SNOW is on the forecast for this weekend, with the resorts expected to receive 5-10cm of snow falling from late Saturday into Sunday.

While this will not be a defining snowstorm, it will start the process of cooling the ground, potentially allowing the resorts to commence their snowmaking and building an initial base from which we can add to.

In Jane Bunn’s weather forecast this week, she commented snow is likely to fall down to 1500m elevation on Sunday, plus cold air surging into the region from the bight. A high pressure system is blocking much of the rainfall and moisture.

The temperatures will be in the minus for four consecutive nights, ideal for snowmaking systems to fire up.

Looking ahead to the season, Jane said we need the strong cold fronts to arrive.

“Generally you need three or four big cold systems a season, and that is the thing that builds that base,” said Jane.

“Can we get three or four of those? Yes, we certainly can if a strong cold front can come up, have enough cold air, have enough source of that moisture, and enough instability to get that happening.”

Follow Jane Bunn's weather here

Jane will commence her snow season forecasts in early June, of which you can find here on the Snowy Mountains Magazine.

A perfect season would see early snow and multiple snow storms continue through the whole winter. But avid snow watchers would know that if we have these big storms, plus a few minor ones with smaller top ups and cold temperatures for snowmaking, it all works out to be a decent season.

There was a dusting of snow in early May, but the snow arriving this weekend is the start of hopefully many more snowfalls. 

The weather ahead for next week should allow for a few days of snowmaking while temperatures allow.

The official snow season opening is on the June long weekend opening starting on Saturday, 7 June.