Snow-field operators are preparing for Canberrans to rush to winter wonderlands this weekend, but most won't have to leave home to see flurries on Wednesday.
The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted snowfalls across the capital as a cold front grips the region for the rest of the week.
Hail on Tuesday night is expected to turn to a flurry of snow at some point on Wednesday, but it will only settle on the ground above 600 metres.
It's a perfect preview for the official start of the snow season at Thredbo and Perisher, while Corin Forest has been inundated with visitors eager to make the most of the icy conditions.
Snowfalls could start in Canberra as early as 7am on Wednesday, but it will be more like sleet across the capital's suburbs.
With Canberra being at a lower elevation it is also likely that the snow won't be more than a mushy sludge on the ground, according to the Bureau of Meteorology's Hugh McDowell.
"At Corin Forest where there's higher elevations, there could be between 10 to 20 centimetres of snow on the ground," Mr McDowell said.
"Towards the Snowy Mountains area there will be about 50 centimetres of snow. However, we are very unlikely to get a snowfall on the ground in the main Canberra area."
This shift in weather will bring about a cold change to Canberra with overnight temperatures ranging from 0 to 3 degrees tonight and 5 to 10 degrees during the day.
Snow is likely due to a cold front moving across NSW, which is connected to a low-pressure system closer to Tasmania.
MORE CANBERRA NEWS
- Maggots falling from ceiling at Reid complex
- Severe weather warning for Canberra
- From hail-hit home to fresh premises for ACT police
The cold front was lingering over the eastern Riverina and was expected to make its way to Canberra on Tuesday night.
The start of the snow season and the chilly conditions in Canberra have prompted ACT Policing to warns drivers to be aware of dangerous conditions on the road.
Acting Superintendent Donna Hofmeier said: "If you are considering going up [to the mountains] we would ask that you go up there with someone who is experienced.
"Use a four-wheel-drive [vehicle], use your headlights, look out for the ice on the roads and just listen to the radio and ACT government website [about] road closures."
Corin Forest officials have been welcoming visitors for weeks and the fresh fall will add a new blanket to the snowfields.
"We do get snow settling a couple of times a season here. This is looking like it's going to be a pretty big one if it goes according to the weather reports. We are hoping in the next few days the whole place will be blanketed in white," marketing boss Ashleigh Harrow said.
This weather is predicted to continue from tomorrow to late Friday afternoon.
