Skifield Planned Opening Dates 2016 - Australia & New Zealand

AUSTRALIA

Australian ski resorts traditionally and officially open on the Queen's Birthday holiday weekend, which this year falls late on the 13th June 2016, a full week behind last year. That gives the snow an extra week to fall for opening weekend!

These days there are usually a few beginner runs open with manmade snow when there's little natural snow (which is quite typical) on the ground.

In 2015 though, we did really well on the first weekend and there was 20-30cm of snow across the ski resorts in Australia. Unfortunately we didn't get much snow in June at all after that! In 2014, however, there wasn't much terrain open until much later in June, but then almost all lifts were running by the first week of July. In 2013, we had to wait as long as until mid-July for most lifts to open. The most reliable time for good snow cover and lots of terrain open is mid-July until late-August.

NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand skifields target planned opening dates based on typical, expected snow conditions. But the seasons are unpredictable and they may have to delay when conditions aren't suitable, i.e. not enough snow. This wasn't the case last year, but opening dates are not guaranteed in the fickle southern winter. Especially when the opening days are being brought forward hopefully by a few days each year by the lift companies.

North Canterbury and Nelson

Rainbow 19th July 2016
Hanmer Springs 6th July 2016
Mt Lyford mid-July 2016

Canterbury

Mt Hutt 10th June 2016
Porters 22nd June 2016

The Mackenzie

Ohau 25th June 2016
Roundhill 2nd July 2016
Mt Dobson 8th July 2016

Wanaka

Treble Cone 23rd June 2016
Cardrona 11th June 2016

Queenstown

Coronet Peak 11th June 2016
The Remarkables 18th June 2016

Snow Report 6 June 2015 - Australia & New Zealand

Welcome all to the 2015 Australian and New Zealand ski season. Lets hope for some consistent wintery weather to build on the good start we have already had on both sides of the Tasman!

If you missed the post last month, take a look at What's New At The Skifields in 2015.

AUSTRALIA

This weekend is the official start to the Australian season. Most years there's not a lot of snow to talk of, but this year we have done quite well. A cold spell and some snow over the last week means there's natural snow on the ground topped up with some fantastic snowmaking efforts by the resorts.

Source: Mt Buller website

There looks like being some more snow early next week, maybe 5-10cm on the peaks. Then it looks like a run of fine weather which is not ideal at this time of year when we want to be building a base.

Mt Buller

Mt Buller had four lifts open today for skiing mainly on Bourke Street. But Buller has done well to also have Wombat Chair open for some intermediate skiing. Snow depth: 30cm

Mt Hotham

Mt Hotham has Sun Run open, the Big D beginners area and the lift at Dinner Plain. Snow depth: 17cm

Source: Falls Creek website

Falls Creek

Falls Creek looks good with the Towers lift operating as well as the beginner runs around Cloud Nine. Snow depth: 19cm

Perisher

Perisher has had a super start with 11 lifts open today across Perisher Valley and Smiggin Holes.

Thredbo

Both the High Noon and The Cruiser area are open at Thredbo.

Source: Thredbo website

NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand has had some good early snowfalls that will get things going on time for many of the skifields. Cardrona is looking great and Coronet Peak has been pumping out artificial snow in the cold temperatures of recent weeks.

There looks like being snow early next week, but there might be some rain first. Hopefully it gets cold quickly and most of the precipitation falls as snow. That would really get things going!

Here's a reminder of all the planned skifield opening dates in New Zealand:

North Canterbury and Nelson

Rainbow 4th July 2015
Hanmer Springs late Jun/early July 2015
Mt Lyford late June 2015

Canterbury

Mt Hutt 12th June 2015
Porters 19th June 2015

The Mackenzie

Ohau 27th June 2015
Roundhill 27th June 2015
Mt Dobson 4th July 2015

Wanaka

Treble Cone 25th June 2015
Cardrona 13th June 2015

Queenstown

Coronet Peak 13th June 2015
The Remarkables 21st June 2015

Skifield Planned Opening Dates 2015 - Australia & New Zealand

AUSTRALIA

Australian ski resorts traditionally and officially open on the Queen's Birthday holiday weekend, which this year falls very early on the 6th June.

These days there are usually a few beginner runs open with manmade snow when there's little natural snow (which is quite typical) on the ground.

In 2014, there wasn't much terrain open until much later in June, but then almost all lifts were running by the first week of July. A great start! In 2013, we had to wait as long as until mid-July for most lifts to open. In 2012, a few lifts opened late in June again. The most reliable time for good snow cover and lots of terrain open is mid-July until late-August.

NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand skifields target planned opening dates based on typical, expected snow conditions. But the seasons are unpredictable and they may have to delay when conditions aren't suitable, i.e. not enough snow. This was notably the case last year.

North Canterbury and Nelson

Rainbow 4th July 2015 (opened mid-July in 2014)
Hanmer Springs late Jun/early July 2015 (opened mid-July in 2014)
Mt Lyford late June 2015 (opened 18th July in 2014)

Canterbury

Mt Hutt 12th June 2015 (opened on 13th June in 2014)
Porters 19th June 2015 (opened 6th July in 2014)

The Mackenzie

Ohau 27th June 2015 (opened mid-July in 2014)
Roundhill 27th June 2015 (opened mid-July in 2014)
Mt Dobson 4th July 205 (opened mid-July in 2014)

Wanaka

Treble Cone 25th June 2015 (opened mid-July in 2014)
Cardrona 13th June 2015 (opened on 20th June in 2014)

Queenstown

Coronet Peak 13th June 2015 (opened on 7th June in 2014)
The Remarkables 21st June 2015 (opened on 3rd July in 2014)

Snow Report 3 October 2014 - Australia & New Zealand

AUSTRALIA

The 2014 snow season is coming to an end but there is still skiing this weekend for the super keen amongst you! I have to come clean and admit I hung up my skis some weeks ago and have been getting into warmer weather pursuits ... yeah I know, not the right attitude for a ski blogger, eh?

