Ski preview: Bring on the snow 2008

SKIERS are eternal optimists – and this year they have every reason to smile as we preview what's hot on Australian and NZ slopes.

SKIERS are eternal optimists, forever dreaming of powder days and snowy white winters. But they have every reason to be talking up the prospects of a good season this year.

The snowiest season in decades in the northern hemisphere and a distinct early trend toward a winter weather pattern across south-eastern Australia and New Zealand has sent the country's one million skiers and snowboarders searching for their gloves and beanies.

The northern winter had to be seen to be believed: famous US ski towns like Aspen, Vail, Telluride and Crested Butte were literally buried - and the snow dumped across Canada, Japan and Europe too.

"We've hit 400 inches (1016cm) for the season in Vail and it's easily been the biggest snow season I've seen in my 28 years in Colorado," said ski legend Chris Anthony this week.

Anthony will be in Australia next month to launch this winter's Warren Miller movie, Playground - the annual ski action thriller that fires up snow lovers for the winter ahead.

While a big northern winter doesn't guarantee snowfalls here, history shows it can be a strong indicator of what lies ahead, with the local ski season sliding into action on the Queen's Birthday long weekend (June 7-9).

It's been cold in our mountains already, with early snowfalls carpeting the highest peaks on several occasions.

Australia's five major resorts, Perisher Blue, Thredbo, Mt Buller, Hotham and Falls Creek, will host most of the 2.3 million-plus skier visits this season, with boutique resorts Selwyn Snowfields and Charlotte Pass also popular.

New Zealand continues to hold plenty of appeal for Australian skiers, although early bookings are down this year, possibly due to a poor snow season there in 2007.

However, clever marketing has ensured an overseas snow holiday in the Shaky Isles has never been as affordable. You can package a week in NZ with five days' skiing, accommodation, car hire and international flights for around $1000.

Skiing and snowboarding are not just about sliding down hills. They're about the beauty and peace of the mountains, about outdoor fun and indoor parties.

If you have never been to the snow, now is the time to book to secure your accommodation.

The first time you slide gracefully over a white carpet of ski trails on a blue-sky morning, or watch snowflakes fall like kisses from heaven, you'll understand why skiers are so passionate about their sport.

It's been a busy time at the alpine resorts with millions of dollars invested in infrastructure during the summer months.

Stage three of Thredbo's new automated snowmaking system has the snow guns ready to blast out the white flakes down the World Cup run on Mt Crackenback, with 155 guns now ready to crank up at any time across the resort.

Perisher Blue has extended automated snowmaking from mid-station on the quad chair down to Front Valley, with the signature advanced ski area of Mt Perisher next in line.

Hotham, despite clouds of ownership uncertainty hanging over the resort, will have snowmaking into Heavenly Valley while sister resort Falls Creek has extended its guns to the bottom of Wombat's Ramble, the longest beginner run in the country.

Falls Creek will also launch its $50 million St Falls gateway project on opening weekend, a new central hub featuring shops, apartments and eateries which will give skiers a real sense of arrival.

Another southern resort, Mt Buller, will unveil a $6 million six-seater chairlift from Bourke St to the top of the mountain, while Selwyn Snowfields will have a new triple chair.

And little Charlotte Pass, Australia's highest alpine resort, will unveil a new snowtube park, with the historic Kosciuszko Chalet also given a facelift.

All is in readiness: bring on the snow.