Managing NSW alpine resorts

NSW alpine areas are popular winter destinations

Kosciuszko National Park is home to New South Wales alpine resorts Perisher, Thredbo, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn Snowfields. These resort areas are unique winter snowsports destinations and summer altitude retreats attracting over 1.2 million visitors a year.
Photo courtesy Perisher

The alpine resorts are operated by private organisations under a system of leases granted by the NSW Minister for the Environment under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.

The management challenge for the NSW Government is to allow the development of a strong, vibrant ski and alpine resort industry while protecting the important natural values of Kosciuszko National Park. These functions are administered by the NPWS Resorts Section, based in Jindabyne. The Kosciuszko National Park Plan of Management (2006) guides the management of the park and the alpine resort areas.

The four alpine resorts areas, Perisher Range, Thredbo, Selwyn and Charlotte Pass:

• have a collective footprint of 4,099 hectares
• have combined assets valued at more than $700 million
• provide significant economic benefit to the region and NSW through tourism employment, construction and contracted management services
• have a year-round population of around 1,000 people, swelling to over 30,000 during the winter months
• provide enjoyment for over 1.2 million visitors each year.

The NPWS manages strategic policy development as well as working with business and lodge owners to ensure sustainable practices. It does this by providing environmental awareness talks and campaigns, ensuring high standards of public health and developing environmental management systems. The NPWS is also responsible for providing specific services for the Perisher Range Resorts including municipal services and the Perisher Range Resorts Environmental Management Systems (EMS).

Resort Roundup

Resort Roundup newsletter provides info on activities within the resorts of Kosciuszko National Park.