Surprise! Skiers rejoice in 40cm of fresh snow

SKIERS and snowboarders are rejoicing after a surprise 40cm of snow fell at an Aussie resort overnight.

Hotham

SKIERS and snowboarders are rejoicing after a surprise 40cm of snow fell at Perisher ski resort in NSW overnight.

Perisher public relations and business development manager Neil Thew said it was unusual to receive so much snow in one hit and today was "the day of the season''.

"I didn't expect to get this much snow - nobody really forecasted it and it just seems like it happened on us,'' he said.

"Often you get 10cm, 15cm or 20cm, but not 40cm.

"I've just been out skiing and it's a legitimate 40cm and it's pretty good out there.

"Everyone's champing at the bit. There's lots of hoots and hollers going on out there.''

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With more snow is on the way, Mr Thew said he expected a boom in bookings.

"Anyone who's booked their holidays for next week is in for a special time,'' he said.

"The avid skiers who check the snow reports and can react quickly will be looking for beds wherever they can get them.''

Snow also fell at other Australian resorts with Thredbo in NSW receiving 15cm, Charlotte Pass receiving 30cm and 14cm at Victorian Resorts Falls Creek and Hotham.

Thredbo fresh tracks

Most resorts have over a metre of accumulated snow now, with more than 2m at Hotham.

Mt Buller spokeswoman Rhylla Morgan said 13cm of snow fell overnight and another 10cm was expected today.

"There is plenty of celebrating taking place around the resort here today, especially with the news that more lifts will be opening,'' she said.

"The Bull Run lift on the southern slopes is turning today for the first time and Federation, Grimus and Canyon Tows are all expected to join the count this weekend taking lift operations to 20/22.''

Hotham

Mt Buller

Mt Buller ski resort