Ski season begins: Resorts bet on tech despite El Niño

The Australian ski season has officially begun, with resorts in Victoria and New South Wales receiving between 20cm and 40cm of snow prior to the long weekend. Snowmakers played a crucial role in bolstering the natural snowfall, ensuring widespread coverage in many areas. Resorts are increasingly dependent on technology such as snow cannons and snow factories to maintain viable conditions throughout the season.

Despite a positive outlook from resort managers like Thredbo's Stuart Diver, who reported increased sales, climate experts warn of a potentially difficult season. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts dry, warm conditions, exacerbated by the likely formation of El Niño, which does not favour deep snow cover. This presents a significant challenge to the industry, which is already facing concerns about the impact of climate change on future ski seasons.

Compounding these issues are rising costs for visitors. Lift passes, which in 2010 were already considered expensive, have more than doubled in price. This financial pressure has led some attendees to cut costs by bringing their own supplies. Looking ahead, a 2024 report indicates Australian ski seasons could shorten by up to 55 days by 2050 if climate trends continue, highlighting the industry's critical need for resilience measures like snowmaking.