There are only two options now for the much more committed among you to have one last hurrah at Australian ski areas. Perisher has lifts on Front Valley and Mt Perisher open for some long weekend slushy skiing: temperatures are now getting into double figures each day! Skiing is pretty limited at Thredbo but its still going through the weekend.

Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mt Buller all wrapped up their season on Sunday 28 September 2014, with skiable snow. Perisher and Falls Creek had fantastic years, some of the best. Hotham and Buller were also wonderful at times from my personal experience. There was incredible skiing at all of the big Australian ski resorts in July in particular with the early snowfalls that set up the season so well.

Enjoy your last turns if you're getting up there! I'll be back in a few weeks or so with a look ahead to the start of the Northern Hemisphere ski season.


NEW ZEALAND

Rainbow 03.10.14 [Source: Rainbow FB page]

There are still lots of options to ski in New Zealand, on both islands, in Canterbury and in Otago. There is also a good bit of snow falling as well in preparation for this weekend, so if you're over there you're looking like you're going to score big!

However, lots of skifields have already closed. Despite the good snow its not financially viable without the visitor numbers and they're just not there at this time of year. To be honest, they'd prefer good early snow than late snow like has been the case this year.

In the North Island, meanwhile, with up to 3m of snow on Ruapehu, Whakapapa and Turoa have enough snow to keep going until the end of October.

On the South Island, this is the last weekend for many skiers and boarders. Enjoy, and lets hope next year gets off the mark quickly!

North Canterbury and Nelson

Hanmer Springs and Mt Lyford are closed for the season. Rainbow is calling up to half a metre for a powder day on Saturday. It closes on Sunday 5th October.

Canterbury

Porters is running until 5 October with cover still on the upper slopes. Mt Hutt will stay open until the 12 October. Some of the Canterbury club fields are also open.

Cardrona 29.09.14 [Source: Cardrona FB page]

The Mackenzie

Mt Dobson and Roundhill are now closed for the season. Ohau has some fresh snow for its final weekend of the season.

Wanaka

Cardrona has good skiing for this weekend, when it will close after a reasonably good second half to the season. Treble Cone closed on 28 September.

Queenstown

Coronet Peak closes on the 5 October. The Remarkables , which usually stays open well into October surprised a lot of people by closing on 28 September this year.

Snow Report 17 September 2014 - Australia & New Zealand

AUSTRALIA

Some snow should fall across the mountains during the next few days. The new snow will be welcome on the open runs, but won't open any new areas this late into the ski season. We're now into the last few weeks for intermediates and beginners to get into some skiing and riding early in the school holidays.

Falls Creek (55cms) will be the best bet in Victoria, with intermediate skiing across Sun Valley. At Mt Hotham (54cms) and Mt Buller (20cms), the skiing is really limited. Perisher has lost a lot of runs in the warm weather but still has 19 of 48 lifts open. Skiing should be good around the higher parts of Thredbo. Lower-altitude resorts like Selwyn and Baw Baw are now closed for the season.


NEW ZEALAND

Ohau 16.09.14 [Source: Ohau FB page]

Finally some fresh snow in New Zealand right at the end of the season! A good little fall arrived early in the weekend (5-10cms), followed by some very nice snowfalls on Monday and Tuesday (10-30cms or more in places).

Better late than never I guess, at least for those ski areas that haven't closed already. There should be some good skiing in the Southern Lakes (around Queenstown) in particular into early October.

North Canterbury and Nelson

Hanmer Springs and Mt Lyford are closed for the season. Rainbow is skiing well after more than
30cms of new snow this week.

Canterbury

Porters was closed today but is due to open until 5th October. Mt Hutt has had a refreshing 12cms and will continue to operate into October. Canterbury has not had a good ski season at all.

The Mackenzie

Mt Dobson is looking to open on the weekend for a last hurrah. Roundhill is now closed for the season. Ohau has pretty good cover and received 25cms from the storm. It usually closes at the end of September.

Wanaka

Cardrona has great cover in Captains Basin, while Treble Cone has great coverage in the Saddle Basin. Treble Cone typically closes on 30th September.

Queenstown

Coronet Peak is still going well and The Remarkables should stay open well into October.

Snow Report 9 September 2014 - Australia & New Zealand

AUSTRALIA

Spring days means plenty of sunshine! But a cold front clipped the southeast corner of Australia last week and the mountains were fortunate to receive between 5-20cms of fresh snow. This snowfall refreshed the slopes, but didn't really stop the melt as snow depths have headed below one metre as we head into the final weeks of the season.

Perisher 09.09.14 [Source: Perisher webcam]

So there has been a continuing run of very warm days leading to more snow loss through the weekend and into this week. Rain today after strong warm winds is not helping. Expect the lower slopes at most resorts to be very thin or closed. The higher areas should still be OK, especially at Falls Creek and Perisher, and we may get a little bit of fresh snow later this week.

Falls Creek (95cms) still has good skiing across Sun Valley which will keep things going through the school holidays. At Mt Hotham (91cms), with the Orchard now closed, the skiing is mainly on Heavenly Valley. At Mt Buller (80cms), the Northside of the mountain is now closed for the season. Perisher looks the best bet for late season skiing in Australia (120/50cms).


NEW ZEALAND

The groundhog days continue on the South Island with something like 300 days of fine weather and
sunshine or something! Of course I exaggerate, but the facts are New Zealand has been under this big
high pressure system also and is reaping the rewards visibility-wise (not so much in the fresh snow
stakes, however).

