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A general view from the Summit Quad Chairlift, looking down the mountain at Mount Hotham. (Mark Dadswell/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE—Victorian ski resorts are lauding the start to this year's snow season as the best in three years.
Sub-zero temperatures and snow falls last week created a winter wonderland, allowing skiers to hit the slopes for the first time on the Queen's Birthday opening weekend since 2007.
Mt Buller spokeswoman Rhylla Morgan said after a week of snow falls the resort was ready to roll on Saturday with four lifts operating.
"It's just an absolute highlight to start this strongly," Ms Morgan told AAP on Monday.
She said about 4000 skiers were on the mountain on Saturday and Sunday and up to 10,000 visitors in total.
The resort recorded 18cm of natural snow on the slopes and 45cm in snow making areas, with three runs -- Bourke Street, Baldy and Shaky Knees -- open.
At Falls Creek, spokesman Ian Talbot said some of the resort's major runs were well and truly covered in good snow levels.
"It's certainly been one of the better starts we've ever had (to the season)," he told AAP.
The 2.2km-long Wombat's Ramble was open, along with the beginner and intermediate trails, Main Street and Mouse Trap.
"We've got a very good cover on that beginner and intermediate terrain which satisfies the people that have come this weekend," Mr Talbot said.
Across the mountain there is 10cm to 12cm of natural snow and 30cm in snow-making areas, he said.
Three lifts were operating at Mt Hotham with 13cm of snow.
The traditional Queen's Birthday opening weekend is renowned for its party atmosphere.
The Olympic Winter Institute at Mt Buller hosted a masquerade cocktail party, while at Thredbo in NSW more than 130 acts featured during the three-day Festival Lights Up Winter music extravaganza.
