While Canberra's big chill over the weekend might have drawn the ire of residents who disliked the cold, it was welcome news for snow fanciers keen to hit the new slopes close to home.
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As temperatures dipped below zero three weeks into the ski season, fresh natural powder and good conditions for snow-making drew crowds to the fluffy slopes of the Snowy Mountains, as well as the capital's closest ski field at Corin Forest.
The area, south-west of Canberra, opened a 75-metre beginner's slope and lift to run ski and snowboard lessons this winter, marking the first time in two decades the ACT has had a ski field to call its own.
Corin Forest managing director Dane Liepins said staff were thrilled at the strong turnout of skiers, snowboarders and families keen for some snow play on the second weekend the new ski area had been open.
"We've had cold conditions the past several nights, and some natural snow on Friday, which has allowed us to make good snow coverage," he said.
For Evatt's Jeff and Rebecca Tyndall, the fresh snow and close proximity to home made an ideal opportunity to introduce their daughter Gemma, four, to the thrill of skiing.
Mrs Tyndall said the family had visited the snowy spot for sledding last year but the new facilities meant they could hit the slopes without having to venture outside the ACT.
"It means we're going to be able to really introduce our daughter to skiing properly," Mrs Tyndall said.
"We made snowmen and went skiing and then went and had a hot chocolate. It was a beautiful day out there."
Snowboarder Jordan Moloney, 20, of Bruce, said she was pleasantly surprised to find good conditions so close to home.
"But there was about 30 centimetres of snow covering most of the run that was open for snowboarders and skiers and there were a few mounds so I was really happy.
"I managed to get in there and have a bit of a board, a bit of a muck around and then get home and do some stuff this afternoon.
Mr Liepins said some weekend visitors had travelled to Corin Forest on day trips from Sydney and expected the looming school holiday period would bring more families to the region in coming weeks.
Thredbo and Perisher reported between 60 and 70 centimetres of snow dumped just in time for the weekend, with a light dusting forecast on high peaks on Monday and heavier falls predicted later in the week.