Mt Hutt 09.09.14 [Source: Mt Hutt FB page]

It hasn't been a great season in Canterbury, and the Southern Lakes were only saved by some good snowfalls in August. The spring skiing still has some weeks to go down south and Cardrona and The Remarks look like the places to go.

North Canterbury and Nelson

Hanmer Springs and Mt Lyford have already had to close for the season. Rainbow has amazingly somehow survived the warm weather.

Canterbury

Porters has all three T-bars still open, but skiing is very limited. Mt Hutt has the main run open
top-to-bottom, but limited off-piste.

The Mackenzie

Mt Dobson is looking to open on the weekend if snow conditions permit. Roundhill has its beginners and intermediate areas open on artificial snow, but is closing on Sunday 14th September. Ohau has main runs open.

Coronet Peak 09.09.14 [Source: Coronet Peak webcam]

Wanaka

Cardrona looks OK on the upper slopes in both basins, while Treble Cone has good coverage in the Saddle Basin but limited skiing back to base only in the Home Basin.

Queenstown

At Coronet Peak the snowmaking is keeping the lifts open. The Remarkables should stay open into October.

Snow Report 29 August 2014 - Australia & New Zealand

AUSTRALIA

Howdy everyone! Spring is just around the corner, and it certainly feels like its already arrived here in Melbourne with this run of warm, sunny days. While its a treat for the sun to be warmer and out and about more in the city, the mountains really could have done with a few more weeks of winter to keep the great snow cover we've had this year.

Mt Hotham 23.08.14

There haven't been any significant snowfalls in Australia for quite some time now, and the warm days and sunshine over the past couple of weeks has definitely affected the snow cover on the lower slopes at all ski resorts.

The good news is that there is still plenty of snow sticking around up high, and a good chance of a return to colder weather next week with some cool changes and colder, snow-bearing fronts arriving. That should keep us skiing well into September.

We were up at Mount Hotham (108/96cms) on the weekend staying in pretty little Harrietville.

Saturday turned out mostly sunny with a few clouds passing across Mt Feathertop and Mt Loch and little wind. On the drive up on Saturday morning it was amazing to see all the snow gone right up to the mountain summits on the sun-exposed faces.

A light freeze overnight meant the groomed runs on the sunny slopes provided the best skiing early.

Mt Hotham 23.08.14

The loss of snow lower down at Hotham was noticeable, compared to three weeks earlier. Perhaps half a metre has gone from the slopes down low, opening up revealing rocks and bushes.

Blue Ribbon lift was closed, and Lower Playground was very bushy! Compare this to my earlier report from Hotham.

But Heavenly Valley still has plenty of snow cover. The Orchard is starting to look patchy at the bottom, but it was good fun both on and off-piste on the cloudier Sunday as the snow held up well.

Falls Creek (105/90cms) still has great cover except for the lower parts of the mountain, like down at lower Wombats Ramble and the bottom of The Maze. But The Summit and the Sun Valley slopes still look great.

Mt Buller (101/57cms) is going OK but some lower slopes have had to close, including around Boggy Creek and Federation.

At Perisher (154/65cms) there are 45 of 48 lifts in operation and all areas are still open. The snow cover is holding up really well. At Thredbo all lifts are running. You'd expect it to be thin on the bottom slopes but there is plenty of snow up high.


NEW ZEALAND

Sunshine has been the order of the day over much of New Zealand after the great early August snowfalls. New Zealand has been under the big high pressure system also.

Cardrona 27.08.14 [Source: Cardrona FB page]

While the sunshine is welcome for a time, its good to note that the weather is set to change in New Zealand as well and hopefully deliver the goods to set up some great spring skiing.

The challenging conditions continue in parts of Canterbury but there is some great skiing to be had down around Queenstown and Wanaka.

North Canterbury and Nelson

Hanmer Springs (10cms) looks unlikely to reopen unless there is a huge dump. Mt Lyford (25cms) was open today with a thin cover of spring snow. Although there hasn't been any snow for two weeks, Rainbow (70/50cms) is still looking pretty nice and its a place that really shines in the sun.

Canterbury

Porters (85/75cms) is open to the top of the mountain but skiing is mainly on groomed runs. Mt Hutt (85/70cms) has got great skiing on its groomed runs as usual and a little off-piste available on Towers.

The Remarkables 24.08.14 [Source: Remarks FB page]

The Mackenzie

Mt Dobson (45cms) has main runs open. Roundhill (40/20cms) has its beginners and intermediate areas open. Ohau (120/70cms) still looks pretty good but a little rocky off-piste. Could do with a top-up.

Wanaka

Cardrona (115/85cms) has all lifts open still and off-piste on the upper slopes. Similar deal at Treble Cone, where the Saddle Basin has off-piste skiing and Home Basin is more limited to trails the further down you go.

Queenstown

At Coronet Peak (75/55cms) the snowmaking has helped keep the trails fresh and all lifts are open. The Remarkables (180/110cms) looks like it is the place to be on the South Island!

Snow Report 14 August 2014 - Australia & New Zealand

AUSTRALIA

G'day everyone. We are nice and deep into the peak ski season now and sliding and riding towards spring with almost two months of great snow behind us and hopefully more to come.

Falls Creek 09.08.14

It was a warm start to the weekend in Australia with high daytime temperatures and light winds, meaning pleasant conditions but a bit of melting snow in the Australian Alps.

Sunday saw a bit of snow fall in Victoria and New South Wales as a weather front just clipped the southeast of the continent. Temperatures then dropped considerably, making for good snowmaking conditions all this week.

