Perisher Valley, Australia (Tuesday, May 31, 2005) - Snowmaking efforts got underway at Australia's Perisher Blue Ski Resort last Wednesday, March 25, believed to be the first effort in the country to get slopes covered in snow for anxious skiers and snowboarders. A total of 65 snowmaking guns have been firing across Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes and Blue Cow resort areas, covering almost 30 hectares (74 acres) of terrain in preparation for the ski and snowboard resort's official opening weekend beginning Saturday, June 11th.

The resort’s 28-person snowmaking team has the capacity to produce an estimated 1500 cubic meters (52,972 cubic feet) of snow per hour. Plenty of snow is on the menu for the June Long Weekend Celebration of Winter, however Perisher's staff knows that weather can be unpredictable so they've scheduled a host of activities around the resort to keep everyone entertained. Here’s a taste of what is in store:

FRIDAY NIGHT June 10
Festivities kick off at the Smiggins Hotel with a Fireworks display at 8:00 p.m. and the six-piece band Grover from 9:00 p.m.

SATURDAY June 11
From 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. general activities around Perisher Valley will include busking, storytelling, a clapstick demonstration, snowshoe demonstrations, 5-minute massages, kid’s hair coloring & braiding, Perisher Blue Furry Animals, and ‘Dan Druff’ the Clown,

On the Center Stage in Front Valley, the traditional Blessing of the Snow takes place at 11:15 a.m., and will be followed by indigenous dancers and singers, a kids show, and the Groove Alliance funk band. Continuing into the evening in JAX will be the Lift Off Party at 10:00 p.m.

SUNDAY June 12
Sunday will be much the same as Saturday with general activities around the resort starting at 10:30 a.m. and continuing on center stage with children’s entertainment and world music into the evening.