Snow season begins at Perisher with first visitors saying hello to winter in pleasant conditions

Skiers and boarders have kicked off the 2021 snow season with a modest first weekend at Perisher, enjoying mostly sunny conditions, light winds, and with an expected top temperature of 4 degrees.

The country's largest ski resort nestled in the Snowy Mountains officially opened early for skiing and snowboarding on Friday, one week before its traditional opening on the June long weekend.

However, winter's early arrival and sub-zero temperatures throughout May made it possible to rev up the snowguns.

Perisher officially opened on Friday with Front Valley and the Village Eight Express, along with the resort's Tom Thumb beginner area and Slope Style park. Picture: Vail Resorts

Overnight temperatures as low as -10 degrees allowed the resort to run 159 snowguns across three areas of the park, topping up Friday's natural snowfall.

Front Valley and the Village Eight Express were open, along with the resort's Tom Thumb beginner area and Slope Style park.

Typical opening weekend events will kick off on June 12 including Saturday night fireworks and night skiing and boarding, snowsports school lessons and entertainment for the little ones with Dan Druff the Clown.

Live footage show skiers and boarders took advantage of an early start to the 2021 snow season. Picture: Vail Resorts

With continuing public health requirements, visitors are being encouraged to wear face coverings and physically distance while at the resort.

Visitors should expect to purchase products on-line and in advance and use QR check-in codes at indoor venues.

Last year's social distancing requirements nearly halved the numbers on the mountain, and visitors had to pre-purchase tickets.

Snow is predicted just days before the June long weekend. Picture: Vail Resorts

"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 from Perisher operator Vail Resorts.

"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."

The resort says Front Valley has been groomed to perfection overnight with a fresh snow base offering plenty of fun for riders of all levels. Picture: Vail Resorts

Perisher is adding a new Leitwolf grooming machine to its fleet for 2021, creating a wider grooming pass leading to smoother groomed runs for skiers and boarders.

Since last year's season the resort has also completed the installation of snowmaking on the Chute ski run in Perisher Valley, connecting the Village Eight Express chair on Front Valley to Pretty Valley double and Interceptor quad chairs.