Fine conditions have continued through the week, with cold temperatures keeping the snow in good nick. Some rain is forecast for the end of the weekend, and into next week this may turn to snow. Hopefully the temperatures stay cool so there's more snow than rain.

We were lucky to be up at the wonderful Falls Creek (160/121cms) on the weekend. After a couple of years since our last visit, I'd forgotten how incredibly beautiful it is up there on the Bogong High Plains of Victoria. It is, in my opinion, certainly the best setting of any Alpine resort in Australia or New Zealand. The views to the High Plains, across the lake, and up to Mt Bogong ... stunning.

Falls Creek 10.08.14

On Saturday morning there was a light fog which had settled a few metres above the herds of cows in the Kiewa Valley. It quickly dispersed as the temperatures weren't really that cold.

The long, winding drive up from Mount Beauty to Falls Creek was well worth it as we arrived as the sun came up across the village, lighting up the lines of well-groomed runs above the International lift.

A light freeze overnight was never going to last as the sun moved across the resort on Saturday. The Summit and International groomed runs were great first off. Fantastic cover. Through the day the off-piste softened up quickly making for some great fun skiing, mainly off the Summit and International lifts.

It was raining heavily at dawn on Sunday in Mount Beauty, which meant a surprise 5cm dusting of snow up at Falls Creek. It was brilliant timing as it meant a fresh coat on top of the already groomed runs first off. This time, the first runs of the day were on Lakeside, then the Summit runs, and then over to Ruined Castle which had improved considerably over Saturday.

Falls Creek 10.08.14

The freeze overnight wasn't that cold, so the new snow was binding to the surface, making it nice and dry and conditions were good across the back of Falls Creek (think about from Sundown to Quartz Ridge) all day as temperatures dropped compared to Saturday and the cloud came in.

All lifts and runs open at Perisher and Thredbo, as well as at the Victorian resorts of Mt Hotham (129/112cms) and Mt Buller (120/92cms) where the snowdepths have not changed significantly from last week, reflecting the cool air that is still around helping to maintain the snowdepth.


NEW ZEALAND

It is extremely pleasing to say that there has been heaps, and in some places absolutely masses, more snow in New Zealand! It is the perfect time to be skiing and riding on both islands, mid-winter at its best, although just lately it has been very windy.

Last weekend started off beautiful and sunny as predicted. Sun and some fresh snow from the week before was a great combination!

Sunday started off nice too, but the high cloud rolled in with the Northwesterly. That brought lots of snow in the Southern Lakes overnight into Monday, continuing and spreading north into the Mackenzie and Canterbury into Tuesday.

It became very cold on Wednesday with snow continuing. An increase in winds caused most lifts to go on hold across the South Island on Thursday.

The new snow in Canterbury has finally helped some of the club fields up there open, like Craigieburn which will be open before this weekend. However, conditions are still not that great in Canterbury which has certainly struggled though the early season this year.

Rainbow 13.08.14 [Source: Rainbow FB page]

The wind and weather should clear into the weekend for some amazing skiing and boarding, especially around Queenstown and Wanaka. Enjoy!

North Canterbury and Nelson

Hanmer Springs (15cms) is still yet to open and looks unlikely to have much of the season left to get going. Mt Lyford got 30cms this week, but was closed on Thursday due to strong winds. Pretty Rainbow (65/50cms) got the T-bar open all the way to the top this week and is looking great for the weekend.

Canterbury

Porters (80/40cms) got snow early in the week and a dusting Wednesday, but the good news is it is now open to the top albeit with limited off-piste due to rocks. Mt Hutt (85/70cms) got windy with the Northwesterly on Monday, then scored 15cms snow into Tuesday and another 5cms into
Wednesday. A total of 30cms this week and the best its been looking this year. The Triple Chair is not operating.

The Mackenzie

Mt Dobson got 35cms of new snow this week, and is closed today but due to open on the weekend. Roundhill (40/20cms) has been open, as has Ohau (120/70cms) which has fantastic conditions across the mountain.

Wanaka

Treble Cone 12.08.14 [Source. TC FB page]

Great snow around Wanaka. Cardrona (105/80cms) received 10cms of fresh into Monday, and 40cms total this week. Gale force winds Thursday caused Cardrona to close but it will reopen soon. Treble Cone (83/20cms) scored 20cms of fresh snow into Monday, then 10cms into Tuesday. Cover to the base now and fantastic snow across the Saddle Basin. The time to hit Treble Cone is now!

Queenstown

Coronet Peak (75/55cms) saw 10-15cms into Monday and then 15-20cms into Tuesday. Good skiing and riding now on and off-piste, but wind-affected at the end of the week. The Remarkables (155/85cms) is looking brilliant despite closing on Thursday. It has seen 75cms of snow fall in the last week and looks great for the weekend.

Snow Report 7 August 2014 - Australia & New Zealand

Mt Buller 03.08.14

AUSTRALIA

A very cold blast hit the Australian Alps at the end of last week, bringing with it some much-needed new snowfalls to top up the ski slopes.

Up to 30cms of dry, fluffy white stuff fell across most ski resorts, and on the lower areas of the Great Dividing Range, with even some hilly parts of Victoria and New South Wales seeing snow on Friday.

The weather cleared somewhat on Saturday, and on Sunday it became clear and sunny.

The fine weather has continued through the week until today, when the cloud has started to come in from the west. This cloud has brought a small chance of snow before the weekend, but the best bet for new snow is not until Sunday.

We skied at Mt Buller last Sunday for the first time this season. As we drove up from Melbourne on the Saturday there was snow on Mt Donna Buang visible from Kangaroo Ground in outer Melbourne, and snow all across the Cathedral Ranges. A fantastic and fairly rare sight.

