GETTING STARTED
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations! You are well on your way to experiencing one of the most exhilarating sports of today and your journey begins here.
Cross country (XC) skiing in Australia is a surreal experience! Not only do you get to explore the amazing beauty within the high mountains of Australia but you also get to experience first hand the joys of sliding your skis on Australian snow with terrain to suit all abilities or interests. You can strive to become a XC ski racer, or simply enjoy the peace and tranquility of getting away from the crowds and absorbing the surrounding environment at your own pace. For individuals, friends or families, there is no other sport quite like it. A great resource to heap you get started is to clink here to get onto the Discover XC Website. On the same website, to find out more about the different types of XC skiing, scroll down on their home page, click here.
The hub of XC skiing in New South Wales is the Perisher Cross Country Centre within the Perisher Valley Village area, in the amazing Kosciuszko National Park. It is an easy ½ hour drive from the thriving township of Jindabyne to Perisher Valley.
The XC trails are easily accessible and are located a short walk behind the Perisher Fire and Ambulance buildings. Click here to see a map of the Perisher Village. All XC skiers have complimentary access to the Sverre Kaaten Nordic Shelter, positioned at the beginning of the trail system - no trail fees. The Nordic Shelter provides a comfortable, friendly and social haven where you can stop to have your lunch and a toilet break, or to enjoy a cuppa! A delicious BBQ lunch might be available on weekends and you can always get a hot drink for the small cost of a gold coin donation. Many skiers base themselves out of the Nordic Shelter for the day and make return trips to take some time out to kick back, relax and mix within a vibrant friendly community.
As with any mountain sport safety is always a concern - Snowsafe has lots of important information. You are advised to pack for all weather conditions and to check road and weather conditions via the local radio stations or links from this website. Access to Perisher Valley is within the Kosciuszko National Park and a daily park entry fee (NPWS) is collected on entering the park. If you drive a 2WD vehicle you also need to carry wheel chains (appropriate links) which you can hire at many ski hire outlets.
For XC skiing you are best to dress in layers so if you warm up you can simply take off a layer without compromising too much body heat. You will also need to pack sunscreen and a sunhat, plus plenty of food and water – you will be surprised how hungry you can get once out experiencing the fresh mountain air.
So get out there and live the dream – participating in cross country skiing will be one of the best decisions you will ever make!
