There were screams of joy echoing across Perisher Valley at the weekend. The screams coming from visitors to Perisher Blue Ski Resort sliding down the mountain in inflatable tubes.

The resort officially opened �Tube Town� sponsored by Caltex on Saturday. �Tube Town� is a dedicated new slope area for the popular alpine activity.

Snow tubing involves sliding down the mountain in a purpose built rubber tube. Similar to that found inside of a big truck tyre, but with a special covering, handles and a strong base to assist in making them fast. Friends and family can race each other side by side, as they slip and slide down the groomed lanes.

Two dedicated rope tows give guests a ride back to the top of the course whilst they remain in the tube, so all their energy can be saved for screaming as they next hurtle down the mountain.

Snow tubing is safe, fun and affordable. From just two dollars and sixty cents per ride when passes are bought in a pack of ten, or four dollars for a single ride.

�Tube Town� is located on Mt Piper near the Perisher Valley carpark and opens daily from 10am to 4pm weather permitting.

Snow season 2005 continues to go from strength to strength with good snowfalls and cold temperatures registered for the past week, further enhancing the already excellent snow cover.

First Tracks mornings have now commenced at Perisher Blue. A hit last season, First Tracks will again be popular in 2005. First Tracks allows a limited number of very keen skiers and boards the chance to ride Eyre T-Bar for an hour and a half, catching untracked turns, before anyone else.

This year First Tracks will be held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Bookings can be made through the Perisher Valley Hotel on 02) 6459 4455.

Check the latest weather conditions, snow cams and catch up on what�s happening in the resort at: www.perisherblue.com.au

Media Contact: Dave Kirwan E: media@perisher.com.au T: +61 (2) 6459 4419