Australia’s snow season has come to an early end thanks to an unseasonal blast of warm weather.
Multiple ski resorts across the country have reported significant snow loss and unfavourable conditions after weeks of early spring weather.
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Weatherzone reports a combination of wind, rain and warm temperatures have resulted in “hair dryer conditions” in the mountains.
The warmer than usual conditions led to significant areas of terrain closing at resorts in NSW and Victoria.
A number of ski resorts have closed for the week, including Selwyn Ski Resort in NSW’s Snow Mountains, which closed its doors at 5pm yesterday evening.
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Nathan Butterworth, VP and GM at Perisher, told 9News it is planning on closing Guthega and Smiggin Holes resort areas on September 1.
“The decision to close two of our four resort areas has been made for the safety of staff, guests and the environment based on current snow cover and forecasted weather conditions that are not conducive to snowmaking,” he said.
“Perisher and Blue Cow will remain open and we encourage guests to join us for some fantastic spring skiing and snowboarding as we reach the final stretch of the 2024 season.”
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Butterworth said in an update on social media the current snow conditions and forecast for the next week meant resort operations will soon begin to wind down, including Guthega and Smiggin Holes.
“The recent warm temps, rain and wind mean we can no longer safely operate the terrain into these areas,” he said.
Perisher Valley, including Mt Perisher and Blue Cow, remain open.
Mt Buller ski resort in Victoria confirmed the resort is still open with seven lifts running.
“Mt Buller is enjoying skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing on the softer spring-like snow, with 7 lifts currently operating, plus 2 terrain parks,” a spokesperson told 9News.
Snow season usually winds up around October, however it could be unlikely fresh snowfall will change conditions.
Weatherzone notes it’s likely that rain will precede the snowfall and make conditions worse overall.
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