Global Weekly Snow Roundup #326

·       South America: More slopes re-open after huge snowfalls posting world leading snow depths, but Portillo’s access road has now been closed more than 3 weeks straight.

·       Australia: After more snowfall larger resorts open more than half their terrain (up to 70%) for first time this season.

·       New Zealand: Resorts claim best conditions of season so far with consistent cold, snowy conditions.

·       Northern Hemisphere: Only two summer glacier areas still open after strong summer heat to high elevations takes its toll.

World Overview

As we complete our first week of August 2026, conditions keep getting better at most southern hemisphere ski areas, whilst it's ever more challenging in the northern hemisphere, where there are now just two outdoor lift-served ski areas operating.

Southern Hemisphere ski regions are enjoying their strongest conditions of the 2026 season. Australia has seen the biggest shift, with sustained cold and recent snowfall finally allowing major areas to expand terrain after an unusually warm July. New Zealand continues its excellent mid‑season spell, supported by regular snowfall, hard overnight freezes and near‑full operations.

South America remains deep in a powerful winter cycle: Argentina’s ski areas are 60–100% open with solid mid‑winter bases after big snowfalls there, while Chile’s third straight week of heavy snowfall has boosted coverage but left some Andean access routes still blocked as the snow keeps falling. Southern Africa, by contrast, has stayed mostly dry and sunny as its short season nears its close.

In the Northern Hemisphere, prolonged summer heat has pushed the freezing level above 4000 m across the Alps, stripping glacier snow cover and exposing bare ice. Zermatt has suspended summer skiing, leaving only Saas‑Fee and Italy’s Passo Stelvio operating. Scandinavia’s Galdhøpiggen is also temporarily closed, and North America has no lift‑served summer skiing outdoors.