Skiing adventure begins at night

Kate Midena, news.com.au July 27, 2010 11:40AM



IT'S more exhilarating than day skiing, cheaper and no one will be able see your mistakes.

Night skiing is back for the 2010 snow season at several top Australian and New Zealand ski resorts.

Held several times a week in resorts such as Perisher, Falls Creek, Mt Buller and Coronet Peak - night skiing is a unique way to experience the slopes with many benefits.

Night passes are cheaper than day session and there are usually less people on the slopes.

All the normal safety precautions for skiing are still taken at night, with instructors and first aid people present on the slopes. Resort lifts are still in operation, and high intensity lamps light the designated run areas.

Australia's longest beginner run, Wombat's Ramble, has opened for night skiing for the first time this year at Falls Creek. The run is lined with high voltage green-friendly lights, and their snowmaking system means there will always be plenty of snow lining the slopes.

"It's a whole different atmosphere at night - skiing under the stars then enjoying music and hot mulled wine on the deck - it's very special, Coronet Peak ski manager, Hamish McCrostie, said.

Children who want to experience night skiing are also catered for, with Mt Hotham offering supervised night skiing for teenagers, while Smiggin Holes has organised night skiing and fireworks on Zoe's ski carpet.

The only thing to remember when skiing of an evening is to dress warmly - it gets at least ten degrees colder as soon as the sun goes down.