Perisher Resort’s new chairlift is expected to be operational in time for the 2025 ski season. Photo: Perisher Ski Resort.
There will be a new way of getting around one of the region’s ski resorts.
A new six-person chairlift will replace the fixed-grip two-person Mt Perisher Double Lift and fixed-grip three-person Mt Perisher Triple Lift.
Perisher vice-president and general manager Nathan Butterworth said the new chairlift would improve how visitors to the resort moved up and down the slopes.
“The Mt Perisher 6 will service the iconic Towers run on Mt Perisher and provide greater connectivity for skiers and snowboarders than the Mt P Double and Triple that it will replace, providing guests access to all ski runs in all directions on Mt Perisher without having to traverse across slopes or ride multiple surface lifts,” Mr Butterworth said.
“This significant investment in Perisher’s operations will enhance our guest experience by providing access to higher points on the mountain, faster lift ride times and a greater choice of runs from the top of Mt Perisher.
“Getting on and around the mountain will now be quicker and more seamless for our guests.”
The new six-person chairlift will operate at a speed of 4.5 metres per second, reducing travel time up the mountain to about five and a half minutes (from 10 minutes), and have a faster loading and unloading process at each end.
Once operational, it will also restore to Perisher the title of having the highest lifted point in Australia, at 2042 m, help to move skiers around Perisher’s network of 48 lifts across four resort areas, and reduce general lift wait times.
“This has been a desired infrastructure upgrade by our local ski community, and I’m thrilled we will be able to make this a reality for our guests,” Mr Butterworth said.
“Preparatory works will begin prior to the 2024 season, with a 2025 completion date.
“I would like to thank our teams and contractors for their commitment to bringing this project to life and thank them in advance for the hard work they will do bringing the Mt Perisher 6 to our resort.”
The high-speed detachable chair will also increase chairlifting capacity in the Mt Perisher area by 60 per cent, according to the resort.
The six-person version will also mark the first high-speed lift on intermediate and advanced skiing terrain at Perisher Ski Resort.
The project follows the Freedom Quad Chair, Leichhardt Quad Chair and other investments in snowmaking that the resort has implemented in the past 10 years.
The new chairlift is part of a larger investment by Vail Resorts through its Epic Lift Upgrade capital improvement project.
Further information on the development of this infrastructure project can be found on Perisher Ski Resort’s website and social media pages.
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