Perisher Valley (NSW), Australia – An early season storm that delivered up to 30cm of snow over the weekend has prompted some of Australia’s most popular ski resorts to kick off the 2012 season ahead of schedule.

Perisher will be starting their winter season one week early, opening this Saturday, June 2, thanks to early snowfalls, low temperatures and continued snowmaking. Perisher will open Front Valley for skiing and snowboarding on Saturday, and all proceeds from lift ticket sales this weekend will be donated to the local community, with the aim of smashing the AUD $20,000 raised for various charities in 2011. Special opening hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. A mini park, gear rental, retail and food and beverage will also be available. Lift ticket prices and open terrain will be determined later this week.

Thredbo is now aiming to open on June 6, three days ahead of earlier plans.

“The mountain crew tell us if we get some solid snowmaking sessions in over the next week, we will open for some riding Wednesday 6th June,” resort officials posted to Thredbo’s Facebook page. “It is looking good, but we are keeping our eye on the weather expected on the weekend.”

Mt. Buller in Victoria is also giving consideration to an early opening. Snowmaking is underway at Mt. Hotham’s Big D beginner area, but neither Hotham nor its sister resort, Falls Creek, are contemplating an early season debut.