A large dump of snow has brought forward the ski season in some parts of the Australian Alps and forecasters predict the first weekend of winter could see more perfect conditions.
A cold front combined with a low-pressure system is tipped for the weekend, with 60 centimetres of snow expected in NSW and half a metre in Victoria.
Weatherzone meteorologist Andrew Schmidt said the combination will create the perfect conditions for snow lovers.
"It is definitely a good sign for the season ahead," he said.
"With La Niña still lingering around and we've also got the southern oscillation index, which is a good sign of rainfall — or in this case snowfall.
"If that all comes about then we should see some pretty nice snow throughout the winter season."
Businesses predict busy season
Local businesses in the NSW Snowy Mountains are gearing up for what they anticipate to be a busy snow season, after a challenging couple of years.
The region lost most of its bookings during winter last year when Greater Sydney and Canberra were plunged into lockdown.
Hannah Kirsh opened her wine bar in Jindabyne just before the region was impacted by the lockdowns.
She said she was looking forward to finally welcoming visitors this year.
"We opened in May 2021 when we thought COVID-19 was over and then we went straight back into lockdown in August.
"So, we didn't get the season we deserved."
A number of ski resorts in the alps are opening earlier than anticipated, including Perisher, Falls Creek, Mount Buller, and Mount Hotham.
The official opening weekend for the season is the June long weekend but all four resorts will now open from Saturday.
"We've had 60 centimetres so far this storm and there's loads more snow anticipated this weekend," Perisher Resort's general manager Belinda Trembath said.
"We're most excited about entering a season with good snow on the ground."
Mt Hotham Skiing Company general manager Nathan Butterworth said he was pleased to see large dumps of snow predicted to fall over the coming week.
"We've watched the resort transition from green to white," he said.
"I'm thrilled to be able to bring the season opening forward and welcome guests back to what is a very special part of Victoria."
Thredbo and Charlotte Pass ski resorts in NSW are still set to open on the June long weekend, while Selwyn will be able to finally reopen on July 2 after it burnt down in the 2019–2020 fires.
COVID anxiety continues
The season will not be without its challenges this year as COVID-19 is still expected to cause some disruptions with staff and visitor bookings.
But Perisher Lodge owner Anna Tait said most local accommodation providers had good systems in place to navigate COVID-19.
"We've had two years where we all learnt how to deal with COVID, so all the lodges are really savvy," she said.
"But if someone is feeling unwell or sick then I am going to ask them to wear a mask to protect those in the lodge."
