The Snowy Mountains has received a dumping of snow ahead of the official opening of the ski season this weekend, as wild weather sweeps across NSW and Victoria.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said Perisher Valley received about half a metre of snow on Wednesday night and there’s more on the way with the forecast predicting a chance of snow through to Sunday.
The recent snowfall and a colder-than-average May has set the slopes up for a bumper ski season, with Perisher last week opting to open its Front Valley a week earlier than normal.
Thredbo Resorts said this week’s snowfall means the long weekend is shaping up to be “one of the best opening weekends ever”.
“Mother Nature has really delivered with a massive 60cm of fresh snow falling up top over the past few days,” a Thredbo spokesperson said.
“Over the past month we’ve had consistent early season snowfall and cold nights allowing the snowmaking guns to fire up … all really good signs for a bumper season ahead!”
The spokesperson said the resort is waiting to welcome skiers and boarders to the slopes this season, and the recent snowfall will allow a number of runs to open.
“We have seen some great interest in the coming season. With limited passes this season, we recommend everyone plans ahead and books their passes online prior to arrival.”
And while Canberrans are expected to take advantage of this week’s wild weather and flock to the snowfields and the mountains, ACT and NSW police are urging drivers to take care on the roads.
ACT Policing Detective acting Superintendent Donna Hofmeier said earlier this week police and emergency response times can be impacted by the remote areas in the mountains surrounding the ACT.
“If you are considering going up there, then we would ask that you either go with someone who is experienced in driving, use a 4WD, use your headlights, look out for the ice on the roads, and just listen to the radio and ACT Government websites in regards to road closures.”
