Authorities are urging anyone heading to alpine or elevated areas to plan ahead with various weather warnings still in place.

A powerful polar blast has delivered a shivering start to winter across Australia’s southeast, dumping snow on alpine regions and sweeping icy winds as far north as Queensland, while coating parts of regional New South Wales and Victoria in white.

Pictures emerging from regions like Cooma and Canberra show cars buried, fields dusted in snow, and roads turned to ski runs. Thredbo and Perisher have recorded upwards of 40cm of fresh snow — some of the most significant early-season falls in recent years — as freezing air rushed in from the Southern Ocean.

In NSW, snowfalls were reported across the Central Tablelands, Blue Mountains, and Snowy Mountains, with residents waking to scenes more typical of Scandinavia than regional Australia.

"It's absolutely dumping," one Perisher local said. "We’ve had around 45cm already and it’s still going."

In Cooma, locals shared extraordinary footage showing rooftops and front lawns blanketed in snow. "This is the most I’ve seen fall here in years," one resident posted online. In Orange, snow fell across Sunday and into Monday morning, with locals sharing videos of flurries drifting through town.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Command are reminding all road users to take extra care when driving in the snowfields.

Warnings remain as icy blast sweeps across southeast

The Snowy Mountains lived up to their name, with conditions turning treacherous for two hikers near Mt Kosciuszko, who became trapped in whiteout blizzard conditions on Saturday. The 31-year-old man and 28-year-old woman activated an emergency beacon, prompting a major rescue operation.

"Due to the weather, including low visibility, a helicopter was unable to reach the pair," NSW Police said. "Officers from the Alpine Operations Unit hiked into the location and reached the man and woman about 10.40pm." The pair were brought to safety around 4am Sunday, both uninjured.

The ACT has also been swept up in the chill, with Canberra facing gusty winds, sleet and a maximum of just 8 degrees on Monday. Wind chill made it feel far colder, with apparent temperatures hovering close to zero in exposed areas throughout the day.

Temperatures dropped to below freezing across large parts of the southeast, with more chilly weather on the way.

Police have reminded the public to drive cautiously on icy roads. "With recent heavy snowfalls impacting these roads, drivers need to be prepared for changing conditions. Please ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and well equipped with extra supplies should you become stranded in snowy conditions, as help can often be a long way away," NSW Highway Patrol said. People driving in the Snowy Mountains are required to carry chains and fit them when directed.

Desperate rescue mission continues in Mt Hotham, Victoria

Further south, Victoria copped a full-force blast of wintry weather, with more than 50cm of snow falling at Mt Hotham and motorists caught off guard. Six people remain stranded after becoming trapped in their vehicles by heavy snowfall on Saturday night.

At around 10.50pm, approximately 20 travellers were caught out by the snow while driving along the Blue Rag Range Track at Mount Hotham. The group was forced to spend the night in their cars as conditions worsened. By Sunday, Victoria Police and State Emergency Service (SES) crews had managed to rescue 13 of them.

Amid the difficult conditions, a man in his 40s sustained injuries when his vehicle rolled. A fire truck that had been sent to assist also became bogged down in the snow.

The remaining six people were unable to be rescued and had to endure temperatures that dropped to -4.3° degrees overnight. SES Regional Duty Officer James Boler described the rescue conditions as "pretty treacherous."

Ski resorts laud 'electric' conditions

Meanwhile, the sudden dump has kicked off a bumper start to the ski season, with Thredbo opening for skiing and launching its winter festivities. Visitors flooded the alpine village for the weekend, despite road warnings and icy conditions. "The vibe has been electric," a Thredbo spokesperson said. "It’s been a dream opening weekend with fresh snow, music, and après ski events."

Weather warnings remain in place across higher parts of southeastern Australia as the system continues to push through, bringing strong winds, freezing overnight lows and dangerous driving conditions.

Authorities are urging anyone heading to alpine or elevated areas to plan ahead.

"Be prepared for extreme conditions. Fill out a trip intention form, carry a personal locator beacon, and check the forecast before heading out," NSW Police warned.

Despite the cold, many Australians are embracing the change of pace, particularly after years of inconsistent snow seasons.

As the snap continues to sweep the country’s southeast, more snow is forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday in alpine regions, while cities like Sydney and Melbourne will feel the chill with strong southwesterly winds and icy nights.

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Source: Yahoo.