Perisher Valley (NSW), Australia – Australia’s stellar start to the 2011 ski season continues as Perisher will open 25 lifts across four mountain areas by this weekend.

Snowfalls of 65cm in the past week have enabled ski area officials to open more of the resort. The current snow depth reading at Spencer’s Creek is measuring 71.7cm, which is the deepest at this time since Australia’s sensational 2000 winter season.

The popular Towers Run on Mt. Perisher and Lower Roller Coaster at Blue Cow, favorites amongst intermediate and advanced riders, are set to open on Friday. Guthega and Smiggins Holes are next in line, set to open on Saturday. Early season lift ticket prices of AUD$109 for adults and AUD$60 for children remain in effect.

If all expected 25 lifts open this weekend, it will be the most lifts in operation at Perisher this early in the season since 2005. The weather forecast calls for sunshine to prevail throughout the weekend.