Mt Buller 03.08.14

It was a frosty start to the day in Mansfield with temperatures of around -3c overnight. Ice scrapers were required for the car windscreen, but at daybreak it was already beautifully sunny.

The mountain was very busy and you needed to get going early to beat the queues at the gate. we heard later that there were some major delays for people on the way up.

The snow from Friday had settled almost to the start of the climb at Mirimbah, but the roads were clear all the way to the car park.

All the lifts at Buller were running, and all runs open for great skiing and riding across the resort.

It was still a little patchy at the bottom of Federation and on the north side. But there was very good snow all day on the south side, staying dry all day despite the sun. Lots of people were heading for the chutes off the summit. The snow softened significantly on the north side, but it didn't get heavy as it remained cold (top of -3c) throughout the day.

This weekend we are up at Falls.

Mt Buller 03.08.14

All lifts and runs open at Perisher and Thredbo, as well as at the Victorian resorts of Mt Hotham (129/112cms), Falls (160/122cms) and Mt Buller (122/85cms).

NEW ZEALAND

Relief first then happy days for some areas in New Zealand as the same weather system that hit Australia brought a good snowfall over the weekend. Then more snow during the week.

Dropping temperatures on Sunday turned things white and erased the memory of the rains that dampened the snow at the end of the week.

The weather then cleared for a couple of beautiful sunny days across the South Island on Monday and Tuesday with visitors enjoying the fresh snow from the weekend.

The snow fell again into Wednesday, with up to 15cms at some skifields, replacing some of what has been lost. A storm then brewed up into Thursday with very strong winds putting lifts on hold in Canterbury and Otago.

Mt Hutt 06.08.14 [Source: Mt Hutt FB page]

The snow got very heavy today, and the wind affected lifts, but it will clear tomorrow. Saturday looks like a great day with freshies, before another storm arrives on Sunday ... and maybe even more next week!

Winter has finally arrived in New Zealand and the skiing and life is good in the Southern Lakes and at least somewhat better in the Mackenzie and Canterbury.

North Canterbury and Nelson

North Canterbury is still a bit of a mixed bag. Hanmer Springs (11cms) has not quite had the joy yet and is still closed. Mt Lyford (28cms) was closed today. Rainbow (45cms) survived the horrible rain and worked very hard to open Sunday, when it snowed 15cm in the base area and about 20cm on the upper mountain. Rainbow has now opened the T-bar to the top.

Canterbury

Porters (50/30cms) received 17cm of snow since the weekend and but says it needs another 20-30cms to give access to the upper mountain. Mt Hutt (70/55cms) is looking better. After a shocker last week it got 30cms on the weekend. Then another 11cms and snow down to the Canterbury Plains into Wednesday.

Treble Cone 07.08.14 [Source: Treble Cone FB page]

The Mackenzie

Mt Dobson (30cms) and Roundhill (40cms) have lifts open, while Ohau (100/55cms) has the best conditions in the area.

Wanaka

Cardrona (75/50cms) received 4cms into Wednesday and it is snowing again today. Treble Cone (75cms) had some good snow this week and the Saddle Basin has full cover now. Its still snowing today.

Queenstown

Coronet Peak (70/45cms) is looking a lot whiter, and The Remarkables (110/60cms) recovered well after the warm and windy wet and is looking great.

Snow Report 31 July 2014 - Australia & New Zealand

AUSTRALIA

It was a mild and slightly damp weekend in the Australian Alps, however the unwelcome, clear watery precipitation that fell was thankfully light and not much damage was done to the deep snow cover ... at first. The warm weather affecting the whole of southern Australia continued into the week, however.

Strong winds during the working week put a lot of the ski lifts on hold at some resorts. Wild, wet and windy weather continued through the week with some significant snow loss in the lower areas of all the ski resorts.

Hotham 26.07.14

But snow and very cold weather is arriving today and should continue into Friday - its just a question of how much snow we will get and whether it will make up for all the cover that has been lost this warm, windy week. The storm will clear through quickly with the weekend becoming fine.

We were up at Mt Hotham on the weekend where it rained on and off overnight from Friday into Saturday. Only the summit of the resort got some wet snow, but this was only a few centimetres by the morning.

The snow at Hotham was still in very good condition early on Saturday. All the Heavenly Valley runs were skiing well early in the morning despite the wetness making them a little heavy (or nice and forgiving when its your first weekend of the season!).

The Blue Ribbon area had a lot of cover for such a low area of the resort, maybe 40cms or so at the bottom and only a few rocks and shrubs peeking out, compared to the rock garden and shrubbery that is usually there. Perhaps that has changed through this week ...

The steeper runs of Heavenly and Village, like Twilight Zone and Lower Playground were best as the pistes softened and became heavier during the day as the rain arrived again during the afternoon.

The wet snow froze overnight Sunday making for some solid conditions early, quickly softening as the sun came out.

Timing was everything, as the runs that did soften up went from solid to wet and heavy in a short period.

Hotham 27.07.14

It was bright in the morning though, but with a cold wind blowing across the Hotham Summit and the top of Keogh's. Certainly a mixed day when you need to know where to get the most out of the conditions.

In the last week Hotham (123/102cms) has lost about 35cms from its upper slopes, while Falls (171/123cms) says it has lost about 25cms.

We'll be checking out Mt Buller (104/85cms) this weekend, which is hopefully due a top-up after suffering in the rain and wind all this week. It is likely to do the best out of Friday's snow.

NEW ZEALAND

It was a mostly fine and sunny weekend in the South Island of New Zealand. The week has been mixed, however, with sun, wind, a little snow, lightning ... and all sorts of excitement on the mountains! The storms affected some lift operations during the middle of the week, and today there are very few skifields open across the South Island.

