A review into how two of Australia's most famous ski resorts are managed could open the door for millions of dollars worth of private investment.
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With this year tipped to be one of the best snow seasons in recent times, the NSW State Government is exploring ways to expand the Perisher Range and Charlotte Pass resorts into a year-round tourism mecca.
A review of the management of the resorts south of Canberra could see one operator assume responsibility for the day-to-day operational management of the Perisher and Charlotte Pass Resorts.
That responsibility currently rests with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
However the government is examining alternative models of outsourcing this management, including as a head lease agreement, a spokeswoman said.
"A new management model will allow [National Parks and Wildlife] to focus on its core business of park management and leave the day-to-day operational management of the resorts to an external organisation," the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service spokeswoman said.
"This includes the delivery of community and utility infrastructure services, such as water, sewerage and storm water services, internal roads, and solid waste collection and disposal at the Perisher Range Resorts and waste disposal services to Charlotte Pass Resort."
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service also manages more than 120 club and commercial lodge leases at the Perisher Range Resorts, the consolidated mountain lease over the Perisher Range ski lifts, a head lease with 11 commercial and club lodges, and a separate standalone lease with a club lodge at Charlotte Pass Resort.
But the move to streamline the management of the resorts could also attract more private sector investment and secure year-round activities, the spokeswoman said.
"[National Parks and Wildlife] wants to see increased visitor activities and attractions at Perisher and Charlotte Pass so the resorts can be recognised as year-round world-class, environmentally sustainable alpine destinations," she said.
"The resorts also offer an opportunity for additional development, including the development of Perisher Village subject to planning and environmental approvals."
A spokesman for Perisher would not be drawn on what an overhaul of the management of the resorts would mean when contacted by Fairfax Media.
However Perisher chief executive Peter Brulisauer told The Australian newspaper the resort would consider investing in "new lodging, improved village facilities" were it granted a head-lease agreement.
"There's some interest on the basis that providing these services might lead to a better overall resort experience," Mr Brulisauer said.
Expressions of interest in the new management model would open later this year, with the new arrangements in place around October next year.
