Bumper snow falls and colder than average temperatures has led to ski resorts opening to the public early, ahead of the official start of the ski season.
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Perisher will be open to skiers from Friday, one week out from the traditional start to the season on the June long weekend.
More than 60 centimetres of snow has fallen at Perisher in the past three days, driven by a series of cold fronts and strong winds.
Perisher spokesman Joss McAlpin said snow is expected at the resort throughout the rest of Thursday.
"Since early Monday morning, we have experienced extreme blizzard conditions and this continues to deliver the good stuff across the resort," Mr McAlpin said.
"Seeing this much snowfall in May has allowed us to open the resort early, allowing guests to begin ski and snowboarding for the 2019 season."
Meanwhile, Victorian resort Mount Buller said they would open to skiers on Saturday with free entry.
Thredbo has not announced whether it would open early for the season, but a further 10 centimetres of snow fell on Wednesday, with staff already out and about making sure snow runs were ready to go for next week.
Perisher is set to hit lows of minus 3 on Friday, with further snowfalls expected on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
After a windy day on Thursday, snow is predicted at Thredbo on Friday, with a minimum of minus 3 forecast.
Meanwhile, the ACT has also been buffeted by large amounts of snow, with the Brindabellas receiving a dusting.
ACT parks manager Brett McNamara said 15 centimetres had fallen during the week.
"Winter has arrived in the bush capital," Mr McNamara said.
Canberra Times
Andrew Brown
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
