Season 2003 Of To A Great Start

Significant snowfalls starting on Thursday morning transformed Wednesday's grass covered slopes to a winter wonderland. The crowds that flocked to Thredbo for the official start to the 2003 snow season were not disappointed and the public holiday long weekend was one of the best for many years.

The magic carpet at Friday Flat was opened on Saturday while the mountain crew worked to get several trails open in the Merritts area which was opened on Sunday.

There were street buskers, a fashion show, the fireworks and much, much more. Those who survived Saturday's extended nightlife picked up their skis, boards or snowshoes and headed for the lifts.

After the long ride up the Merritts chair (with new motor and base station) skiers and boarders were presented with beautifully groomed slopes serviced by the Cruiser quad.

The depth of snow was quite good (considering there was none a few days before) although there was one small patch where the wind had thinned the cover. Many of us were on our rock hoppers in any case. The weather was spectacular with clear blue skies and little to no wind.

Monday was a repeat of Sunday's weather but with far less people on the mountain. This was probably due to the big night out that many staff and guests enjoyed (I saw many a sore head and red eye late on Monday).

Beautiful topping of white for the long weekend

Some of Saturday's activities around the village

Saturday night fireworks

Good crowds flocked to Thredbo for the holiday weekend

Crackenback - Sunday morning - clear sky and no wind

Merritts opened on Sunday with a nice cover of snow

Season 2003 is officially under way

With very cold nights under a clear sky the overnight temperatures have been down to double digits below zero and the snow guns have been running for many hours in several areas of the resort. Crackenback is looking good and hopefully will be open before next weekend.

There is another front forecast for next Thursday and with the base we now have this front may open up much more of the resort.