Smiles for miles at the Paddy Pallin Juniors 2026

A three week delay ensured there was adequate snow to run the 64th Paddy Pallin Juniors on Sunday 26 July 2026 at the Perisher Cross Country Centre and the weather gods did not disappoint with blue skies, no wind and skiable snow. Twenty two enthusiastic participants, from ages 11 months to 16 years, enjoyed a timed ski event, free lunch, presentation of certificates and prizes, and a team jelly snake hunt on skis. The ski event was run on the sprint loop and 2.5 kilometre trail, with varying distances completed by different age groups. Once again Paddy Pallin supported the event with incredible prizes and certificates for all participants, as well as hotdogs and drinks for lunch, and Perisher Foodworks supermarket generously donated the bread rolls. The continued support from Paddy Pallin and Perisher Foodworks is greatly appreciated and ensures a wonderful experience for our junior skiers.

The youngest skier on the day was Giang at 11 months of age, capably supported by mum Cailtin who skied the Paddy Pallin Juniors as a child, and the oldest skier, Rose Murtagh Herlihy completed her final Paddy Pallin Juniors. Rose has skied in many Paddy Pallin Juniors, beginning as a toddler herself and has always provided a guaranteed smile while completing the event. Thank you Rose for being part of the Paddy Pallin Junior family for so long.

In addition, thank you to all those who made the event possible from shovelling snow, setting a course, time keeping, preparing and serving lunch, hiding jellysnakes and cheering on the skiers including Snowy Mountain Nordic (SMN) members, NSWACTXC members, parents, and Arnold and John at the Nordic Shelter. Many hands made light work and an excellent experience for all.

Results of the event are as follows: