Chaotic scenes at ski fields as heavy snowfall sparks safety warnings
A timely cold spell has skiers and snowboarders flocking to popular Australian ski resorts in the NSW Snowy Mountains. But the visit comes with an important reminder.
After a shaky start to the ski season, snow has been coming down in bucketloads around Australia's ski fields this week. Cold temperatures have replaced the mild conditions from last month and families taking advantage of the school holidays are packing up their skis and snowboards and heading for the slopes.
Perisher Ski Resort in NSW reported on Tuesday morning 12cm fell overnight and more is expected in coming days. While it's a welcome change for avid snow lovers and those in the industry, one skier told Yahoo News the Snowy Mountains in NSW have been chaos in the last few days as car after car arrives on the icy roads, with many ill-equipped for the conditions.
Sam Millar was skiing at Perisher on Tuesday and captured an image of a packed car park as a line of cars rolled in, searching for a parking spot among the snow.
He claims few cars were using chains — devices that are attached to car tyres to increase traction in the snow — and few were four-wheel drives, which have increased traction ability when compared to two-wheel drives, meaning there were safety concerns for many visitors.
Around the NSW ski fields, including Perisher and Thredbo, all 2WD vehicles are required by law to carry snow chains. The same rules apply in Victoria and big fines are issued to drivers not carrying chains.
Online visitors were saying the roads were "very icy" and "nasty", with many urging drivers to "be careful" and take their time.
Perisher Ski Resort urges visitors to explore safe travel options
Perisher Ski Resort confirmed it is a "popular" time to visit and those taking the trip to the Snowy Mountains will do well if they keep in mind there is an increase in the number of visitors.
"During these periods we strongly encourage guests to plan ahead to make the most of their mountain experience," Nathan Butterworth, Perisher's General Manager told Yahoo News. "There's an enhanced Snowy Mountains bus service offered by Transport NSW from Jindabyne to Perisher and Bullocks Flat."
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If visitors choose to drive to the resort, Butterworth urged people to "refresh your mountain safety knowledge" and carry snow chains for their wheels, as well as scrubbing up on the knowledge of how to fit them.
"Read about how to plan a safe day at the snow, including driving to the conditions," he said.
Winds could reach up to 110km/h at highest peaks
Millions of people have been warned the cold spell could bring dangerous weather conditions across the southeast of the country, with those in the alpine region told they could expect winds of up to 110km/h in the next few days. Blizzard conditions are expected, with travel being considered particularly dangerous.
Away from the Snowy Mountains snow has fallen in several areas including across the NSW Central West, Central and Northern Tablelands. Oberon in the west and Guyra in the north were blanketed in snow on Tuesday.
The Bureau of Metrology (BOM) has issued weather warnings for coastal areas and elevated parts of Tasmania, Victoria, NSW and the ACT, with snowfall even forecasted for the NSW and Queensland border.
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