Australia, Chile and New Zealand Extend Ski Season with Fresh Snow

• Perisher retains the world’s deepest base at 220cm (87").
• Fresh 20–30cm (8–12") snowfall boosts New Zealand slopes.
• Argentina and Chile eye powerful late-winter storm cycles.
• Resorts across Australia and South America begin seasonal closures.

Australia

After a little snowfall last week, Australia's alpine regions are holding up well as spring settles in, with some of the best September base depths in years across New South Wales and Victoria.

Down in Tasmania, Mt Mawson opened for the first time this season over the weekend following a good snowfall. Some lower-lying centres such as Selwyn and Mt Baw Baw have already closed for the season, with Selwyn finishing on Sunday and Mt Baw Baw hosting a pond skim.

Perisher (220/220cm / 87/87") continues to post the world’s deepest base and most terrain open, with packed snow across nearly all terrain. Thredbo (220/220cm / 87/87") and Charlotte Pass (220/220cm / 87/87") report similar conditions.

Victoria’s Mt Hotham (154/154cm / 61/61") and Falls Creek (138/138cm / 54/54") offer powder and spring snow, while Mt Buller (85/122cm / 33/48") remains open with patchier coverage.

Forecast
A mix of rain, sleet and light snowfall is expected at higher elevations from Wednesday evening, with clearer skies but colder winds Thursday to Saturday. Snowmaking may resume where temperatures dip.

New Zealand

It has been a largely good week, with 20–30cm (8–12") snowfall totals reported, bringing fresh conditions. Temple Basin finally opened after late-season heavy snow. The South Island continues to deliver strong conditions, particularly across the Southern Alps.

Mt Hutt (133/163cm / 52/64") posts the country’s deepest snowpack, while Treble Cone (76/76cm / 30/30") and Cardrona (66/66cm / 26/26") are in good shape. The Remarkables and Coronet Peak are holding firm with most runs open. North Island resorts Turoa (100/152cm / 40/61") and Whakapapa (81/98cm / 32/39") continue to improve.

Forecast
A wintry system will deliver 10–20cm (4–8") midweek, with strong winds at times. Temperatures range from –6°C to 4°C, with wind chills below –10°C in exposed areas.

Argentina

The season is winding down. Caviahue has closed, but higher-altitude resorts still offer turns. Cerro Castor (50/90cm / 20/35") near Ushuaia remains the standout, with 81% of terrain open. Las Leñas (45/115cm / 18/45") reports the country’s deepest upper snow, though only 38% of terrain is open. Catedral Alta Patagonia is struggling with minimal coverage.

Forecast
A powerful storm cycle could bring up to 40cm (16") of snow to Las Leñas and 30cm (12") to Catedral Alta Patagonia. Cold midweek conditions will give way to clearer skies Friday and Saturday.

Chile

High-altitude resorts are thriving, with Valle Nevado (61/180cm / 24/71") fully open and posting excellent conditions. Neighbouring La Parva and El Colorado report reduced terrain open, though upper slopes remain skiable. Nevados de Chillán (110/150cm / 43/59") is 93% open with consistent quality, while Portillo (66/137cm / 26/54") remains 91% open.

Forecast
Up to 65cm (26") of snow could accumulate by Saturday on northern slopes. Temperatures may plunge to –9°C at altitude on Thursday before clearer skies arrive for the weekend.