Resort Information
Snow Safety
Perisher is concerned about the safety of our guests. Please read the following information carefully, in particular the Alpine Responsibility Code. This code is an initiative of all Australian ski and board resorts implemented for the safety of everyone.
Things to know before you go:
Perisher is concerned about the safety of our guests. Please read the following information carefully, in particular the Alpine Responsibility Code (ARC) on the "how to be safe on the mountain" page. The ARC is an initiative of all Australian ski and board resorts and is implemented for the safety of everyone.
Getting Here
Kosciuszko National Park. Perisher is located within the Kosciuszko National Park (KNP) and National Parks and Wildlife Service Park Use Fees apply when your vehicle enters the KNP. Pass Use Fees are listed on the NSW Government website. http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/annualpass/. Please note that Park Use Fees are included in the ticket price when travelling on Skitube.
Animals on the road and safe driving. Kangaroos, deer, wallabies and wombats are all common on the roads in our area and not just within the KNP. They can be hard to see and their behaviour cannot be predicted. It is best to slow your speed and be ready to stop to avoid and accident if you see an animal on or near the road.
Please drive to the conditions. The road to Perisher is one of the highest in the country and during winter can be prone to variable weather conditions, including snowfalls, ice, fog and strong winds. Drive defensively and practice courteous, safe driving and be prepared for snowy conditions or alternatively travel on the Skitube and generally avoid the hazards listed above.
Snow Chains. The law requires you to carry properly fitting snow chains for your tyres whenever you enter the KNP (chains are not required for travel to Skitube and 4WD vehicles are exempt) there are many chain hire outlets located in Cooma, Berridale and Jindabyne. Make sure you know how to fit the chains properly, and always fit chains to the drive wheels of your car. Take care when fitting chains on the roadside and observe all regular road regulations and directions.
TIP:
- When hiring chains, first know the tyre code and dimensions which are found on the outside of your tyres.
- Pack a waterproof blanket to lie on and keep your gloves accessible
- Practice fitting the chains before leaving home or at the hire outlet.
Clothing
Alpine weather is unpredictable and conditions can change quickly. Wear your clothing in layers with insulating clothes on the inside and wind and waterproof clothing on the outer to protect yourself from alpine weather. Several thin layers made of wool or synthetic fibres have insulating properties and are better than thick bulky layers. Never wear jeans, cotton or nylon as these materials will not provide enough protection. Body heat is lost from the head, feet and hands so it is important to wear beanies, warm long thin woollen socks and waterproof gloves.
TIP: Quality waterproof outer jackets and pants may be hired from our resort however due to health regulations you will need to purchase your own gloves and beanies.
Sun protection for both your skin and eyes
The strength of UV rays at altitude is far stronger than at sea level and the reflective effects of snow can double this strength.
This means that even on cloudy days, to avoid severe sunburn and the frightening effects of snow blindness, please ensure you are always wearing a high SPF (minimum of 30+) broadband sunscreen and sunglasses or goggles meeting Australian Standards for UV protection.
Food provides energy for active adventure activities. It is necessary for maintain movement and body temperature in a cold environment. Make sure you eat a good breakfast, consider eating a little more than usual and certainly drink more water than usual. Stop when you are tired and do not consume alcohol when skiing or boarding.
In the event of lightning storms in the vicinity of Perisher, chairlifts and t-bars are closed as necessary for the safety of guests and staff. Perisher staff will direct guests and you are encouraged to return to buildings and shelters during the storm. Lift and resort facilities will be reopened once the storm has passed.
A drone may also be known as a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and the recreational or commercial use of drones must be carried out safely and in accordance with the law. A drone is considered an aircraft and the rules governing the use of drones are set out in the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (C’th), which is administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service have also published a policy regarding the use of drones within National Parks which may be accessed at this link.
Perisher is concerned about the safety of our guests as well as ensuring we meet our compliance obligations and have published a policy on the use of drones within Perisher Ski Resort which is available at this link.
Mountain Safety:
Tobogganing, Skiing, Boarding and Terrain Park Safety
Perisher recommends wearing a helmet certified for snowsport activities. Skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to educate themselves on the benefits and limitations of helmets. The primary safety consideration, and obligation under the Alpine Responsibility Code, is to ski and ride in a controlled and responsible manner.
Helmets are a great idea and are compulsory in all Children's lessons at Perisher.
See www.lidsonkids.org for useful information on snowsports helmets.
Perisher advises that the use of electronic devices including mobile phones, music players and headphones can reduce your ability to concentrate and hear other people and over snow vehicles. It greatly increases the likelihood of injury from a collision or while using lifts.
Additionally those skiers and riders who like to listen to music while riding, please don't have the volume so loud that you are unable to hear someone calling out and please use extra caution by looking more regularly around you.
Blind spots and avoiding collisions
Skiers and boarders love to enjoy the mountains together, however the patterns of movement and the field of vision differs between the two. It is found that skiers and boarders who change their pattern of turns or general direction of travel without looking toward their blind spot cause most collisions. That being said skiers and boarders should be aware of other's blind spots and avoid being in those areas just in case. Basically, give each other a lot more room.
Toboggans are prohibited on all Perisher ski slopes
Runaway skis and boards are a danger to all. Please ensure that you use proper devices to prevent runaway equipment. Boards and Telemark skis without brakes need to be secured when they are left unattended or placed on racks. A leash can be used to prevent the equipment running away.
Please read, respect and obey all trail and warning signage including area closures and resort boundaries. These signs have been put in place for your safety.
