Global Weekly Snow Roundup #314
Weekly Global Snow News, updated 14 May 2026: Fresh snowfall in Argentina, Australia and Lesotho signals winter’s approach, while Japan maintains the world’s deepest snowpack.
- Fresh snowfall reported across Argentina, Australia and Lesotho
- Snowmaking ramps up ahead of southern hemisphere season starts
- Subzero temperatures signal winter’s early arrival
- Japan’s Gassan maintains the world’s deepest snowpack
World Overview
As the northern hemisphere nears the start of meteorological summer, the number of open ski areas has dropped to just a few dozen across Asia, Europe and North America, with around two dozen still operating. North America has the most remaining resorts, spread across the East Coast, Midwest, Rockies and West Coast, while Europe’s options are now largely limited to Scandinavian areas and Alpine glaciers. The first summer ski-only centres have also begun opening.
In contrast, winter is fast approaching in the southern hemisphere, with increasingly frequent reports of fresh snowfall and subzero temperatures. Argentina has seen recent snow, as has Afriski in Lesotho, while Australia’s Mt Hotham reported snowfall late last week, alongside freezing conditions. Resorts across the region are ramping up preparations, with growing use of snowmaking, including all-weather systems, to build early-season bases.
Meanwhile, Japan’s Gassan continues to offer summer skiing, reporting the world’s deepest snowpack at 240–460cm (96–184”). The past week has been largely sunny, with temperatures between 0°C and +10°C, and all runs remain open.
Southern Hemisphere Snow Report
With the southern hemisphere winter now just weeks away, reports of fresh snowfall and subzero temperatures are becoming increasingly frequent across key ski regions. Argentina has seen fresh snowfall in recent days, helping to lay early base layers ahead of the main season.
In Lesotho, Afriski also reported snowfall over the weekend, further underlining the shift toward winter conditions. Australia joined the trend late last week, with Mt Hotham reporting snowfall and a noticeable drop in temperatures.
“Snow is falling up here at Hotham… it’s freezing and hopefully a sign of the season to come,” said resort spokesperson Alex Pankiw.
Ski areas across the southern hemisphere are now actively preparing for the season start. Snowmaking efforts are increasing, with many resorts testing systems and deploying all-weather snowmaking technology to build early base coverage.
Southern Hemisphere Snow Forecast
Cold conditions are expected to persist, with further snowfall possible at higher elevations. Overnight temperatures should remain low enough to support ongoing snowmaking operations as resorts continue pre-season preparations.
Japan Summer Ski Report
Japan remains a global outlier, with lift-served skiing continuing at Gassan, which currently reports the deepest snowpack in the world at 240–460cm (96–184"). The past week has been largely sunny, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to +10°C. Despite the late stage of the season, all runs remain open, and conditions have remained stable. Gassan continues to offer one of the longest ski seasons globally, with operations extending well into the summer months thanks to its exceptional snow depth.
Japan Snow Forecast
Mostly settled conditions are expected to continue, with a mix of sunshine and mild daytime temperatures. Snowpack will gradually soften during the day but remain skiable, particularly at higher elevations.
