For the first time in recorded history Falls Creek patrons were able to use the village's ski and ski out trails on opening weekend, with more the 50 centimetres of snow on the ground on the first official day of the season.
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Falls Creek Ski Lifts' Kate Moody said the first day of the 2019 season would likely go down as one of the biggest in Falls Creek history.
She said ski in and ski out trails from Falls Creek village were usually not open until much later in the season.
"This has never occurred in the recorded history of the mountain with the village roads normally opening towards the middle to end of June [or] early July," she said.
"In 2017 and 2018 the village trails were accessible for 103 and 106 days respectively, with each year setting the current record."
Seven lifts were turning on opening day at Falls Creek - the highest number operating on opening weekend since the record-breaking 2000 snow season.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Gully Chairlift, Towers Chair, Drovers Chair, Halley's Comet, Mouse Trap, Eagle Express and Peters Train were all functioning on Saturday.
Six lifts were operational at Mount Hotham on day one of the snow season with a snow base of 51 centimetres recorded, Mount Hotham's Bill Baker said.
"Who knows what the season will bring our way, but we are certainly off to a great start," he said.
"The cover is really good in all the snow making areas and there are also plenty of good off piste options that lead to the valley floor for those who are after a more adventurous option."
An icy end to autumn and chilly first week of winter across the alpine region resulted in blizzard like conditions in the lead up to opening weekend, but this week is set to be slightly warmer with the temperature unlikely to dip below zero until Friday at Falls Creek.
VicRoads has reminded residents the start of the snow season means Great Alpine Road's annual seasonal speed reduction is in place.
The revised speed of 60 km/h near Eurobin and Harrietville will remain throughout the declared snow season.
A VicRoads spokesman said seasonal weather conditions meant it was likely ice would form on the road.
"Motorists are asked to slow down and drive to conditions," he said.
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Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
