20 June 2008 

Beat the budget! 5 ways to make a snow holiday less expensive 
  
  If looking for a wintry getaway destination that has it all, but won’t break the bank, then Perisher Blue is the place to visit. Admittedly, organising a snow holiday can be time consuming, particularly when factoring in travel, accommodation, and booking lessons. But don’t be deterred, there are ways to simplyfy the process, cut the costs and beat the budget!

Go to the Perisher Blue website to discover 5 ways to make a snow holiday less expensive.
Snow Fun! And 10 tips to help you stay safe 
  

 Holidaying in the snow is a lot of fun! And it’s even better when everyone remembers to follow a few basic rules. Just keep your eyes open, be aware of your own abilities and looking out for other people on the slope. Remember not everyone is at the same level and ability. Don’t forget to show courtesy to others and be aware that there are inherent risks in all snow recreational activities. Make sure to remember the basic safety tips to help you get the most fun out of your snow holiday!
 
Fashion Fiend: All the latest in clothing and accessories 
 
 All you fashion fiends out there in search of the latest in clothing and accessories for winter 2008 STOP! Go no further than the vast array of quality retail stores in Perisher Blue. Slopestyle, upstairs in the Perisher Centre and Addiction Snowboards on the lower level are just two such stores open daily during the season. Slopestyle and Addiction have it all! Offering a massive range of clothing and accessories as well as ski equipment with a ‘try before you buy’ fleet to help make that important decision just a little easier.
 

The resort is looking wild, white and wintry with a fresh covering of snow on the ground. We expect these conditions to continue throughout the next few days. Come up and check out the first flakes of the season, but make sure you are dressed for the conditions!
 
 
Talking with Pete ‘The Frog’ Taylor 
 
 
It is the question on every snow enthusiast’s lips ‘What is the long-range forecast for the season?’ Well according to Pete ‘The Frog’ Taylor from snowatch.com.au, Australia’s number one snow forecasting website, the weather will sharpen up and it should develop into a bumper season! ‘Overall,’ Peter said ‘I see a good season with consistent regular snowfalls through to July with August bringing quite a lot of snow. To compare to previous years I would say it will be the best since 2004 with the Spencers Creek snow depth reaching the 2m mark.’  
 
 
Culinary Delights at Perisher!
 
 
A group of girls enjoying a drink and some food from one of Perisher Blue’s food outlets,  season 2007.  
 There are plenty of places to stop, eat, drink and refuel while out on the slopes at Perisher Blue when the season gets into full swing. Select from an array of eateries serving everything from hearty meals to delectable delicacies, there is something to satisfy everyone.
 
  DEMO FEST ‘08!
 
 Running throughout the 28 to 29 June weekend the Demo Fest was your chance to try a range of the latest and greatest products from the industry’s biggest names. K2, Salomon, Burton, Ride, Volkl plus other ski and snowboard brands including fully-owned + manufactured Australian ski company Obsidian Skis will were on-site and available for you to try. 
 

The wind is icy cold from the South today and it is blowing a gale. The wind would blow a dog off a chain, as my old captain used to say. This morning the wind was coming from the south west at eighteen knots. The water temperature is nineteen degrees which is relatively bearable for this time of the year in winter.

The forecast from the Weather Bureau is for winds from the south west of twenty five to thirty five knots inshore ranging to thirty five to forty knows offshore. I hope that the ships off Newcastle have gone out to sea a bit because this time last year the Pasha Bulker got washed up on Nobbys Beach after a huge storm that went into folk lore in the Hunter.  Seas are supposed to be in the range of three to four metres with a South to South East swell getting bigger up to two to three metres.

I headed off today about 10 am and went along the harbour, trying to see if there was any swell getting into the harbour wall. No such luck as the swell is not big enough to be breaking inside the harbour breakwall. There were a few brave souls out at Nobbys but it was smallish and wind swept to the maximum. The swell on the open beaches was about four to six foot and messy because of the very strong winds. Merewether and Dixon Park were large and messy with the waves closing out, so no opportunity for a surf there.

