Record Heat Forces Early Ski Resort Closures

Several major Australian alpine resorts have ceased operations weeks ahead of schedule, marking one of the most challenging ski seasons on record. This early closure is attributed to "challenging" weather conditions characterized by record-breaking heat and a severe lack of snowfall, with any precipitation often falling as rain instead of snow.

Seven resorts, including Victorian destinations Mount Buller, Mount Hotham, and Falls Creek, alongside New South Wales' Charlotte Pass, announced an end to ski operations this past weekend. Other resorts like Mount Baw Baw, Selwyn, and Tasmania's Ben Lomond had already closed earlier. This is a stark contrast to the typical closure around the first weekend of October.

Climate scientists point to the combined effects of an El Niño event and global climate change as primary factors. Data indicates that winter temperatures in alpine regions have risen significantly since the 1960s, leading to precipitation falling as rain, which erodes the snowpack. This winter saw unprecedented warmth, with New South Wales, Tasmania, and Victoria all recording their hottest winters. Some resorts experienced temperatures up to 12C above average during a heatwave in July.

Despite the challenges, some New South Wales resorts like Perisher and Thredbo remain open. Ski resort representatives acknowledge the difficult season but emphasize the investments made in snow-making technology, which helped maintain operations through July and August, indicating continued demand for snow holidays.