Southern Hemisphere Weekly Snow Roundup #317
Weekly Snow News for the Southern Hemisphere, updated 4 June 2026: Australia receives up to 25cm (10") of fresh snow as New Zealand, the Andes and Afriski prepare for winter openings.
- Australian resorts receive opening-week snowfall boost
- New Zealand season begins with limited terrain
- Andes resorts await colder weather and openings
- Afriski snowmaking underway ahead of winter
Australia Snow Report
Australia's 2026 season begins this King's Birthday weekend, traditionally the country's main ski season opening regardless of snow conditions. Exactly how much terrain will be available remains unclear, although Thredbo, Corin Forest and Mt Buller have invested heavily in all-weather snowmaking technology. Mt Buller now operates more of these machines than any other ski resort worldwide.
Conditions have improved steadily through the week. Overnight temperatures dropped as low as -5°C, snowmaking systems have been operating, and recent rain, sleet and snow showers have helped build anticipation ahead of opening day. By Thursday morning, Falls Creek and Hotham reported 15cm (6") of fresh snowfall, while Mt Buller received 25cm (10").
"It's an exciting time of year at Perisher. We're ramping up for opening day and getting ready to welcome guests back to the resort," said Emily Smith, Senior Manager of Brand + Experience. "We will update on our operations before the long weekend."
Australia Snow Forecast
A colder pattern is expected as a wintry change moves across the Alps. Summit temperatures should fall to around -5°C to -7°C, with bases near or just below freezing. Light snow showers are most likely in New South Wales, while Victoria turns colder and drier. Sub-zero nights will continue to support snowmaking and improve early-season conditions.
New Zealand Snow Report
New Zealand's season opened in limited fashion at the weekend. Coronet Peak and Whakapapa both began offering snow activities using terrain created by all-weather snowmaking systems.
Coronet Peak has limited skiing and snowboarding available, while Whakapapa has initially focused on tubing. The first major openings are scheduled from the end of next week, when Mt Hutt, Cardrona and The Remarkables are expected to begin operations.
Recent weather has delivered rain, sleet and some snowfall, but temperatures have rarely stayed below freezing long enough for significant snowmaking and base building.
New Zealand Snow Forecast
Colder southerly weather is expected to lower freezing levels across both islands. Summit temperatures should fall to between -6°C and -8°C, with bases ranging from -2°C to +3°C. Light snowfall is most likely in the Southern Alps, while Ruapehu remains windier and more changeable. Sub-zero nights should improve snowmaking opportunities through the weekend.
Argentina Snow Report
Cold but mostly dry weather continues across Argentina's ski regions.
High-Andean resorts including Las Leñas, Los Penitentes and Vallecitos have seen mountain temperatures between -3°C and +7°C. Further south, Cerro Castor remains the coldest area, with summit temperatures from -8°C to -2°C.
Patagonian resorts including Catedral, Chapelco and Cerro Bayo have remained milder, with daytime mountain temperatures reaching 8°C to 14°C. Snowfall has been limited, with mainly dry conditions and variable cloud.
Argentina Snow Forecast
A colder Andean pattern is expected into the weekend. Upper-mountain temperatures should range from -5°C to -8°C in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, with light snow flurries possible around Ushuaia and Bariloche. Mendoza's high-Andes resorts are expected to stay dry but cold. Continued sub-zero nights will aid snowmaking and help firm surface conditions.
Chile Snow Report
Chile's 2026 ski season has yet to begin, with most resorts still more than a week away from their planned opening dates.
Conditions have remained generally dry. Central Andes resorts including Valle Nevado, La Parva, El Colorado and Portillo have seen summit temperatures from -3°C to +8°C, while southern resorts such as Nevados de Chillán, Corralco and Villarrica have been slightly warmer during the day.
Chile Snow Forecast
Colder weather is expected as freezing levels fall across the Andes. Upper-mountain temperatures should drop to between -6°C and -10°C overnight, with southern regions seeing the best chance of light snowfall. Repeated sub-zero periods through the weekend should improve snowmaking opportunities and upper-mountain snow cover.
Southern Africa Snow Report
Afriski is expected to open soon, although the resort has not yet announced an official start date.
Recent weather has been mostly dry and sunny, but overnight temperatures on higher terrain have dropped well below freezing. The resort has also reported snowmaking operations underway.
Southern Africa Forecast
Afriski is forecast to see overnight lows of -12°C to -9°C and daytime temperatures of -2°C to +2°C. Conditions should remain mostly dry with occasional cloud and a slight chance of light flurries on the highest ridges. Consistently cold nights will help maintain firm snow surfaces.
