The chilly conditions felt across much of southern and eastern Australia this week has meant a bountiful and early start to the snow season in the Alps.
The Snowy Mountains have had at least 50cm in the last week are expecting more as another cold trough crosses the state through the weekend.
While the snowfall is expected, and welcome, it brings with it the threat of mould, which often flourishes at alpine resorts.
The shift to cold weather often deters people from opening windows and airing out homes or accomodation, which can lead to poor ventilation, and coupled with snow and damp gear, means mould is likely to flourish.
One BOM meteorologist said “We had a dry, cold front earlier in the week which made temperatures cooler, but if you’re indoors, cooking and running hot showers and not opening windows, the moisture is trapped in there.”
While it may feel like mould only flourishes in warm conditions, its the humidity factor that often leads to growth – and wet snow gear, coupled with indoor heating and poor ventilation, can be prime conditions for growth.
Skiers and boarders are reminded to use dedicated drying rooms for their gear, which are often much better ventilated than other parts of the home, and to make sure they ventilate on blue bird days.