More Australia Ski Resorts Close as Snow Melts
27th August 2024
Last modified on September 11th, 2024
Thredbo is the latest area to close early. It has been a generally poor winter with worries about the future. UPDATED
Updated, Wednesday 11th September
Thredbo in New South Wales is the latest to announce an early closing of its ski season.
The resort was scheduled to close this coming Sunday, September 15.
“While we may be finishing earlier than expected, we also had some of the resort’s best-ever months this season with many big wins to celebrate,” said the resort’s General Manager, Stuart Diver.
“To our incredible team who worked tirelessly to make every guest’s experience special this winter, I express a heartfelt thank you.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone back next winter.”
Update, 8th September:
Falls Creek is the latest area to announce an early closing due to insufficient snow.
Mt Hotham in the state of Victoria finished its season last Wednesday.
That’s a wrap on the ‘24 season. Thanks to all of our guests for skiing and riding with us. This mountain is a special place, whether you visit for a day, a week or a season, you are a valued part of our community. We can’t wait to see you back for a winter of adventure in ‘25 💙 pic.twitter.com/FYYCrLVutO
— Hotham (@_hotham) September 4, 2024
The resort made the closure announcement last week.
Mt Buller has now shut.
Mt Baw Baw also closed on September 1st.
It’s the second year in succession that Mt. Baw Baw closed in early September.
Last winter the resort suspended winter operations on September 3rd.
Resort entry is discounted this weekend at Mt. Baw Baw’s.
Falls Creek has reduced the price of its lift pass by 30%.
Resort entry permits are now $44 per day.
“The beauty of Falls Creek is that much of our terrain faces south, meaning it’s less affected by the sun and weather and retains snow longer than some other Australian resorts,” said the Head of Marketing & Visitor Experience, Sarah Watt.
“The coverage on the south side is holding up well, still offering good skiing and boarding for both beginners and intermediate skiers.
“Conditions are far from their peak but with these great deals, it’s a good option for beginners and first-timers to hit the slopes.
“To encourage guests to visitors to the resort despite the unseasonable change in conditions, the resort and business operators within, have decided to decrease prices to reflect the current experience.”
In New South Wales, Selwyn Snow Resort is also closed though it stressed it hopes to re-open if conditions allow.
It is the lowest level resort in Kosciuszko National Park.
“It’s just not worthwhile for the guests to come here at the moment with the little snow that we do have,” said Selwyn Snow Resort assistant manager, Abi Spackman.
“We’re just so grateful that we got to open for as long as we have and hopefully, we get a little bit longer.”
Perisher’s Smiggin Holes and Guthega have also closed the slopes as the resort says they are not safe to ski on with the limited snow cover.
There are some concerns for the long-tern future of skiing and snowboarding in Australia.
The Australian Mountain Research Facility, Australian National University, and Protect Our Winters Australia published a report investigating climate change’s impact on the Australian Alps.
- Under a mid-emissions scenario, Australia’s average ski seasons will become 44 days shorter by 2050.
- Under a high-emissions scenario that number increases to 55 days.
- All emission scenarios suggest snowfall will become increasingly unreliable in Australia.
“Fewer resorts are expected to make up Australia’s snow tourism industry, with some resorts at risk of closing without successful adaptation,” said the report.
There is some snow in the forecast as the temperatures are set to drop.
Skiers and snowboarders with access to the open resort in Australia are keeping their fingers crossed.
Here at PlanetSKI we’ll keep you posted…
