SNOW FALLS KICK OFF THE 1999 SNOW SEASON AT PERISHER BLUE
Right on cue, over 40 cm of snow fell across New South Wales resorts heralding the start of the 1999 snow season.
Perisher Blue Front Valley was a hive of activity as skiers and boarders enjoyed the first of many turns of the season. In addition, sub zero temperatures enabled huge snow making efforts across the resort. Snow guns blasted continuously at Blue Cow for more than four days, with snowmaking also expanding the covers at Smiggins and on Front Valley at Perisher.
While snow enthusiasts loved the fresh snow, it caused havoc on the roads. Many cars were stranded by the sudden falls, while others slipped in the icy conditions. Falls were even recorded at the Skitube, causing many visitors to opt for the ride to the base of the resort.
However, nothing could temper peoples' enthusiasm. Glen Howden, 24, of Woollongong, summed up the Opening Weekend atmosphere: "It's always fun, everyone is so excited. Opening Weekend is always a party and to have good snow falls too is great. I come every year, wouldn't miss it for the world."
AUSTRALIA'S FIRST WINTER EXTREME GAMES TO BE HELD AT PERISHER BLUE
Looking for some extreme action? Want to see the world's top ranked snowboarders, skiboarders and mountain bikers? Then head to Perisher Blue for the most insane winter event ever.
Australia's first winter Xtreme Games will be hosted by Perisher Blue from August 21 - 25. Over $50,000 in prize money ensures that the already fierce competition between local and international competitors will become even more intense with all the jockeying for the top spot.
The Winter Xtreme Games will go way beyond the standard winter disciplines, with events such as the Kamikaze Downhill, Skier X as well as Boarder X (similar to a motor cross, there are jumps and other obstacles in the race course), Slopestyle events, Big Air, Halfpipe, Slalom and more packed into five days of adrenalin pumping activities.
The Australian Snowboard Championships are also incorporated into the Games, with Perisher Blue instructor and reigning National Halfpipe Champion, Andrew Burton, keen to retain his title in his home territory. The Snowboard Halfpipe Championships will be an event not to be missed, located on the Front Valley at Perisher.
Even spectators will have a chance to be famous with the event being aired on Network Ten in a ten apisode series, covering all the thrills and spills of the Games.
The scheduling for the Winter Xtreme Games could not be more perfect with current great snow conditions only set to improve in the next three weeks.
As a competitor in the Xtreme Games stated: " There is no E in Xtreme, because there ain't nothing easy about what we do." To see the fastest, most stylish, hard core competition in the southern hemisphere, head to Perisher Blue this August.
