As the first third party title to make use of the Wii Balance Board, Namco Bandai’s Family Ski has a little more pressure on itself to succeed than it might otherwise have done if its developers took the safer option and ducked away from the idea. Still, the early signs are positive and, already confirmed for the US as We Ski, Nintendo of Europe has decided to stick to the game’s original name - Family Ski - for its release in the continent this June, announced today.

Based at the Happy Ski Resort, Family Ski allows up to four players to explore the slopes in a free-roaming adventure in which they take part in all sorts of challenges and rescue and delivery missions. There’s no need to worry if you’re a little tentative about the snowy sport, because Family Ski offers a full tutorial at the Ski School, with basic manoeuvres such as parallel turns, skating and crouching all covered.

Of course, however, the support for the Wii Balance Board is one of Family Ski’s biggest draws. Using the Wii Remote and Nunchuck to propel yourself forwards, players can lean left and right to slice their way down Family Ski’s snow-filled runs, from the gentle incline of Rabbit Road to the steep, vertigo-inducing heights of Lion Peak.

What’s more, you’ll be able to take static snaps of your adventures and share the photos with other players over the Wii Message Board.

“We are thrilled to be the first publisher to offer a realistic and enjoyable skiing experience that can also support the new Wii Balance Board,” said Todd Thorson, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. “NAMCO BANDAI is working to entertain both casual gamers and hardcore enthusiasts with a recreation of a beloved sport and pastime.”

Family Ski arrives in Europe on June 13, and earlier on May 27 in North America.