First Tracks For 2009 Laid In Southern Hemisphere Thanks To Heavy Pre-Season Snow (04-May-09)

Australian Snowfields, May 4, 2009 - Over half-a-metre (20 inches) of snow has been falling

Over half-a-metre (20 inches) of snow has been falling on Australia’s ski slopes over the past 48 hours, with most still not expecting to open for nearly six weeks or more. 

Snow continues to fall at Perisher in New South Wales. From the peaks to the valleys, a thick layer of snow can be found, making the resort look more like July than April. Another 25cm (10 inches) of snow settled across the upper elevations on Monday night, April 27th.

Overnight temperatures dropped to -5 degrees Celsius and it is currently 0 degrees Celsius at the bottom of the Forester Quad Express. Weather forecasters have predicted that overnight temperatures will stay nice and cool with more snow showers expected in early May. Cold temperatures will also allow Perisher to commence its snowmaking operations earlier as well.

Wind-drifts of over two metres (seven feet) can be found in places giving visitors an early taste of winter and the chance to have some cold play fun. Light falls are expected to continue throughout today.

Mt Hotham has had a similar snowfall. From 11pm on Saturday night a snow blizzard has captured the resort leaving nothing uncovered. Although the start of the season is more than six weeks away locals hiked up to get the very first tracks of 2009 in the southern hemisphere.

Meanwhile Mt Buller has announced plans to open five weeks early, this weekend, because of the early snow.