CORIN Forest General Manager Dane Liepins says that after a long, warm autumn this weekend looks set to bring snow to the ACT two weekends before the official start of the ski season.

“The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting snow down to 1200m on Saturday 28 May,” Dane said.

“This will be a head start to a big ski season for Corin Forest. Building on a strong return to snow play in 2014 and 2015, the snow experience on Canberra’s doorstep will be taken to the next level this year.

“Skiing and snowboarding will return to the slopes of Corin Forest this winter, for the first time in 21 years. A 5000m2 slope with a “magic carpet” ski lift will be run, offering ski and snowboard lessons. The additions will be a perfect environment for first ­timers and those wanting to brush up on their skills.

“We’re really excited to be bringing skiing back to Corin Forest. It’s been gone a long time, and from the moment we came here at the end of 2013 it is what we’ve been working to.

“We’re not trying to take on the big resorts. We’re still all about families at Corin, we want to be a great day out for the whole family and an affordable step before you move on to bigger slopes.

“We’ll be running two sessions on the lift each day. Half day lift passes, ski or board hire (check these boards for beginners) and a lesson are under $100­ and you can be back in the CBD less than an hour later.”

“For safety and to make sure everyone gets the most out of their session the area will be limited to 150 skiers at a time, with tickets sold online.

“If there is natural snowfall over the weekend a snow play area will open, details will be provided through Corin Forest’s social media. Work is underway and the lift and ski slope are expected to open in June.”