Perisher Valley (NSW), Australia (Tuesday, July 23, 2002) - Sunday saw the opening of Perisher Blue's “Big Dipper”, a 26-meter long rail that resembles a roller coaster ride on snow. The resort claims that this innovative rail is further evidence that Perisher Blue strives to remain at the forefront of new school terrain

“We are intent on providing the very best environment for our guests to enjoy a total skiing and boarding experience,” said Neil Thew Manager of PR & Business Development. “The additions to the Terrain Park will see this part of the resort equal to any of its’ kind found in the world.”

Perisher Blue is already home to two terrain parks and Australia’s highly rated halfpipe (which is soon to be joined by another smaller beginner’s pipe, providing the only dual pipe in Australia).

Positioned at the Leichhardt Terrain Park, the Big Dipper joins the tabletops, hits, burms and kickers already located at the Park. The Big Dipper has been especially constructed by Perisher Blue and will shortly be joined by three other rails.

The first, a Rainbow, will be a huge arched rail that's ideal for those experts waiting for their next challenge and the second, a Funbox, will be a wide box shaped rail suitable for beginners.

The third, labelled a Curve rail, is an enormous C shaped rail that is erected on a stand to run parallel to the snow. The Terrain Park will also be home to an assortment of new hips and spines.

Based on US designs, the Big Dipper will be new to Australian riders. “I think people are going to be blown away by this,” said Perisher Blue’s Halfpipe and Terrain Park designer Adam Galbraith. “This will easily be the most innovative rail Australia has ever seen. “I think it will probably take people a little while to get the hang of it."

Adam should know, he has earned his pedigree in Washington State and works at Squaw Valley. Enjoying his sixth year in the resort as part of an exchange program, he has a wealth of experience. To his credit are 14 seasons of grooming parks and pipes, constructing 29 terrain parks, 11 boardercross courses, 22 halfpipes including the longest double barrel halfpipe in the USA, 11 big air jumps and 8 slopestyle courses. Additionally, he has built jumps for snowboard movies "Brotherhood" and Warren Miller’s “Freeriders".