With winter approaching, Australia’s ski resorts are facing concerns over a lack of snow, potentially leading to a disappointing peak season.
WeatherZone predicts no significant snowfall for the five major ski resorts in New South Wales and Victoria before the season starts in June.
Meteorologist Felix Levesque attributes this to blocking highs over the Great Australian Bight, which have also brought wet weather to southeastern Australia.
Despite these forecasts, resorts remain optimistic. Nathan Butterworth, vice president of Perisher Ski Resort, notes that early snow levels don’t necessarily predict the season’s outcome, citing extensive snowmaking infrastructure as a key factor in their preparedness.
Warmer winter forecasts highlight ongoing challenges for Australia’s ski resorts in a changing climate.Sarah Watt from Falls Creek Resort echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that resorts typically receive a substantial snowfall in late June.
Snowmaking, while a solution, is costly and environmentally challenging, with impacts on surrounding ecosystems and water tables.
The decline in natural snow levels and shorter ski seasons have been linked to climate change, with warming temperatures reducing snow depth over the decades.
Climatologist Caitlin Minney from the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts a warmer-than-usual winter, with temperatures expected to be in the top 20% compared to previous years.
Sydney and Brisbane are likely to see average rainfall, while Melbourne might experience below-median levels. The bureau’s official winter forecast is set to be released on May 30.
While resorts are prepared to maximize snowmaking efforts, the unpredictability of snowfall in the coming years raises concerns about the future of Australia’s ski seasons amidst a changing climate.