Cover Image: Mt Ruapehu | Image: Perisher

Ski Areas in New Zealand & Australia have officially opened for the 2017 ski season. The early opening was helped by early season snowfall and cold temps that allowed for snowmaking.

Australia

PERISHER
Perisher was able to open their lifts a full week ahead of their historic opening weekend.

“Following a great snowfall on Monday and a favorable weather forecast, we were excited to announce we would open for skiing and snowboarding for the season on Saturday 3 June, one week before the traditional opening weekend. But, we’ve had so many of Perisher’s most passionate local skiers contact us urging us to open for a quick ski today, so we have decided to open the Village Eight Express for them to enjoy first turns this afternoon.” – Peter Brulisauer, Perisher’s Chief Operating Officer.

MT BULLER

Mt Buller kicked off their 2017 ski season Friday night with free ski passes. They also offered up an opening weekend ticket special with Adult day passes only $60 and free resort entry.

New Zealand

In New Zealand Whakapapa’s Happy Valley ski area has opened a full month ahead of their planned opening. The lifts started spinning on Saturday under bluebird conditions.

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