WHILE Wangaratta welcomed 37mm of rainfall earlier this week, nearby mountain resorts were being blanketed with snowfall.

Both Falls Creek and Mt Hotham had more than 40cms of fresh snowfall on Tuesday and Wednesday, taking their average snow base to more than 70cms, and their seasonal snowfall this month past 130cms.

Alpine skiers and snowboarders were yesterday enjoying nature’s recent dump in sub-zero temperatures, which also allowed more groomed cross country trails at respective resorts to open.

Both resorts have a majority of their lifts operating and have significant terrain opened for beginner, intermediate and expert skiers and snowboarders.

Falls Creek opened both Ruined Castle and Scott Chairlifts last Saturday, expanding access to a wide variety of intermediate and advanced terrain such as Scott Race Course, Shadow Ridge, and the scenic Ruined Castle area.

It also opened its Toboggan Slope Magic Carpet at Windy Corner ($20 per 50 minute session) and night skiing and boarding returns this weekend.

Meanwhile, Hotham’s legendary Blue Ribbon lift is spinning, unlocking advanced terrain beloved by seasoned riders, who have also been enjoying Heavenly Valley.

Hotham has also opened its brand new dedicated Big D Terrain Park, offering jumps, rails, boxes and jib features all serviced by the Big D Quad Chair.

Dinner Plain has alpine skiing on the Cobungra Platter ski slope perfect for beginners, tobogganing on Australia’s longest run, and cross country skiing on local trails.

After up to 80mm of rain earlier in the week, good snowfall has again transformed Mt Buffalo into a winter wonderland, with tobogganing at Dingo Dell and Cresta areas, and good cross country skiing on groomed trails.

Anyone visiting the resorts are reminded you must carry chains and fit when and where directed.

• For the latest resort information, including snow reports, visit mthotham.com.au, fallscreek.com.au, visitdinnerplain.com.au and for Mt Buffalo go to www.facebook.com/VisitMountBuffalomndk/