THE SKI season is off to its biggest start in 20 years, with thousands flocking to Perisher for the snow and music festival this weekend.
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It was three-year-old Abbey Koschel's first time at the snow, and she had a great time tobogganing down the slopes with her father Brett. The Wagga family are there to visit relatives - and for a bit of fun in the snow.
''It is absolutely beautiful up here and when you get the chance on a long weekend you have to take it,'' Mr Koschel said.
''We're having a fantastic time. The kids are stuffed. They'll sleep well tonight.''
They were just some of thousands at the ski fields yesterday, and the numbers took National Park staff by surprise, with cars backed up kilometres down Kosciuszko Road. The Perisher car park was full by 10.30am, and the overflow stretched back to Pipers Gap.
Perisher public relations manager Neil Thew said it was the biggest crowd he had seen in his 20 years in the mountains.
''It's the first time I've seen the car park full on an opening weekend,'' Mr Thew said.
He put the success down to cheaper deals - including discounted season passes - and a targeted marketing campaign.
The Snowy Mountains of Music Festival reported a 50 per cent spike in ticket sales on last year, and director Belinda Shore said Perisher accommodation was almost fully booked out.
The fourth annual festival this year features 250 artists across 35 acts performing at 130 concerts over the weekend.
But Ms Shore said some tickets were still available for shows today and tomorrow.
''People should come along. It's a fabulous weekend with lots of entertainment and great skiing.''
Ms Shore - who is also Perisher Resorts Chamber of Commerce president - said the resort had the best snow cover in a decade.
Perisher opened a week early thanks to a strong snow base, both natural and manmade. Australia's largest resort opened 10 lifts yesterday.
Thredbo has seven of its 13 lifts open and only three of its trails - Ballroom, Walkabout and Friday Flat.
Police reminded drivers to take care over the long weekend.
One driver had a lucky escape when a car left Kosciuszko Road, near Smiggin Holes. The occupants suffered minor injuries.
