Perisher’s new Leichhardt chairlift gets official opening

NSW ski resort Perisher has officially opened its new $4.2 million Leichhardt Quad Chairlift.

The new feature was opened last weekend by NSW Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional New South Wales, Industry and Trade John Barilaro, along with a crowd of resort guests and NSW Minister for Sport, John Sidoti; Chris Jarnot, Executive Vice President – Mountain Division, Vail Resorts and Pete Brulisauer, Chief Operating Officer, Perisher Australia.

The new Chairlift is already bringing benefits to the resort; increasing lifting capacity in the area by a huge 75% and giving guests more time to ski and board popular runs including The Cleft, Powder Ridge, Snowy Trails and the Leichhardt Terrain Park.

The replacement of the steep, advanced only Leichhardt T-bar with the chairlift has also opened up the area to children and beginner riders, providing another option to the nearby Happy Valley T-bar.

Commenting on the new infrastructure, Minister Barilaro stated “it’s great to see Perisher making such significant investments to continue the growth of the resort.

“Infrastructure such as the Leichhardt Quad Chairlift ensures Monaro has the best ski fields in the country.”

In addition to the new Leichhardt Quad Chairlift, the $4.2 million project also saw the installation of additional snowmaking machines with snowmaking now extending from the base of Happy Valley area to the base of the new Leichhardt Quad Chairlift.

This has improved snow conditions and early season access to one of Perisher’s most popular runs.

Welcoming the boost, Brulisauer added “it’s been an exciting time for us at Perisher.

“The new Leichhardt Quad Chairlift has been a huge success this winter making the Leichhardt area more accessible for skiers and boarders of all abilities, we look forward to its continued success throughout the season.”

Images: The new Leichhardt Quad Chairlift gets its opening (top) and Chris Jarnot, John Sidoti, John Barilaro and Pete Brulisauer at the opening (below). Images courtesy of Perisher.