Multiple states and territories are bracing for icy weather this weekend after some of the biggest ski resorts received decent falls of snow ahead of the season.
The Bureau of Meteorology said a low-pressure system is crossing south-eastern parts of Australia today and will be followed by cold air accompanied by strong winds.
For many south-eastern parts it will feel like winter has arrived early, particularly for Victoria, Tasmania and parts of southern New South Wales and the ACT.
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But while many people look to rug up, the early wintry blast has given a preview of the forthcoming season for skiers and snowboarders.
Just weeks out before its start, the cold front has brought a burst of snow showers over major ski resorts.
Satellite images released by WeatherZone showed the it was cold enough to produce snow over the Australian Alps.
Perisher resort in NSW reported 15cms of snow yesterday, while Thredbo had 6cms, with more forecast on the weekend. Mount Hotham in Victoria recorded 2cms.
Photographs from Perisher show the resort's runs covered in snow and deep layers on nearby mountain peaks.
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Away from the alpine regions, snowfall is predicted to be much lighter.
But skiers shouldn't read too much into the early snowfalls.
Autumn snow usually melts before the ski season and has no bearing on winter snow.
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