This is a special episode focusing on the ski resorts of Perisher (Australia’s largest ski resort) and Thredbo (Australia’s ‘Best Ski Resort’), plus we find out what it was like when the Tour de France passed through Les 3 Vallées last month. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout. SHOW NOTES Lucas Wilkinson has been skiing in Perisher for 34 years (1:30) Perisher Valley, Smiggins Hole, Blue Cow joined in 1995 to form ‘Perisher’ (2:30) Vail Resorts bought Perisher in 2015 (3:15) The Epic Pass covers Perisher as well as Victoria’s Fall Creek and Hotham ski resorts (4:30) Proposals to expand the resort have been under discussion for many years (7:00) The ‘Ski Tube’ links the valley floor with Perisher (8:45) Perisher has 165 snow cannons for 65km of pistes (10:30) The season in Australia typically runs from June to October (12:00) Kirsty Muir and Mia Brookes are both training in Perisher in 2023 (13:00) Jen Mooney is the general manager of ‘The Man from Snowy River Hotel’ (15:30) The hotel opened in 1960 (17:00) ‘The Man from Snowy River’ is a poem by Banjo Patterson (19:30) Sunrise viewed from ‘The Man’ is pretty special (23:00) https://twitter.com/skipedia/status/1681429482366959616  Ritchie Carroll is Brand and Marketing Manager at Thredbo (23:30) Sophie Leicester is PR and Content Manager at Thredbo Thredbo offers a special backcountry ski pass (25:15) It's the only resort in Australia to have a gold ‘Earth Check’ accreditation in Australia (27:00) The Thredbo Alpine Coaster is scheduled to open in 2024 (29:15) You can see Reggae Ellis’ snowreports at Snowatch (32:00) The Tour de France came to Les 3 Vallées on July 19 (38:45) Thanks to Alex from 150 Days of Winter and Rich from Lodge du Village for their reports FEEDBACK Finally, I enjoy all feedback about the show, I always like to know what you think, ideas for features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com I’d like to thank everyone who’s given us a review on Apple Podcasts. It does help people find the podcast, so it’s much appreciated. We are up to 102 reviews now – 84 of them are 5-star. ‘The Kribs’ (Apple Podcasts): "A very interesting and fun podcast to listen to, which is always the highlight of my day when I see a new episode land. A great selection of guests from all different ski and snowboard backgrounds. It always makes me feel like I’m in the mountains when I listen." ‘PipBigDogSeymour’ (Apple Podcasts): "Awesome podcast. Very varied topics and guests. Absolutely loved the last one with the lift fanatic. An absolute must listen if you love all things snowsports." Eric Wilson (Facebook): “I just listened to your episode with Peter: it was a fantastic show”  Andrew Dollery (email): “I just wanted to say great job on the podcast, I've listened religiously for the past couple of years. It’s very well put together and keeps me going through these barren summer months!” Don't forget you can always buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theskipodcast. All cuppas are much appreciated. You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast