Perisher Blue today became the first ski resort in Australia to open it�s lifts for skiing and boarding for the 2004 snow season.

The only 8 seater chairlift in the southern hemisphere, The Village 8 Express, began lifting guests to the top of Front Valley this morning at 9am. Whilst snowmakers continued to top up the cover at Perisher, Smiggins and Blue Cow Resort areas.

Perisher Blue is gearing up for what is predicted to be a winter with plenty of snow. Perisher opened it�s lifts a day early today and plans to open more lifts tomorrow.

At Blue Cow, the Early Starter Chair and Pony Rope Tow will give access to more terrain for beginners. The Freelander Quad Express will be open for foot passengers to ride free of charge from Saturday to Monday. Special early season mountain pass prices will apply for the long weekend: Adult $46 and Child $23 (without train). Guests can take a break from skiing and boarding with a host of entertainment set to heat up the resort over the weekend.

Indigenous dance group �The Doonooch Dancers� will be performing a traditional smoking ceremony to welcome the change of the seasons on Saturday at 1.30pm, followed by the annual blessing of the snow at 2.00pm. Then again on Sunday the world-renowned �Doonooch Dancers� will perform on the snow at Perisher.

Bobby Mcleod and his 5 piece band will also be performing a string of songs throughout the weekend. These free performances will take place on the snow, in Jax Bar & Grill and the relaxed setting of Snow Gums restaurant.

The celebrations don�t stop when the sun goes down, DJ Del will keep the party alive as he spins the decks in Jax nightclub both Saturday and Sunday night.

Saturday 12th June 12.30pm Bobby McLeod and friends - FV 1.30pm Doonooch Dancers - FV 2.00pm Blessing of the snow - FV 5.00pm Bobby McLeod in JAX 9.00pm DJ Del in JAX nightclub

Sunday 13th June 12.30pm Bobby McLeod & friends � FV 1.30pm Doonooch Dancers � FV 8.00pm Bobby McLeod in Snow Gums Restaurant 9.00pm DJ Del in JAX nightclub