT…
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Sverre Kaaten Nordic Shelter opens
Sverre Kaaten Nordic Shelter opens to become the centre of cross-country skiing in NSW. Additions in 2008 more than doubled its size. Walter Spanring sells 75% of Guthega Developments to syndicate of Alex Pongrass, Tibor Balog and Dr Alexander Morven Dan.
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Charlotte Pass Village builds Kangaroo Ridge triple chairlift
New Guthega syndicate builds chairlift from carpark and new Blue Cow T-bar.
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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.
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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…
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SLOPES is formed
SLOPES, the Ski Lodges Organisation of Perisher Smiggins and Guthega, is formed with John Grinham as first president. The organisation was formed in response to NPWS seeking to appoint head lessees over the different resorts. This was four years before Perisher Resort (amalgamation of Perisher, Smiggins, Blue Cow and Guthega) was created.
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Perisher Resort forms
The separate operations of Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Mount Blue Cow, Guthega, The Station and the Skitube Railway merged under the single umbrella now known as Perisher. It is the largest snow resort operation in the southern hemisphere. It has the highest terrain, the greatest number of lifts and the most reliable snow in Australia.
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Perisher Ski Resort negotiates a new lease with the NSW Government
Perisher Ski Resort negotiates a new lease with the NSW Government for all four resort areas for another 60 years.
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Perisher Resort builds the Freedom quad chair
Perisher Resort builds the Freedom quad chair to replace the Cowpastures Poma lift at Guthega.
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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.