The snow conditions are looking a lot better in the south around Queenstown and Wanaka, while the skiing in Canterbury is still quite limited due to lack of snow.

The wind issues could hang around for a while with strong northwesterlies forecast to continue across the South Island well into the weekend before a cold change arrives. Here's hoping for not too much rain before the cooler weather comes - Canterbury looks more likely to escape the wet at the moment.

North Canterbury and Nelson

Hanmer Springs (10cms) has had to close again until more snow falls. Mt Lyford (50cms) was closed today. Rainbow (26cms) opened with limited skiing on snowmaking runs.

Canterbury

Porters (50/30cms) received 10cms of snow overnight, but is closed today. Mt Hutt (63/48cms) has struggled to open this week with the very strong winds across Canterbury.

The Mackenzie

Mt Dobson (30cms) has struggled in the winds this week. Roundhill (40cms) has main trails open, while Ohau (70/40cms) got a lot of snow on Thursday and will be great to ski when the winds die down.

Wanaka

Cardrona (75/50cms) received a fantastic 20cms of snow overnight into Thursday morning, but had to close today due to very strong winds. Treble Cone (69cms) has received some good snowfalls this week, with around 10cm into Tuesday, a little more the next day, and then another 20cms on the upper slopes into Thursday morning. All the snow has been up high so far. Unfortunately lightning
in the storms meant Treble Cone is yet to open after the new snow but should open on Friday.

Queenstown

At Coronet Peak (65/30cms) a little snow midweek freshened things up after some wild weather impacted operations. Nearby at The Remarkables (105/55cms) a few light snowfalls in the week, then a good fall of 13cms overnight into Thursday have kept things looking good across the ski area.

Snow Report 23 July 2014 - Australia & New Zealand

AUSTRALIA

After snowy weeks and a little further snow on the weekend, the weather in southeast Australia has finally calmed down under a high pressure system arriving early this week. It has remained very cold overnight allowing for some more snowmaking on key runs in all the ski resorts.

It has been five days since the last snowfall. But there could be a chance of snow at the end of this week, with a mainly fine and mild weekend on the cards. But for now its sunny and clear and nobody is complaining with more than 1.5m of snowpack and light winds!

Falls Creek 23.07.14 [Source: Falls Creek FB page]

We'll be checking out Mt Hotham this weekend. Snowdepth is currently sitting at 154/137cms and all lifts running. Falls Creek (171/148cms) is looking great and uncrowded with full cover. Mt Buller (122/105cms) has all runs open save for some lower sections like the bottom of Summit Slide.

At Perisher there is extensive terrain with 47 lifts running for access to 96 runs today. While at Thredbo there is skiing back to the village and all lifts and runs were open.

NEW ZEALAND

The South Island of New Zealand saw some consistent snowfalls, particularly in the south, from Sunday with around 5-10cms accumulation each day until Tuesday. Not quite as much snow fell in the Canterbury region west of Christchurch.

Unfortunately it doesn't look like there will be further snowfalls in Canterbury for a while with fine, cold days forecast through to the weekend. Light snow showers will clear in Otago and the Southern Lakes as the weekend arrives.

North Canterbury and Nelson

Rainbow (40/7cms) is closed today. Hanmer Springs (10cms) has now opened up, but only with its Learner's rope tow lift running until more snow falls. Mt Lyford (50cms) opened on 18th July. With another 10cms of snow falling into Wednesday, the North Canterbury ski resort opened with powder conditions, including in the fun area served by the Cloudy T-bar.

Roundhill 20.07.14 [Source: Roundhill FB page]

Canterbury

Mt Hutt (63/48cms) has fine on-trail skiing on its wonderfully groomed runs. Porters (50/30cms) is open, but needs more snow to open the upper two lifts as the rocks need a certain amount of snow to get covered.

The Mackenzie

Ohau (70/40cms) has been skiing well. Roundhill (40cms) has main trails open but the Heritage rope tow lift to the advanced areas of the resort needs more snow. Mt Dobson (30cms) has opened for the first time this season with the T-bar only - other lifts have been on hold.

Wanaka

At Treble Cone (43/2cms) the lower parts of both of the basins are only really skiing on trail. Needs more snow to really get going. Cardrona (45/25cms) still has a similar base to last week.

Queenstown

Coronet Peak (50/35cms) saw a few top-ups early in the week. All lifts at the Peak are now running again. Mostly on-piste skiing only still. The Remarkables (100/45cms) had good snowfalls earlier this week, including 15cms on Monday. Off-piste skiing is still a little limited.

Snow Report 15 July 2014 - Australia & New Zealand

AUSTRALIA

If you haven't been up to the snow yet this year then you should definitely get your skis and boards waxed and get moving! The snow conditions are great across the Australian Alps, with well over a metre of snow on the upper slopes.

Mt Hotham 14.07.14 [Source: Mt Hotham webcam]

After a nice fine spell in recent days with picture perfect conditions, the high cloud came in today ahead of a new front. There is a good chance of some snow today and into tomorrow, but the main storm will arrive Thursday and Friday. This should make for a great top-up of fresh snow just in time for the weekend.

Enjoy!

Mt Hotham

Mt Hotham ski resort opened its final unopened lift, The Orchard, on 1st July. Interestingly this was Hotham's earliest opening of all lifts since the year 2000. A storm late last week has seen Hotham reach up to 125cms snowdepth.

Falls Creek

Falls Creek 14.07.14 [Source: Falls Creek webcam]

Falls Creek now has up to 141cms of snow on its upper slopes and all runs and lifts open across the resort. Its great to be at Falls with everything open and the only decision to make is whether to ski the Summit and The Maze first up, or head over to Ruined Castle first!

