By KATH GANNAWAY
MOTHER Nature pitched in for the Queen’s Birthday opening of the snow season with some white fluffy stuff at Lake Mountain in Marysville and Mount Donna Buang at Warburton.
Changing seasons have meant more than a few Queen’s Birthday openings without any sign of natural snow, so it was a morale booster for what the Lake Mountain Resort and local businesses are hoping will be a bumper season.
Although there was just a smattering of snow on Saturday on Mount Donna Buang, Warburton Water Wheel Information Centre reported a huge weekend of visitation, with the proximity to Melbourne drawing a lot of families in anticipation of a snow experience.
Peta Godenzi, chair of business and tourism group Warburton Valley CEDA (Community Economic Development Association), said the town was jumping with cafes and restaurants packed and at least one reporting their busiest long weekend ever.
“There were lots of people just getting away for the weekend. It was lovely to see so many families and cyclists, and I think the businesses would be very happy,” Ms Godenzi said.
Marysville was also busy with the Lake Mountain Resort able to provide a guaranteed snow experience with their snow-making machines backed up by a good drop of snow from the skies.
The new Burton Riglet Park was officially opened, providing a safe environment for children from three to six to learn snowboarding, as well as the toboggan slope and snow play areas.
Marysville Information Centre co-ordinator Jamie Fiske said there were good crowds in Marysville on the Sunday and the Monday public holiday.
“It’s always great to get some natural snow to kick things off and get everyone a bit excited,” she said.
“We’re all hoping for a good snow season.”
For daily snow updates visit www.visitwarburton.com.au and www.lakemountainresort.com.au .
