NSW, Victoria ski resorts shuttered amid lack of snow over Australian Alps

A lack of snow over the long weekend has forced the country’s busiest resorts to abandon the start of the ski season.

Ski lifts have been shuttered over the King’s Birthday long weekend at some of Australia’s biggest snow resorts as operators contend with unseasonably low snowfall.

Thredbo and Selwyn ski resorts, in the NSW Snowy Mountains, announced that snow activities would be postponed only days out from the traditional start to the ski season.

Thredbo took to social media with the shock postponement as tourists prepared to descend on the slopes, writing: “Mother nature is a little late to the party this year.”

Thredbo snow machines were working hard to create some coverage. Picture: Thredbo

Perisher Ski Resort received about 8cm of snow before the holiday weekend. Picture: Perisher

“Unfortunately there will be no skiing or snowboarding this weekend due to a lack of snow. We’re offering a credit for all lift passes, rentals and lessons pre-purchased for 10-12 June, 2023.”

Nearby Perisher Ski Resort made the last-minute decision on Friday to open parts of its snowfield after reportedly receiving as much as 8cm of snow in an 11th hour flurry.

The resort also got their snow machines working to supplement the natural snowfall.

“Phew, that was a close one,” the resort wrote on Facebook.

“Mother Nature really did put the ‘no’ in snow the past few weeks, but she has delivered overnight.

“Thanks to the snowfall, we can safely operate a skier conveyor at the base of Front Valley over Opening Weekend.”

However, Perisher said in a statement that the chairlift would not be operational over the holiday weekend due to the “current terrain”.

Limited skiing options were available at Perisher Ski Resort over the holiday weekend. Picture: Perisher

Holidayers were determined to make the most of it. Picture: Perisher

Pictures shared to social media showed mostly beginner or younger skiers enjoying the restricted offerings.

The beleaguered start to the season dashed hopes for another bumper year after unseasonably early snowfall across the NSW snowfields in May.

The NSW and Victorian snowfields were blanketed in snow in early June 2022, amid the then-ongoing La Nina conditions.

Falls Creek Resort announced it would open after a “generous” dusting of snow. Picture: Falls Creek Resort

Hotham Alpine Resort recorded as much as 8cm of snow before the holiday weekend. Picture: Hotham Resort

In NSW, operators traditionally launch the annual ski season over the King’s birthday long weekend if conditions allow.

For resorts across the border in Victoria, conditions were equally mixed with a number of resorts keeping lifts closed.

The popular Hotham Alpine Resort did not open ski lifts for the holiday weekend despite snow covering the slopes.

Unfortunately it wasn’t enough for the resort to open. Picture: Hotham Resort

“While we were hit with a wintry blast overnight and 8cm of snow fell, we are not in a position to spin any lifts this weekend,” the resort said.

“There’s snow in the forecast and more favourable snow-making conditions ahead so we’ll be doing everything we can to open soon.”

The Falls Creek Resort announced on Saturday meanwhile that after a “generous” dusting of snow the facility would be open.

“The good news is it is cold up here today and mother nature kindly delivered a generous 5cm in the last 24 hours,” the resort said.

Eager skiers and snowboarders are hopeful Hotham will open soon. Picture: Hotham Resort

Any guests who pre-purchased lifts tickets, lessons, or rentals prior to lifts operating were issued a refund after Hotham resort did not fully open over the holiday weekend. Picture: Hotham Resort

“Keep your eyes on our snow report and snow cams over the next week, we see a storm brewing on Tuesday.”

Both sides of the border are expected to benefit from a cold blast forecast for the coming days.

Thredbo and Mount Hotham have a high chance of receiving snowfall between June 13-14, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

“A ridge of high pressure has developed over the state,” according to BOM.

“Settled conditions are expected for the coming days as the high pressure system moves overhead and into the Tasman Sea.

“The next cold front looks set to cross the state on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing a return of unsettled conditions.”

Hotham Alpine Resort said they would “do everything” to open ski lifts soon. Picture: Hotham Resort

Hotham Alpine Resort recorded only enough snow on the ground for “snow play” over the holiday weekend. Picture: Hotham Resort

The forecast gave little relief for many holiday-makers who had hoped to hit the slopes over the long weekend.

Many took to social media to vent their frustration with the conditions.

One snowsports hopeful was not convinced by Perisher’s limited offerings, writing: “Only the carpet slope is open.

“Not worth it if you want to ski or board.”

Another noted the wild disparity between last year’s snowfall and this year’s paltry showing at Selwyn Snowfields.

“Last year there was too much snow for you guys to open,” they said.

“Now not enough … Hoping you can catch a break soon.”

Many were hopeful that the snow machines at ski resorts would help change skiers fortune soon.

“Crank them up to warp speed please,” one social media commenter said.

Originally published as NSW, Victoria ski resorts shuttered amid lack of snow over Australian Alps