Australian resort gets head start

23rd May 2011, by Chris Gill

Three weeks ahead of schedule and Perisher is the first resort in Australia to open its ski area for the winter season.

We reported last week that the southern hemisphere had enjoyed its first significant snowfalls of the season – both in Australia and New Zealand.

Sufficiently cold weather has continued, allowing Perisher to build on the natural snowfall with lots of artificial cover. They took advantage of the conditions to open early – although the resort is keeping this to weekends only.

Over 1000 skiers and boarders were delighted with last Friday’s opening despite limited terrain. They were able to enjoy a couple of slopes on the Front Valley and an early terrain park.

It has warmed up to start this week, but showers are falling as snow above 1400m so the resort is hopeful of continuing its premature start and enough cover to maintain the pistes.

The Resort will not open all of its facilities until the official season-start date and so is offering discounted rates on lift passes.

This early wintry weather is better news for the ski market. With the dollar very strong, many Australians are planning their holidays overseas and it will cost more for British visitors to visit Australia this year.

• perisher
• australia

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