Ski Lifts
This is not a ski area but a chronological listing of the ski lifts in all resorts along the Kosciuszko Road beginning with the ‘ski hoist’ at the Chalet, in 1938.
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The NSW Government builds the ‘ski hoist’ at Charlotte Pass
The NSW Government builds the ‘ski hoist’ at Charlotte Pass. This was the first large mechanical ski lift in Australia and the second lift after the rope tow on the Cresta Run at Mt Buffalo.
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Johnny Abbottsmith builds the Ski Haven Tow at Smiggin Holes
Johnny Abbottsmith builds the Ski Haven Tow at Smiggin Holes. This was the first private ski tow, and only the second tow in the Kosciuszko area.
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Sverre Kaaten’s syndicate builds the Big Tow and Tow Hut in Perisher Valley
Sverre Kaaten’s syndicate builds the Big Tow and Tow Hut in Perisher Valley. This was the first permanent ski tow in Perisher Valley and the Tow Hut was the first commercial (non-ski club) accommodation in the Kosciuszko area.
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The Gam Tow
John Gam developed a portable tow that could be transported to, and set up at, different locations in the mountains. The one pictured is set up at Lake Albina Lodge. Further reading: the ‘Gam’ Transportable Ski Lift, Aust. Ski Yr. Bk., 1957, p.103.
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Ski Tows Pty Ltd builds No 1 T-bar in Perisher Valley
Ski Tows Pty Ltd, founded by John Gam and Geoff Hughes, builds No 1 T-bar in Perisher Valley. Further reading: Geoffrey Hughes Obituary, PHS Newsletter 18, p.12.
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Ken Murray builds the Mt Perisher double chairlift
Further reading: Mt Perisher double chair turns 50 by Dave Woods, PHS Newsletter 6, p.5.
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Kosciusko Chalet Ltd builds a Poma lift on Mt Guthrie at Charlotte Pass
Kosciusko Chalet Ltd (Broken Hill Holdings) builds a Poma lift on Mt Guthrie at Charlotte Pass.
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Kosciusko Chalet Ltd replaces the Pulpit Rock Hamilton duplex with a Poma lift
Kosciusko Chalet Ltd replaces the Pulpit Rock Hamilton duplex with a Poma lift, two hundred metres to the north, along the line of the Chalet Ski Jump .
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KAR constructs the Back Perisher Triple chair
KAR constructs the Back Perisher Triple chair, the Perisher Express.
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Blue Cow resort opens with four quad chairs and the Brumby T-bar
Blue Cow resort opens with four quad chairs, Summit (pictured), Ridge, Terminal and Pleasant Valley and the Brumby T-bar.
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Perisher Resort builds the Freedom chair
Perisher Resort builds the Freedom chair to replace the Cowpastures Poma lift at Guthega.
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Auction of original Mt Perisher chairs
In June 2024 the chairs from the original Mt Perisher double chairlift were auctioned to benefit community organisations. Photo shows grant recipients at the presentation at the Perisher Valley Hotel in September 2024. Photo courtesy Steve Cuff, Snowy Mountains Magazine.
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Removal of Mt Perisher Triple chairlift
In late 2024 the Mt Perisher Triple chairlift was removed, to make way for the new 6-seater chairlift. The photos shows both the double and triple chairs during winter.
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Mt Perisher 6 Chairlift opens
The new Mt Perisher 6 Chairlift opened in June, with an official opening ceremony on Friday 25 July 2025. Replacing both the Mt P Double and Triple chairlifts, it is a high speed 6 seater detachable chairlift, offering a 60% increase in chairlift capacity on Mt Perisher and a faster ride 5 1/2 minute ride…
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