A sub-zero cold snap has primed Victoria’s ski-fields ahead of the opening of the ski season this weekend.
Mount Buller and Falls Creek both report a thick covering of powder across the slopes before the season even starts, which bodes very well for the next few months.
Both resorts enjoyed heavy natural snowfalls on Sunday and have used the cold, wet weather this week to pump out artificial snow onto their runs. Buller currently has about 30 centimetres of powder down, with Falls Creek reporting about 20 centimetres.
Only twice in the last four years has there been enough snow to ski on opening weekend at Falls Creek, said marketing and communications manager Jo Prothero .
“It’s always a good sign,” she said.
“This week it’s been sub zero. So that really helps with keeping that natural snow that’s fallen on the ground.”
When Melbourne’s suffering through rough weather the snow operations team at Buller are always smiling, said the resort’s marketing manager Gillian Dobson.
“That’s ideal snowmaking conditions! Sorry that you’re miserable down there but we’re very happy up here!” she said.
“Last year we had an absolutely fantastic season. This year with such early snowfalls and perfect snow-making conditions we’re really excited.”
This story first appeared in The Age
