The Australian snow season is officially underway, with Perisher opening a week early and skiers and snowboarders relishing the opportunity for first turns of the season.

After the traditional gathering behind the opening banner for photos and videos, the crowd were whisked up the Village Eight Express and carving up Perisher's Front Valley slopes.

There were familiar faces in the front line for the honour of riding first chair, snow flakes fell at lunch time as a good season omen, and everyone seemed happy to be out skiing and boarding early.

With good snow falls in mid May, plus a huge effort by the Perisher snowmaking team, the Front Valley slope had a great cover. This weekend will see visitor numbers increase seeking their first season slide, and with the terrain park in operation the jibbers will surely be hitting the jumps.

“We are so pleased with the opportunity to open Perisher early for the 2021 snow season, especially given the late start last season,” said Pete Brulisauer, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Vail Resorts, Perisher and Australia.

“For skiers and boarders who were unable to make it last year, there is tremendous enthusiasm to get back to the snowy mountains this winter, with Front Valley now open for skiing and boarding with the Village Eight Express.”

More Snow This Week

The outlook ahead looks great for more natural snow, with the forecasters predicting decent falls from mid week. Snowatch's, Pete “The Frog” Taylor has upgraded his forecast earlier today to now be 31-65cm over the coming 10 days.

This should see an extra boost in visitation for the June long weekend. Added snowfalls should see Perisher open at least the quad to mid station, as well as Front Valley.

At Thredbo their snowmaking has been progressing well and with added snow, who knows, they may have the High Noon, Cruiser, Friday Flat triangle up and running. Time will tell if that evenuates later in the week.

There will be music and entertainment at both resorts this coming long weekend, to add to the skiing and snowboarding.

Don’t forget to sign up for our SKI GIVEAWAY with our sister website Snow News, launching soon. We have a pair of men’s and women’s Dynastar skis to give away.

This winter will be busy, with many accommodation venues already booked, so if you want to visit for a slide in winter 2021, plan now.