Experiencing snow in Australia can be magical, especially if you have never seen it before, but it can also be dangerous.
The ski season officially starts across the Australian Alps this weekend after some ski resorts opened earlier than usual due to a significant dumping of snow.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, [BOM] many resorts have already got more than 100 centimetres of snow this week.
Given the icy conditions, Monaro Police District Commander Superintendent John Klepczarek is urging motorists to take care when driving in the high country this weekend.
"There's a lot of dangers, so just because it says 100 [kilometres per hour] doesn't mean you need to travel at a 100, especially in the dark or if it's a bit slippery."
BOM duty forecaster Jonathan How said it was expected to remain cold and snowy across the weekend in places of high elevation in Victoria, NSW and Tasmania.
He is urging people to keep an eye on the weather warnings.
"We will see continuous flurries throughout the day, but the heaviest snow has now passed," he said.
How to get to the snow safely?
Conditions can change quickly in the snow, so it's important that you are prepared.
Perisher Valley Fire and Rescue NSW captain Garth Willmott said there were some key things people could do to prepare, including understanding where the snow was falling, what the visibility was, and where chain bays were along the road.
"Quite a lot of Australians have never been to the snow before and have never had any experience driving on the road with icy conditions."
Carrying snow chains becomes a requirement for motorists in many high-altitude areas over the official ski season, which starts this weekend.
Snow chains help two-wheel-drive vehicles better grip the road in icy conditions.
Jindabyne ski and chain rental store owner Sam Freeth has already been busy fitting chains this winter as motorists flocked to the region early.
Another way motorists can stay safe on the road is to ensure their cars are prepared.
"Make sure you've got some anti-freeze in your coolant system," Mr Willmott said.
"Winter and the cold destroys batteries, so make sure you have a good, reliable battery and also [have] plenty of fuel."
'Best start' to the season
Some ski resorts have seen the "best start to the snow season" on record, Mr How said.
"For places like Perisher, Thredbo and Falls Creek, there are very similar snow bases."
Amelia Hodgson is a professional guide for elite blind skiers.
She said there were a few simple things beginners could do to be safe once they were on the slopes.
"Wearing a helmet is the main one, and just ski where you can," Ms Hodgson said.
"So, don't go up any [terrain] that you're not ready for."