Mt Buller

Mt Buller also has all of its 22 lifts open and up to 103cms snowdepth. A great result for Buller, Melbourne's closest ski resort, which suffered in the conditions last year.

Perisher

A massive 44 lifts and all areas open at Perisher makes for days of cruising around all the different areas of Australia's biggest ski resort.

Thredbo

Thredbo 14.07.14 [Source: Thredbo webcam]

There is top to bottom cover across the Thredbo ski resort, with the groomed runs the pick until the new snow falls.

NEW ZEALAND

Last week didn't really deliver for the South Island ski resorts, so many are still to open. Those that have opened have been tried by inclement weather conditions and big crowds on limited trails. To add to the difficulties, heavy rain on Friday closed many skifields on Saturday. Thankfully a cooler change arrived on Sunday bringing colder conditions and some good skiing.

A bit of snow is in the forecast for the next few days in Canterbury, but it should be fine right through to the weekend elsewhere, including around Queenstown and Wanaka. New Zealand will be hoping for a good August and September to get its season back on track.

North Canterbury and Nelson

Rainbow (40/7cms) has done a great job to open for the school holidays. Little Hanmer Springs is yet to open. Near Kaikoura in North Canterbury, Mt Lyford is still waiting for enough snow to open after the last front didn't bring quite enough to start the lifts.

Mt Hutt 15.07.14 [Source: Mt Hutt FB page]

Canterbury

Mt Hutt (50/30cms) scored 15cms of fresh snow yesterday, making the mountain white again and improving the skiing immensely. The Summit and Triple Chairs are both open making for a great vertical drop. Porters (30/10cms) opened on 6th July and is still open thanks to its new snowmaking system. There is limited skiing on the first T-bar only.

The Mackenzie

About 15cms snow fell at Ohau (60/30cms) on Sunday night, making for good conditions across the ski area. Little Roundhill (30cms) has opened some groomed runs for the school holidays thanks to its extensive snowmaking system. Mt Dobson is yet to open but says one more snow fall should get things going.

Wanaka

Treble Cone (49/8cms) has struggled to open, but is now in business after some snow fell on Sunday. Snow cover is very thin at the bottom so skiing and boarding is still limited. Cardrona (45/25cms) received 10-15cms of fresh snow on Sunday helping get all lifts operating. With Treble Cone closed and the school holidays, the resort has been very busy and even had to turn away people when the car parks got full.

Queenstown

At Coronet Peak (45/30cms), thelifts are turning again and snowmaking will be firing with the cooler temperatures across the mountain. The Remarkables (90/40cms) has skiing mainly on the groomed trails with all lifts now open after the snowfall Sunday.

Snow Report 3 July 2014 - Australia & New Zealand

AUSTRALIA

Let the good times roll and slide! Its all happening in Australia as the ski season kicked off in spectacular fashion. Even more snow fell last weekend as a new follow-up storm arrived on Friday night bringing strong winds across the Alps.

The snow began to fall heavily in the early hours of Saturday, and by Sunday morning 40-60cms had fallen across the mountains. Another 20-30cms fell on Sunday as the storm brought more snow showers.

Snow showers continued into Monday with a few top-ups across the resorts. By Tuesday the northern ski resorts (Perisher, Thredbo, Falls Creek, and Mt Hotham) had around a metre snowdepth and most of their lifts running.

Fine conditions emerged in the middle of the week bringing some great skiing and clearer conditions for the lucky people not at work! It has been the best snowy start to school holidays in a number of years and you can bet everyone up there is enjoying it to the max.

Mt Hotham 01.07.14 [Source: Hotham FB page]

More snow is forecast for this weekend, and there may be a quick follow-up snowfall next week also. Incredible! By then, all terrain and lifts should be fully open across the main resorts and skiing right through to September. Go skiing!

Mt Hotham

About a metre on the ground now at Mt Hotham after snowfalls of around 20-30cms each of Saturday and Sunday. The wonderful Heavenly Valley opened in time for the weekend. Then the snowfalls on Saturday and Sunday saw the Gotcha and Blue Ribbon lifts opened. By Wednesday, all lifts at Hotham were open including The Orchard.

Falls Creek

Falls Creek opened Scotts and Ruined Castle on Saturday, opening up the whole of the back intermediate area of the resort. With another 40cms falling on Saturday, Summit opened on Sunday, as the resort topped a metre of snowdepth. The International lift opened on Tuesday, giving access to The Maze, usually the last area to open. Fully open at Falls now with almost all lifts running.

Mt Buller

Mt Buller opened the Summit and the Lydia Lassila chairlifts on the weekend. A snowfall of 22cms on Saturday was followed by the same again on Sunday. By Monday Howqua, Koflers and Southside were

Perisher 30.06.14 [Source: Perisher FB page]

also running. Bull Run lift started on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Mt Buller announced all lifts would be open this coming weekend.

Perisher

Lots more snow at Perisher on the weekend saw it become one of the first ski resorts in Australia to open most of its terrain this season, and on Monday it opened its Freedom Quad chairlfit at Guthega for the first time. A milestone event.

Thredbo

Most lifts were open at Thredbo by Tuesday, and by Wednesday Karels opened to complete the set. Top-to-bottom skiing at Thredbo!

NEW ZEALAND

A fine and mild start to the weekend in New Zealand made for some pleasant skiing at the ski resorts that were open. Not the snow that was expected, but not too much rain either fortunately. Not that there would have been much snow to wash away anyway.

Look, it has clearly been unseasonably warm across the South Island of New Zealand, but finally the weather patterns have changed and patience will be rewarded! It started to snow on Monday evening as the cooler air arrived. No great falls however, and limited to Otago initially rather than Canterbury.

