It's here!

The first day of winter has finally arrived. We're off to a rockin' start in the Australian Alps this year. Only two weekends until first tracks - or 2 days if you're skiing Perisher. With 20cm plus of fresh stuff falling since Sunday, opening weekend looks set to deliver some fun for the snowbunnies.

We were lucky enough to be in the mountains earlier this week and got to see the sheer joy of our youngest family members frolicking (I'm sorry but there is no better word to describe it) in the precious white stuff. The beauty that snow brings to the landscape is unequivocal and so magical. What else can transform so much in silence?

THREDBO

Thredbo has had the guns blasting overnight thanks to consistent low temperatures. With a light natural cover from a few days ago they're working on a base to open on June 10th. More snow is forecast for Wednesday.

Opening weekend will see the return of the Thredbo Village Concert Series. It's always fun to join in some musical and liquid cheer in the village to celebrate the reason for putting up with snotty noses.

PERISHER

The early starter crew are getting ready to open in 2 days! Talk about over-achievers. The Village 8 Express Chairlift and Ski Carpet No.3 will open this Saturday on Front Valley to help skiers and boarders warm up their legs early to earn their true ski bum titles. Thanks to 20cm of fresh snow and cold temp's for some gun-snowmaking, the resort is excited to be the first to open in Australia for this winter, last time this was done was in 2012.

FALLS CREEK

These guys were lucky enough to have over 20cm fall on them since last weekend. Snow guns were blazing night and day and they're ramping up for opening weekend.

Today sees the annual Falls Creek Ice Plunge, with proceeds raised going to treatment for motor neurone disease, and to give thanks to the snow gods . Prizes go to those nutters who not only jump into the icy water, but do it in style in fancy dress.

Opening weekend will see village festivities with live music, skiing and snowboarding (if the gods are satisfied with the Ice Plunge offerings) and snow play.

Hot tip: Ultra luxe lodge, Astra, has been completely remodelled and expanded with the finest attention to detail and will be ready for opening weekend too. If you're looking for the ultimate snow getaway then look no further. My guess is the bar will be the place to be this season.

HOTHAM

With 22 plus cm of fresh white gold falling since last weekend, and snow making on the hill, Hotham looks ready to rock opening weekend.

Live music abounds, and hopefully some hill action, Hotham will be ready to celebrate opening weekend. They also seem pretty thrilled to have fireworks in the evenings, so get thee to the mountains!

Of course there are many more ski resorts in Australia (did you know we actually have 14 in total on our desert island?) but these 4 are the ones the majority of my clients go to. Where do you like to ski?