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SAM Magazine—Sydney, Australia, July 13, 2015—After what local ski area operators described as the worst start to a season in 50 years, a cold winter storm system continues to deliver freezing air across southeast Australia and new snow to the mountains. Meteorologists are calling it the “Antarctic vortex,” and in Sydney, it resulted in nearly two weeks of cold temperatures not seen since 1978.

SAM Magazine—Sydney, Australia, July 13, 2015—After what local ski area operators described as the worst start to a season in 50 years, a cold winter storm system continues to deliver freezing air across southeast Australia and new snow to the mountains. Meteorologists are calling it the “Antarctic vortex,” and in Sydney, it resulted in nearly two weeks of cold temperatures not seen since 1978.

The storm system has led to road closures in the Blue Mountains, the Southern Alps, and Central Tablelands, and the Bureau of Meteorology issued warnings for gale force winds along the coast and severe weather with gusts of up to 60 mph for the coming week.

The alpine regions of Victoria and New South Wales have received significant snowfall at elevations as low as 2,000 feet. Thredbo is reporting more than two feet of new snow from the storm and Susie Diver, communications manager, said 10 lifts would open on Tuesday, July 14.

“Another cold front rolled our way, so there's plenty of fresh snow to ride and play, all major runs are fresh and groomed to perfection, ” said Diver.

Mount Hotham has reported about 19 inches of new snow in the past 72 hours, and Mt. Baw Baw has received about 10 inches in the past week. Today Charlotte Pass reported about nine inches of new snow overnight, and Perisher received about four inches.

Meteorologists are forecasting the snow will taper off this week, but cold temperatures and strong winds will continue.