But the changed conditions are here now and there should be some more snow this weekend as it remains very cold and some snow showers come through, especially down around Queenstown and Wanaka. A couple of falls of 20cms or so will do wonders!

North Canterbury and Nelson

Rainbow is still due to open on the 5th July. Hanmer Springs has delayed opening further to the 10th July, but its begun snowing up there. Still waiting at Mt Lyford.

Canterbury

Mt Hutt (48/33cms) missed out on the snow further south earlier in the week but got a good little fall, about 20cms or so, on Wednesday. A nice present. Porters is due to open when conditions allow.

Treble Cone 01.07.14 [Source: Treble Cone FB page]

The Mackenzie


Ohau got 15cms earlier in the week and is due to open today, Thursday. Roundhill needs a bit more snow, as does Mt Dobson which was due to get going on 4th July.

Wanaka

Treble Cone got more than 20cms up on its highest slopes, and a little bit down low. It will open on Friday 4th July. Cardrona got 15cms Monday into Tuesday morning and is doing pretty well.

Queenstown

Coronet Peak (30/20cms) got a bit of snow overnight into Tuesday and snowmaking will be firing this weekend across the mountain. The Remarkables got 10cms into Tuesday and is opening today, Thursday, for the first time this season. An exciting time with the new chairlift ready to roll!

Snow Report 26 June 2014 - Australia & New Zealand

AUSTRALIA

Wow! What an incredible week of weather and what a difference a week makes in the mountains! A wild, wet and windy front crossed Victoria on Monday. Snow began falling in the morning, and then it continued through to Tuesday afternoon as a cyclone moved across Victoria and New South Wales bringing damaging winds, but masses of snow. Up to a metre in 36 hours in the highest spots on the Main Range.

The storm eased up a little on Wednesday and Thursday, but another similar weather system is due to arrive on Friday night bringing more blizzards and snow across the Alps.

The first storm was a season-starter; the second system should ensure most of the lifts are open with a good, deep snowpack across the Australian ski resorts. The middle of the coming week looks like bringing fantastic skiing and some clearer, less windy conditions. This weekend will be windy on Saturday and Sunday with lots of snow again!

Mt Hotham

The weather arrived in spectacular fashion at the beginning of the week, temperatures dropped and snow started to fall late on Monday morning with 60cms by Tuesday afternoon. This allowed Hotham to open a few lifts on Tuesday and by Wednesday Big D, the Summit, Road Runner and Village were all operating. Expect Heavenly Valley lift to be a chance this weekend.

Falls Creek

Falls Creek now has around 60cms on the ground, enough to open most of the back part of the ski resort. Snow started late on Monday morning into Tuesday afternoon. Nothing was open on Tuesday, but four lifts were opened on Wednesday including Towers chairlift, with Drovers Dream opened today. More ski lifts should open on the weekend.

Mt Buller

Mt Buller had 23cms of snow fall by Tuesday morning, then another 18cms by Wednesday morning. Unfortunately a bit of rain on Wednesday night into Thursday spoiled the good times. Nevertheless, six lifts are open at Buller including Wombat and Shakey Knees already. Good job!

Perisher 25 June [Source: Perisher FB page]

Perisher

The snow started falling at Perisher on Monday afternoon and by Wednesday morning the ski resort was white all over and claiming over a metre of snow had fallen. Perisher had already done so well to open without hardly any snow, remember. By Tuesday, 12 lifts were turning, and by today there were 32 lifts ...a brilliant result!

Thredbo

Snow also started falling at Thredbo on Monday afternoon with up to 90cms by Wednesday morning at the top and about 30cms in the village. The ski resorts opened the Cruiser Area and Friday Flat to start, then 5 lifts were running on Wednesday and six today. About one metre snowdepth up high and less in the village.

NEW ZEALAND

In New Zealand meanwhile, the ski resorts look on enviously at the snow falling in Australia. There was a run of sunny days in the South Island on the weekend which meant some nice conditions for the few open skifields.

And then ... heavy rain on Tuesday spoiled the party. A combination of rain and high winds on Wednesday closed most open ski resorts across the South Island, causing others who hadn't opened yet to delay their opening days.

Unfortunately it looks like more rain this weekend except for the highest peaks. Early next week looks far more promising with some cooler temperatures and an end to the warm northerly winds. New Zealand usually starts a little later than Australia and July is when things really get going.

North Canterbury and Nelson

Rainbow is still due to open on the 5th July. Hanmer Springs has delayed opening also until Saturday 5th July due to lack of snow. Mt Lyford says it will open "when the snow comes".

Canterbury

Cardrona 26 June [Source: Cardrona FB page]

Mt Hutt (30/15cms) suffered a lot of rain damage on Tuesday and had to close on Wednesday and Thursday due to high winds. Porters is due to open when conditions allow.

The Mackenzie

Ohau looks unlikely to open this weekend after the rains, and Roundhill announced a delay to its planned opening day on Saturday. Meanwhile Mt Dobson gets going on 4th July.

Wanaka

Treble Cone was sunny then the rain came on Tuesday. The ski resort has announced it will delay its opening day, with no news on when it will open. Cardrona has managed to open the Captains Basin with limited trails, a pretty impressive job given the lack of natural snow and helped by snowmaking. The lift started spinning on Monday. Unfortunately the resort had to close on Wednesday due to rain the day before
and wind. But Cardrona reopened on Thursday for skiing.

Queenstown

Coronet Peak (30/25cms) saw huge rainfalls on Tuesday which caused it to close to drain out. The Peak managed to reopen again on Thursday with solid conditions up top to mush down the bottom. The Remarkables has postponed its opening one week.