I went up to the look out over Burwood Beach and had a look there but there were no decent surfable waves coming in there. I did not go to Blacksmiths because the wind was just blowing too hard to bother and I did not think the swell would be getting in there anyway. If the swell increases, there may be good waves at the obvious places around Blacksmiths. I will have a look tomorrow.  Low tide was at 10.47 am today and high tide will be at 5:30 pm tonight.  At 1:20 pm the wind was twenty knots from the South West.  The swell forecast has the swell maxing out tomorrow on Sunday to about six to eight feet.

Jetstar Great Ocean Road Holidays 

Jetstar is on sale with some great fares and holiday packages to one of the great drives of Australia.

The Great Ocean Road hugs the contours of Victoria’s rugged southwest coast and provides a truly spectacular journey of inspiring vistas and varied experiences.

Jetstar flies from Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth direct to Melbourne (Avalon), which is just minutes from Geelong, the beginning of your Great Ocean Road journey. Choose from our sale airfares or our fly-drive packages that suggest some popular, not to be missed attractions.

Fares and packages are on sale until midnight (23:59 AEST) Monday 16 June 2008, unless sold out prior. For travel between 23 July to 16 September 2008. Limited availability over school holidays, and public holiday weekends.

JetSaver Light fares direct to Melbourne (Avalon) departing:
 
Adelaide
from $39 Sydney
from $59 Brisbane
from $79 Perth
from $159 
 
 

3 day Fly-Drive packages along the Great Ocean Road
 
Packages include:
• Return flights to/from Melbourne (Avalon)
• 3 days Budget Group A car hire
• 1 night’s accommodation each at the Mantra Erskine Beach Resort in Lorne and the Mantra Deep Blue in Warrnambool.
 
Adelaide from $363 per person, twin share Sydney from $403 per person, twin share
 
Brisbane from $443 per person, twin share Perth from $603 per person, twin share
 
 
Packages can only be booked by calling Jetstar on 131 538.
 
 
 

 most southerly town on earth

the southern most town in the world, the end of the earth, the closest town to Antarctica.
El Calafate is a great place to visit in Patagonia and is the first stop on the way to your trip to the southern-most city in the world. The scenic route goes through two countries and it is remote with deserts and snow covered mountains. Llamas graze the foot hills of the granite monoliths. It is famous because it is the hardest climb in the world.

There are loads of marked trails around the hills but is one of the windiest places in the world. Torres del Pano offers some of the most amazing scenery like the gray glacier which pops off ice bergs that sparkle with blue. There is magnificent accommodation right on the gray lake. Get a night flight from Rio Galagos to Ushaia to the last outpost south of the earth. If you want to come here you need to be dedicated.

cocos islands

The Cocos Islands are the remotest islands of Australia. The population of six hundred people live on the scattered islands. Get on a scooter and drive around the main island. Direction Island is a beautiful place and yachts leave stuff here on their way to Africa. The sheltered lagoon is brilliant for diving and snorkelling.

The water is warm all year round and the visibility is fantastic. There are lots of fish and wrecks. If you are a bit scared you can feed the sharks from the boat. Home Island can be reached by ferry. This is largely a Muslim community who are descendants of the first settlers from Malaysia. There is traditional dancing and basket weaving on a traditional tour. Wind up your day on a banana chair overlooking the ocean.

malaysia - maliau basin

The locals call this place the lost world. The Maliau Basin is a jungle setting which is accessible only by helicopter. It is in the Malaysian state of Sabah. The Maliau Basin is surrounded by inpenetrable cliffs, it is unexplored and research is difficult in the area. There is unique flora and fauna and the area is completely protected. The big waterfall looks brilliant and has many tiers or levels. There are carnivorous plants in the jungle that you can go look for, but make sure you take a guide. It is nine hundred meters above sea level and is very moist with lots of mosses.