A free trail guide detailing this information is available on request from ticket offices anywhere in Perisher.
SLOW ZONES are designated high traffic or learner areas where there is a greater chance of a collision. We ask that all skiers and riders ride responsibly and within your ability, at a slow speed and are able to stop and keep clear of other people.
- Green runs are usually busy and full of inexperienced people and children. Their movements are unpredictable and a collision especially between an adult and a child can result in serious injuries.
- Please do not pass too close to others. Let's create a fun, safe and happy environment for all our skiers and boarders.
- Be realistic about your ability. Stay on runs that challenge your skills but let you stay in control of your speed and equipment.
Difficulty of Runs at Perisher
All resorts grade their runs however it should be noted that grading is indicative of the relative difficulty of terrain in a specific resort. Perisher also has Double Blue and Double Black designated runs that indicate a higher level of difficulty than a standard single Blue or Black run. The number of days practice indicated below required to attempt the green, blue and black runs at Perisher is for general guidance only and is based on the average progression of a person of average skill and ability under the guidance of a professional snowsports instructor. This will vary from person to person depending on their athleticism and ability.
Green 
easiest terrain most suitable for beginners. Usually accessible the first or second day under the guidance of a qualified snowsports instructor.
Blue 
more difficult or intermediate terrain. Usually accessible after the 3rd or 4th day of consistent practice and under the guidance of a qualified snowsports instructor
Black 
most difficult or advanced terrain. Only accessible after consistent practice and under the guidance of a qualified snowsports instructor for some weeks or months.
This guidance is provided to better inform our guests as to the time and effort it takes to be able to safely attempt different runs at Perisher. First Timers who don't know how to stop or turn cannot get on a chair lift and safely come down. There is a high potential to cause an injury to yourself or other people. Take a lesson and start on the flat areas first.
Please don't allow friends or relatives to push you to attempt a run you are not ready for. This is very common and often results in injuries and a level of stress and fear that can ruin your snow holiday.
Understand that the speeds at which you travel while skiing or snowboarding is higher than you may think. It is very easy for children and adults who are beginners to travel at speeds over 35 km/ph. As confidence builds, speed increases and many skiers and boarders travel at speeds between 50 and 70 km/ph consistently. This is as fast as a car travels but skiers and boarders don't have the protection of antilock brakes, seatbelts or airbags etc.
That's why we ask that all levels of skiers and riders consider the benefits of taking lessons, using helmets and to please slow to an acceptable speed in Slow Zones. A slower speed helps to avoid a collision and provides a good example for children. The Alpine Responsibility Code's first rule is to stay in control, be able to stop and avoid other people and objects. This rule is in place for good reason and along with the rest of the ARC they help everyone have a fun, safe and fantastic snow holiday.
Terrain Parks and Freestyle Terrain
"Smart Style" is a recent safety initiative in North America that is being promoted by the National Ski Area Association (NSAA) and Burton Boards.
The Smart Style initiative promotes that riders fully understand the feature and the prevailing conditions before attempting any manoeuvres. This means that persons using freestyle terrain need to examine all features before use and satisfy themselves that they have the knowledge, skills and ability to attempt the feature
MAKE A PLAN Every time you use freestyle terrain, make a plan for each feature you want to use. Your speed, approach and take off will directly affect your manoeuvre and landing.
LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP - Scope around the jumps first, not over them. Know your landings are clear and clear yourself out of the landing area.
EASY STYLE IT - Start small and work your way up. (Inverted aerials not recommended).
RESPECT GETS RESPECT - Respect for the mountain and each other.
FEATURE GRADING:
These orange oval signs are posted at the start of a terrain park to show the size of the features in the terrain park allowing inexperienced riders to work on their skills before moving up to bigger features in the appropriate environment for their skill level.
More information on this initiative is available from the NSAA and Burton Boards.
Further Information:
- www.snowsafe.org.au - useful information on safety in the alpine area.
- www.lidsonkids.org - This site is maintained by the National Ski Areas Association, USA (NSAA) and contains useful information on the use of helmets.
- Lift usage policy (below).
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Perisher Blue Pty. Limited Persons who behave in an unacceptable manner when using a ski lift, who place themselves and other persons in danger, who ignore instructions from lift staff, or who ignore the Alpine Responsibility Code (Code) or Perisher's Lift Usage Policy when loading, riding and unloading a lift may have their Lift Tickets cancelled or suspended.Alpine Responsibility Code Point 3: Comply with the Code by adhering to the following: All Lifts:
Chair Lifts:
T Bars and J Bars:
Skier Conveyors:
Foot Passengers: The Perisher Express Quad Chairlift is the only chairlift at Perisher that is available for use by foot passengers. To be able to ride as a foot passenger each person must be able to walk unassisted to and from the chairlift, and load and unload the chairlift unassisted. Small children that need to be carried to load or unload the chairlift are not permitted to ride. Foot passengers are only permitted outside of peak operating days. *Persons participating in a Ski or Board Lesson, Instructors when conducting a lesson, and Ski Patrol Staff are authorised to unload from a T Bar or J Bar prior to the designated unload area. KNOW THE POLICY. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. |
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IMPORTANT NOTICE - WARNINGS, SUSPENSION AND CANCELLATION Violation of the ALPINE RESPONSIBILITY CODE will result in the following penalties All Lift Tickets including Season Pass Holders All violations will be recorded on the Mountain Safety Database with the person's name and lift ticket details
KNOW AND ABIDE BY THE CODE IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY ENJOY SNOWSPORTS BE CAREFUL Perisher Blue Pty Limited ACN 061 232 488 |
