Cold, unpredictable weather makes ski fields thump and brings calls for clothing and blankets

The weather is getting colder.  Snow is falling in the southern and eastern states as a cold snap moves through.  Winds are gusting at up to 110 kph at the top of Thredbo peak, and blizzard conditions are being felt all the way down to 700m in altitude in most of Australia’s ski fields.  And predictions are that it will get colder and wilder over the next 24 hours.  It’s a great start to the ski season in Australia there is no doubt with bases of over 1m expected in the ski fields by the weekend!

Normally the first snow on Australia’s alpine peaks falls closer to the beginning of June.  This year they’ve had to wait until now.  But with more on the way, no one seems to mind.  The ski season will get off to a wintry blast this week as parts of the higher terrain, including many ski resorts, will receive up to 90-100 cm (36 -40 inches) of fresh snowfall before the end of the week according to AccuWeather.

“A powerful cold front blasted through Victoria and New South Wales over the past 48 hours bring much colder air and strong winds. Winds reached (53 mph) in Melbourne during the peak of the storm.

Gusty winds and showers will continue across the lower elevations, while the higher terrain will experience snow squalls and gale-force winds through Wednesday morning.

Rain and snow showers will linger across Victoria through the end of the week as many ski resorts take advantage of the situation to get the season underway.”

But for those doing it tough, the cold weather only makes it tougher.

The Salvation Army spokesperson in Queensland Stuart Estridge, told the ABC yesterday that  men’s clothes are in most demand this season.  “Men don’t seem to donate their clothes or they wear it until it’s worn out,” he said.  And blankets and shoes are always in demand at this time of year as people try to stay warm and comfortable against the exorbitant costs of heating and keeping a roof over their head.