Ben Lomond National Park turns into winter wonderland after snowfall

Ben Lomond has turned into a winter wonderland overnight, with guests enjoying snowball fights as they wait for the opening of ski lifts. See the pictures >

Ben Lomond National Park has reported more than 5cm of snowfall overnight, turning the resort into a winter wonderland. June 18, 2023. Photo: Instagram

Ben Lomond National Park has turned into a winter wonderland after more than 10cm of snow fell overnight.

Ben Lomond Alpine Resort’s report confirmed they had optimum snow-making conditions, but not enough to open ski lifts.

While conditions are continuing to be monitored, Bass and Summit lifts could open on Monday for skiing and snowboarding.

Ben Lomond Snow Sports assistant manager Abel Pickering said the phone has not stopped ringing over the past couple of days.

“We’re starting to see the guests come today so I think the news is getting out that there’s a bit of white stuff on the ground finally,” he said.

Ben Lomond National Park has reported more than 5cm of snowfall overnight, turning the resort into a winter wonderland. June 18, 2023. Photo: Instagram

“It’s really promising. I know there’s quite a bit more snowfall on the horizon as well.

“We’re feeling really positive towards how the seasons are going to look and pan out.”

He said there have already been lots of snowball fights since guests started arriving at the national park.

“We’ve got some tobogganing out there that are really keen, lots of young kids out here having a good time and families and tourists from all over the world,” he said.

“It’s a lot of snow play action at the moment and there’s some keen skiers, and all sorts of stuff so people are really enjoying all facets of the mountain at the moment.”

Last week Ben Lomond Alpine Resort had some light snow, but because of the changing weather conditions, there wasn’t enough snow for any sports.

Snowfall at Ben Lomond National Park. Photo: Instagram

Ben Lomond Alpine Resort managing director Ben Mock said the national park is for all kinds of visitors.

“We’re hoping for a successful ski season with the installation of four of our new fully automated snow guns,” he said.

“We’re waiting for more conditions to arrive for us to put in a base to open up our Summit and Base ski lifts.”

The Bureau of Meteorology have forecasted snow for the rest of the week on Ben Lomond. Monday and Tuesday will have snow showers and winds and a top of -1C, before cloudy and top of 1C on Wednesday. There will be a snow shower or two and a top of 2C on Thursday through till Saturday.

All cars in Ben Lomond National Park must carry snow chains between June and September.

Mt Mawson and Cradle Valley will also be expecting snow showers over the weekend into the early week, before slightly warming up later on in the week.