A stunning sunny day in the capital with a forecast top of 17 degrees almost hid the fact winter was upon the territory. A cold night and early frost were the only tell-tale signs.
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Plenty of people were out and about in the capital on Saturday. Playgrounds were buzzing with rosy-cheeked children enjoying the warmer start to winter, although temperatures were expected to drop again come Monday.
The Kambah adventure playground was alive with energetic children and their rugged-up parents, including six-year-old Caleb Krsteski who was enjoying a swing in the sun.
![Perisher opens early. Joanne Beattie and daughter Zara were some of the first on the slopes this season on Saturday. Picture: Perisher Perisher opens early. Joanne Beattie and daughter Zara were some of the first on the slopes this season on Saturday. Picture: Perisher](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc75lkeeiqfn7e2cfk1gs.jpg/r0_320_6000_3387_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Bureau of Meterology forecaster Ash Langey said the outlook for the rest of the week was a mixed bag.
Sunday was set to cool off slightly with a top of 15 degrees forecast, getting down to minus-one in the morning with frost and fog expected. A breeze was expected about midday.
The forecast for Monday was for a very high chance of showers, Ms Langley said.
"On Monday we're also seeing the snow levels drop to around 900 metres.
"We could possibly see some snow about the Brindabellas," she said.
On Tuesday, conditions were set to stay about the same with a slight chance of showers, but by Wednesday the rain will clear and the sun will come out again - with a top of 13 degrees forecast for the capital.
Over the past week snow has blanketed the Kosciuszko National Park which gave Perisher snow fields the opportunity to open early on Friday. Thredbo will celebrate their opening weekend on June 8 and 9.
Over the past seven days, 75 centimetres of fresh snow has fallen at Perisher.
![Caleb Krsteski, 6, at the Kambah Adventure Park. Picture: Dion Georgopoulos Caleb Krsteski, 6, at the Kambah Adventure Park. Picture: Dion Georgopoulos](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc75ljts0vzi01odvn1dd.jpg/r0_0_4256_2828_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The resort opened earlier than expected on Friday, more than a week earlier than the traditional Queens Birthday long weekend season opening. On Saturday there were five lifts open to the public on the clear, blue-skies day.
A word of warning though from NSW Police.
"While the 'winter wonderland' looks beautiful and the snow is very welcome for many of us, these looks can be deceiving," a police spokesman said.
The spokesman said weather conditions in Kosciuszko National Park can deteriorate very quickly, which can jeopardise people's safety.
"Please, when embarking on a trip to the snow, ensure you are well prepared, have appropriate warm clothing as well as enough food and water."
The police spokesman said when skiing or hiking in the back country, never go alone. Ensure you are well equipped and carry a personal locator beacon."
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services loans out personal location beacons for a refundable deposit from the Snowy Region Visitor Centre in Jindabyne and the Perisher Visitor Office. The beacon sends a signal via satellite to emergency services if a person is in trouble.
The police spokesman said it's important to make sure someone knows your intended location, whether that's national parks staff or family and friends.
Additionally, driving to and from the snow can be dangerous. Police advise caution on the roads and reminded motorists to carry chains if driving in the snowy mountains.
Police have already assisted one person get out of an icy situation. Last Sunday, a 35-year-old man drove to Charlotte Pass and parked his car to walk to Blue Lake. He returned about 7pm that night, but the weather had deteriorated so the man slept in his vehicle.
Heavy snow falls overnight meant the man was unable to drive out safely. A resident of the area saw the car and called for police assistance. Police were able to extricate the man safely.