Snow season is back

By Kath Gannaway
WHEN snow flakes fell at Lake Mountain on Saturday, albeit briefly, it was hailed as a sign of good things to come.
The opening of the snow season with a family day was celebrated as a new beginning for the resort and for tourism in the Marysville region.
Lake Mountain marketing and events co-ordinator Trudy Ackerman said the traditional opening of the snow season on Queen’s Birthday weekend was usually low-key at Lake Mountain but this year was different.
The Black Saturday fires caused significant damage to the resort destroying many of the buildings, machinery and parts of the snow-making machinery, making it inoperable.
“This year the opening held a lot more meaning for the resort,” Ms Ackerman said.
“Not only was it the perfect opportunity to promote our new snow-making machine, it was also a chance to celebrate a new beginning for the area with a family fun day to host locals and attract visitors back to the area,” she said.
Ms Ackerman said staff and management at Lake Mountain have worked tirelessly since the February fires to get the resort back up and running, understanding its importance to the recovery efforts of the area and the local economy.
“Saturday was an opportunity for the resort to showcase all of this hard work,” she said.
The new snow-making machine made for some good dumps of the white fluffy stuff providing the ingredients for snow play and tobogganing – including a demonstration by Lake Mountain mascot Lenny the Leadbeater’s possum.
Face painting, fairy floss, wine tastings, massages, showbags and music all added to the festive atmosphere.
Marketing manager Kevin Beard said Lake Mountain visitors had stopped at other places along the way, including Marysville, adding support to the wider recovery effort.
Highlighting the importance Lake Mountain has on attracting visitors to the region he said, “a lot of local businesses rely on the visitors that come to Lake Mountain to support their businesses.”
For daily snow reports and details of other events at Lake Mountain visit www.lakemountainresort.com.au