Start of Snow Season 09

Saturday was cold and there had been a really light dusting on the upper slopes overnight. Despite the cold, the upper mountain was popular. Unlike Perisher boasting about their rope tow on front valley, visitors to Thredbo found an ideal winter slide above the Basin where players could get just as wet and cold as any visitor to the other side.

The Saturday night fireworks were spectacular and even longer than many of us expected. I wonder if the closing weekend fireworks were accidentally thrown in?

Sunday had the traditional Blessing of the Snow. Unfortunately others had out voted me on when my winter body corporate meeting would be so I was unable to attend the blessing. Friends who volunteered to take some photos for me (and who will rename nameless) later apologised for being ‘slack’.

The snowfalls picked up last night and continued most of today and the settled snowline is gradually dropping towards the village.

I haven’t heard any snowmaking and can only assume that humidity levels remain too high. That hopefully will change in the next 24-48 hours.

The official start to Snow Season 2009

Saturday: The fences are up – all systems are 'go' – except for the white stuff

There where so many fireworks I have had to montage a small sample

Visitors taking advantage of the cold slippery dip above the Basin on Saturday

More fireworks

Thredbo introduces a new speed-reading course – Learn while you ride

More fireworks – What? You want snow photos?

Top row: Saturday morning Eagles Nest and Central Spur
Bottom row: Monday morning Crackenback and High Noon

The season is staring not with a Bang but more like a whimper

Update: Tuesday morning

Forecasters are promising much more snow tomorrow and Wednesday before a few fine days. There may be enough snow for skiing by Wednesday or Thursday but somehow I don’t think anything will open before Saturday.

NEWS: The Alpine Way from the NPWS gates has returned to 80kph. The pass holders’ lane reopened on Friday afternoon. Beware of the silver Pajero and the gold Forester.

Watch this space – I expect there may just be another report before the weekend ;-)