Apart from an almost comparable dump in 2011, the records monitored by Snowy Hydro at Spencers Creek, whose figures are used by Thredbo and Perisher, show the depths this far into the season are unrivalled until as far back as 12 years ago.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Deryn Griffiths said that there had been a good start to the season and that recent falls had been as low as 600-700 metres in the resorts. She said low pressure over the Tasman meant that temperatures would remain low (approx -5 degrees in resorts) although further falls were unlikely before next Wednesday when it would be less cold.

"I think we just call it good luck as far as the ski resorts are concerned," she said.

Thredbo resort spokesman Luke Kneller said: "We have had back to back storms, this will probably be one of the best weekends this season. We have had 25 centimetres of snow and it has been super windy, which at Thredbo doubles the amount of snow we receive."

Commenting on the deaths of two snowboarders lost in an avalanche he said: "We are just urging people not to take risks if they don't have the appropriate equipment or knowledge."

Perisher spokesman Richard Phillips described conditions as fantastic.

"In 2011 we had about the same amount this early but outside that you have got to go back probably to 2002. For this time of year these are some of the best conditions we have had for 10 to 15 years."