Researchers have found many new varieties of plants. The carnivorous plant has a smell which attracts bugs and they slip into the flower and then get dissolved into protein for the plant. The Maliau Basin has elephants and also leeches and cicadas. The Maliau River does not sustain life because of the high levels of tannin in the water. The maliau Basin is on the island of Borneo in the Malaysian state of Sabah.

 komodo dragon.

 the komodo dragons

A rugged inhospitable land with a creature known throughout the world. It is the world’s largest lizard. East of Bali is the KOmodo National Park that is the home of thousands of komodo dragons. You can get there by Pinisi Schooner from the island of Flores. The MOana is a purpose built dive boat that sails to the island of komodo and you can go diving on the way. There is a marine park is important to preserve the diversity of under water life here in the Indonesian Archipelago. The terrain is very dry on Komodo has dominated the environment for millions of years. Fourteen people have died in the last sixty years because of attacks by Komodo Dragon lizards.

Your guide will protect you from being attacked by the komodo dragon with a stick so do not worry. The cold blooded lizards need to warm up in the sun shine to get their body temperature up to its proper metabolism. The komodo dragon lie in wait for their prey and then ambush them. Despite their dominance they are in danger of extinction so they are highly protected in the National Park. Komodo Island is in Indonesia and you can get a package tour from Bali if you are that adventurous.

The surf at Newcastle was going off yesterday with most breaks working to some extent. The swell has dropped from the last few days and is dropping every day. I haven’t had a look at it today but I assume that it is flatter than yesterday from the current trend.

There were a few waves at Newcastle Beach but it was a bit full. There were a couple of guys out at South Newcastle so I continued on to Bar Beach which had the best waves for the day. It was about two to three foot and the wind was coming out of the North West at about ten knots or so. There was a decent left hander breaking off the reef in front of the surf club and a fullish fatter right and left peak breaking on the sand bars to the south.

Dixon Park was a lot smaller and there were a lot of surf riders out there. Merewether and the Point at Old Ladies was very flat and there were hardly any waves breaking there at all. It seemed as if the swell was coming from the north east or was coming in straight from the east or south east.

Celebrate Winter 2008! A BIG success
  
  The opening weekend celebrations were a great success  at Perisher Blue with miles of smiles and a fantastic atmosphere in the resort. Skiers and snowboarders lined up at Mitchell T-bar on Front Valley eager to carve their first turns for the season on opening day at Perisher Blue.

Keen skiers, Peta Degrey and son Tim were the first to christen the slopes on Saturday morning. The pair, who frequent Perisher Blue regularly each season, drove over 10 hours from Murrurundi, a town 1 hour south of Tamworth, for the opening weekend celebrations. Three cheers for  the first pair to carve it up in season 2008! 
Professor Nugget and Friends greeted guests throughout the opening long weekend. 

   
 
June Specials at The Station Resort
 
  Happy Jacks Tavern at the Station Resort has opened for season 2008!
There is lots happening and many great deals are on offer.
  
 
It’s the Start of the Season! I can tell there are seasonal staff about.
 
 Skischool Instructors were busy helping the youngsters find their skiing feet. 
 It is fast becoming a busy little beehive here at Perisher Blue with seasonal staff arriving to work in all pockets and sectors of the resort. There is a definite buzz of activity as staff are walked through their paces and participate in the annual orientation seminar.
 
 
Activities for the Fitness Hound!
   
Perisher Blue offers the ultimate in holiday activities for the fighting fit and healthy. Guest can choose from an array of heart pumping, adventurous activities as well as an assortment of eateries serving wholesome food, open throughout the season. A workout snowboarder style, season 2007. 
 

5 June 
Feelin’ the Ski Buzz @ Perisher Blue 

 It’s almost here! The start of ski season 2008!

