The early start was made possible by a 25cm snowfall last week and chilly overnight temperatures. This allowed the snowmaking team to add to the natural cover with man-made snow.

One lift will open on Front Valley tomorrow, and the Village Eight Express, Australia�s biggest chairlift, is expected to open this Friday. Lifts at Smiggin Holes will open on demand this weekend and further lifts will operate as conditions allow.

Lift tickets will be available on June 8th and 9th at the early season special rate of $21 for adults and $10 for children.

For those new to the slopes, Perisher Blue�s Snowsports School is offering first-timer skiing and boarding lessons from 11.30am at both Smiggin Holes and Perisher Valley.

Some resort restaurants and cafes are set to open for those needing to refuel after some snow sliding, as is equipment hire and a range of retail stores.

The Skitube alpine railway will operate between Bullocks Flat and Perisher Valley to bring snow lovers direct to the slopes.

Perisher Blue will welcome the 2006 season with the Celebration of Winter this weekend. Opening with a fire show at Smiggin Holes, the weekend will be jam packed with live music, street performers, fireworks, kids entertainers, plenty of parties and the annual Blessing of the Snow.

For the first tracks of the Australian ski season, make sure you head to Perisher Blue � open tomorrow!

Media Contact: Christy Dowling Email: media@perisher.com.au Ph: +61 (0)2 6459 4417