AUSTRALIA
It has been good to see these winter weather systems crossing the high country areas of Victoria and New South Wales. Some rain, some sleet and some snow fell over the weekend. The higher resorts fared better but it was pretty touch-and-go all over.
The last week has seen many Australian ski resorts top the one-metre mark; something that was looking unlikely a month ago. This good August winter weather should set up some decent snow cover for late-August and well into September.
It became a lot colder today and snow is again falling, down to much lower levels than at the weekend. Snow is forecast through the week and then the forecast is for a lovely, fine weekend.
No photos this report as, well, nowhere in Australia or New Zealand has been particularly photogenic over the last week. Let the sun come out this weekend!
Mt Hotham - Natural Snow Depth: 108cms
We skied at Hotham this weekend and there was fresh snow each morning but the snowline was pretty high. Saturday was the pick with 17cms fresh reported. The snow became heavy as you headed down the pistes. Some fun runs in the trees at Blue Ribbon, and Heavenly Valley was skiing nicely all day.
On Sunday morning it was very wet and it was a relief when the rain stopped and our clothes could dry out. High winds eventually left only Village and Blue Ribbon running. Lower Playground was the pick of the day. The snow was very wet and not really building depth once you get down to the bottom and that is one of the reasons The Orchard is not yet open, but expect it to open tomorrow or later this week.
Falls Creek - Natural Snow Depth: 128cms
Skiing at Falls Creek has been good with fantastic cover across the mountain. Winds played havoc on Sunday, closing just about every lift. Its set up for a great week once the wind eases this week, while occasional snowfalls top up the pistes with fresh.
Mt Buller - Natural Snow Depth: 54cms
Buller missed out on much of the snow due to marginal temperatures. Nevertheless, most lifts are open and there is plenty of skiing to be had. This week should bring some much-needed fresh falls - expect a good top-up tomorrow morning!
Perisher - Natural Snow Depth: Approx 50-125 cms
Rain early in the warm part of the storm cycle soon turned to good snowfalls at the end of this weekend. Perisher has great coverage and most lifts open.
NEW ZEALAND
The big dry is finally over with a few small snowfalls at various skifields over the last week. Nothing major, but enough to freshen things up and bring some off-psite skiing online once again.
This Thursday looks like bringing some good snowfalls across the South Island. Bring it on!
North Canterbury and Nelson
Rainbow (50/30cms) has finally got some fresh snow, but Hanmer Springs (75cms) has gone on hold due to the lack of snow cover. Mt Lyford - 145cms after a good snowfall yesterday.
Canterbury
Porters (140/30cms) is skiing OK on the upper part of the mountain but is suffering in the warm, wet conditions. Mt Hutt (290/240cms) has lost a bit of snow in recent days with some rain. Snow is in the forecast for later this week.
The Mackenzie
Ohau (110/55cms), Roundhill (80cms), Mt Dobson has wet snow but all lifts open (100cms).
Wanaka
Lower slopes are disappearing at Treble Cone (284/0cms) this week, but should get some top-ups later this week. Cardrona (120/45cms).
Queenstown
Coronet Peak (85/42cms) and limited off-piste. The Remarkables (105/70cms) is still looking OK in preparation for some good late-August falls.
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