The opening weekend is almost upon us, which means just one thing…here at Perisher Blue we’ll be celebrating all things snow with the Celebration of Winter! The resort’s Front Valley will come alive with a range of entertainment and activities for young and old. You’ll also be able to dust of the ski gear and go for a slide, with the Mitchell T-bar expected to open to tower 3 on Saturday along with a Ski Carpet. Perfect for beginners or anyone who wants to give their legs a shake! A mini Fusion Terrain Park will also open for the daredevils. For the long weekend the cost of an adult day pass will be $23 ($35 with train) and children $11 ($22 with train). Those who would just like to come up, enjoy the festivities and take a look around can enjoy a ride on the Forester Quad Express, which will operate free of charge!

You’ll also be able to catch a firework spectacular on Saturday night from 7pm. For more information on the Celebration of Winter click here.

Many other amenities will be operating including the Perisher Valley Snowsports School, Snowy Day Care, Ski and Snowboard Hire and food and beverage outlets such as Ski Rock Café, Jax Bar and Chargrill, The Elbow Bar, Bazil’s Bar and Snow Gums Restaurant. You’ll also be able to get a shopping fix at Slopestyle Mountain Sports and Addiction Snowboard Shop.

For more information please contact Perisher Blue Guest Services on 1300 655 822.

  
 Getting the first turns on Front Valley for 2008 or just enjoying the view. 

    
Cheaper Mountain Passes and More - Yes, it’s real!
   
The Perisher Card offers loyal guests the chance to save on day passes. Designed specifically to provide greater value and flexibility to ensure that you get the most out of your snow holiday. It is the perfect option for those who fall short of spending enough time in the resort to purchase a Season Pass, the Perisher Card can be purchased for $45 from all Perisher Blue ticket outlets. It entitles frequent skiers and boarders to mountain passes for just $85 per day from Friday to Sunday and $79 from Monday to Thursday.
 
  
Shreddin’ it up!  LTR
 
 
Snowboarder shreddin’ it up on the half pipe last season.
 Perisher Blue only hires the best in ski and board gear. This year Perisher Blue has joined forces with Burton to provide great quality hire equipment with all the latest technology. In addition Perisher Blue has become an accredited Burton ‘Learn To Ride’ (LTR) Centre.
 
 
Spruce up! Snow Gums Restaurant 
 
 
Snow Gums, The Perisher Valley Hotel’s signature restaurant has unveiled its new look in time for the winter season. ‘We have moved away from a Santa Fe feel,’ commented Dianne Brulisauer, Hospitality Manager at Perisher Blue, ‘and have replaced it with a sheek, smart and minimalist look.’ Snow Gums has an air of elegance which has been aided by a fresh repaint, new wall art and menu option. Dinning at Snow Gums Restaurant is a gastronomic treat.
  
 
Don’t forget, book online with Perisher Blue Snow Holidays
  
Booking your snow holiday has never been easier at Perisher Blue with their new on-line system.
 
 

Port Douglas Snorkelling

The Reef Sprinter goes very fast and you stay dry as is possible. The small boat does not allow to get sea sick and the boat goes out to the reef from Port Douglas. You can go snorkelling with the remoras as they are being fed by the boat driver. The coral is very colorful and there is a vast concentration for your enjoyment. It is a visual feas that will have you mesmerised for hours. If you are lucky you might find yourself snorkelling with a turtle. The Reef Sprinter boat leaves from POrt Douglas and you can get there by flying from most capital cities in Australia.
Cambodia - Angkor Wat

You can take package tours to Sean Reap which is the higlight of Cambodia and the gateway to to Angkor Wat, considered to be the biggest temple in the world. It was built to celebrate the kings version of heaven on earth. It is the center of a complex of many temples. One of the most striking things about the temples is the carvings of the nymphs. Now Angkor Wat is under protection and is being restored so that is not going to be ruined. It is an amazing site and you will be so glad that you have been to see it. There is a lot to see as the area is huge. When they were discovered the jungle had taken over the temples and tree roots were growing into and between the rocks of the temple walls. Archaeologists are still discovering things about the city and the area around the central temple. There are over 200 smiling faces which represent the king that built the complex. It is one of the seven wonders of the world. Tours will cost from about thirty thousand dollars for a few weeks with everything provided.

