By Nick Russill in Snow News — Sep 4, 2025

Southern Hemisphere Ski Resorts Enjoy Strong Snowfall Into September

Weekly snow news for the Southern Hemisphere, Updated 3 September 2025: Australia tops global snow depth charts with bases over 2 m (6.5 ft), as storms boost New Zealand, Chile and Argentina conditions.

Snow in Remarkables, NZ at the end of August

Australia tops global snow depth chart with 2m+ bases
Storms boost New Zealand and Chile resorts into September
Argentina sees mixed snowfalls, Cerro Castor strongest performer
Spring skiing in full swing with fresh powder conditions

Australia

Australia experienced what many are calling "the storm of the season," with up to 90 cm (3 ft) of snowfall and resort bases now exceeding 2 m — the deepest worldwide. Hotham reported over 77 cm (31") of fresh snow, creating drifts several metres deep. Alex Pankiw of Hotham described conditions as "some of the best of the whole season."

The country’s largest ski area, Perisher, now holds the world’s deepest snow base at more than 2 m (6.5 ft), surpassing Switzerland’s Saas Fee. With over 3 m of season-to-date snowfall, Australia has outperformed most of the Andes and New Zealand.

Forecast
Cold fronts continue to bring 10–20 cm (4–8") midweek, with snow levels below 1000 m and gusty winds. Skies should clear slightly into the weekend.

New Zealand

A major storm delivered accumulations up to 30 cm (12") last week, with Mt Hutt holding the deepest base at 163 cm (65"). North Island resorts on Mt Ruapehu, such as Whakapapa and Turoa, saw fresh snow and now offer their best conditions of the season.

Forecast
Southern resorts like Treble Cone and Cardrona may see up to 20 cm (8") fresh snow. Northern fields remain largely dry and cold.

Argentina

Snow conditions remain variable. Cerro Castor continues to post the best depths and open terrain, while Catedral Alta Patagonia struggles with less than 10% of slopes open. Caviahue announced an early season closure due to inadequate snowfall.

"We regret to announce the closure of the Ski Center, due to high temperatures and lack of snowfall that do not allow us to continue operating. We thank everyone who accompanied us during the season. See you in 2026!"

Forecast
Up to 32 cm (13") of fresh snow expected at Las Leñas, with lighter flurries across other resorts. Cold temperatures favour powder conditions midweek.

Chile

Chile’s resorts continue to enjoy excellent late-season conditions, with storm totals up to 90 cm (36"). Valle Nevado and Portillo both report deep bases and near-full operations. The US ski team, including Lindsey Vonn, has been training at La Parva.

Forecast
14–22 cm (6–9") of snow expected at Pucon and Nevados de Chillán. Lighter falls for Valle Nevado and La Parva. Conditions remain cold with moderate winds.