Want to hear a rumour?

The mountains are full of rumours and as many rumours go, they have little truth in them. One such rumour has been about Perisher Blue's new chairlift.

Despite all of the conjecture bantered about from �doubters� saying that it will never happen, Perisher Blue is set to begin its� environmental planning award winning Ski Slope Plan.

Last week Perisher Blue placed its order with international chairlift manufacturer Dopplemeyer for the first 8-seater chairlift in the Southern Hemisphere.

This new chairlift will be located on Front Valley in Perisher Valley and will be an integral part in the resorts expansion and development program. Being an 8 seater, it will be a rapid people mover and will assist in comfortably transporting guests out of the resort�s main entrance enabling them to more quickly access the resort's 1250 hectares.

Work is planned to begin straight after this season concludes with the chair ready for use in 2003.

Perisher Blue's CEO, Ashley Blondel said " it is exciting to begin something that has been long in the planning by so many people, it is a statement by our owners that they are committed to seeing the plans we have all worked so hard at brought to fruition."

Gary Grant, General Manager Marketing and Resort Services stated "the new chair accompanied with improvements to the Ridge Chair in Blue Cow, additional snowmaking to complete the Excellerator run in Blue Cow and a new moguls course will all add to our guests enjoyment and will herald the beginning of some very exciting developments for Perisher Blue."

Perisher Blue has had an excellent snow season to date with record visitation and thousands of guests commenting on the excellent conditions and wonderful experiences they enjoyed.

The addition of a new chairlift will demonstrate Perisher Blues commitment to its development plans and be the beginning of some very exciting times.

The Ski Slope Plan and the Perisher Ranges Master Plan can be viewed on www.perisherblue.com.au