Tangalooma REsort.

The buildings have been redeveloped with luxury apartments as the sun sets over moreton bay.
The dolphis come in at night and they get fed by the tourists by hand. They come in with the sunset and the locals have built up a level of trust with the dolphins.
 

Dubai

Dubai is a growing country and it will have the biggest and the best entertainment complex in the world. It will have sports, a snow dome, and animatronic dinosaurs, as well as hotels and restaurants. The desert resort is set in the desert and you can go for a ride on a camel. Tourists can experience what it is like in the desert or you can learn to belly dance in the setting sun. At night the markets come alive with entertainers and goods for sale. The kids will love it too with fire breathers and twirlers. The stage spectacular is intriguing and tells the story of a wise king and it is a video, laser and pyrotechnic extravaganza. Dubai is on the northeast coast of the United Arab Emirates. You can get there with Emirates Air Lines.

29 May 
Snowmaking Frenzy at Perisher Blue!
 
 
Just 9 days to go and the snowmaking guns are getting are great work out at Perisher Blue! Consistently low temperatures have allowed the snowmaking guns to churn out a torrent of snow across Front Valley almost nightly. According to John Palmer, Snowmaking Manager for Perisher Blue, the snowmaking is set to continue whenever conditions are optimal. “We have been lucky to have such consistently good conditions for snowmaking since we started on 13 May 2008.” Time to start dusting off your skis, boards and boots ready to tear up the slopes!
Are they beached whales on Front Valley?
 
 
 
Celebration of Winter - The official opening of season 2008!
 
 
Perisher Blue has an array of festivities planned for the season’s kick off on 7 June 2008. The fun will begin on Saturday morning with the Blessing of the Snow at 10.15am at the bottom of Front Valley. Entertainment for all the family including life music, circus performances, jumping castle and carnival rides will continue throughout the weekend. Don’t miss the Fire Show which kicks off at 10pm on Saturday night at Front Valley.
 
 
Indulge Yourself this Winter at Perisher Valley Hotel
 
 

The Perisher Valley Hotel is the ultimate in on-snow accommodation.
 Perisher Blue’s 2, 5 & 7 day Indulgence packages are the perfect get away holiday option for couples that are after a bit of pampering. Stay on-snow at the luxurious Perisher Valley Hotel, synonymous with pure indulgence and exemplary service. Gourmet buffet breakfasts and dinners are served in the Hotel’s signature restaurant Snow Gums. After a day carving it up on the slopes, take time out relaxing in the sauna and spa facilities. These all-inclusive packages are the perfect way to relax, unwind and rejuvenate. 
 
 
You are Woman! Special Programs for the Active Woman
 
 
Want to brush up on your skills? Perhaps keep up with the kids, or beat your other half down the hill? Perisher Blue is offering a regular Thursday workshop for female skiers and boarders as well as comprehensive three-day Women’s programs throughout the season. These programs include 5 hours coaching daily, professional advice and tips from our top female instructors, video analysis, individual assessment, Wild Brumby Schnapps tasting and the chance to win women’s specific Salomon skis or Burton boards. For more information, call 1300 655 811.   

Brush up your skills with Perisher Blue’s Womens Programs.
 
 
 
Going, Going Green
 
To minimize the resort’s environmental footprint and in keeping with the Keep Winter Cool charter, Perisher Blue has embarked on a variety of environmental initiatives and is looking to expand upon these in the near future.
The most important development in recent years has been the development of an Environmental Management System (EMS), which provides the framework for assessing the impact on the environment as a result of resort activities.