Southern Hemisphere Weekly Snow Roundup #281

• Thredbo leads world snow depths with 195cm.
• New Zealand storms end season for several ski areas.
• Argentina’s major resorts close; only a few remain open.
• Chile extends season with world-class depths and terrain.

Australia

Australian ski areas have experienced a mixed late-season weather pattern, with some light snowfalls reported alongside cooler temperatures and patchy cloud cover. However, there has been some rain and sleet at lower elevations, especially in Victoria, heralding the end of the season is nigh, but conditions remain very skiable, especially at altitude.

Most Australian areas that have not yet closed are expected to reopen by the first few days of October, weather permitting. The snow is still so deep, though, it remains to be seen if some will stay open later into next month. Thredbo (100/195cm / 40/78”) is currently posting the world’s deepest snow, with about 42km (26 miles) of slopes open. It has overtaken Perisher, which has reduced its open terrain to just over half its full extent.

Forecast
Spring may be gaining ground. However, Australian ski resorts still expect light snowfalls of 1–7cm at Perisher, Thredbo, Falls Creek, and Mount Hotham, with sub-zero nights and brisk winds.

New Zealand

It’s been a week that’s seen both snow and rain showers on New Zealand’s slopes, forcing some areas like Porters (120/170cm / 47/67”) to close. Other centres reported a mix of rain and snow, with strong winds also impacting operations.

Mt Hutt (138/166cm / 54/65”) continues to lead and plans to stay open into October. Cardrona and Treble Cone are both offering full terrain access. North Island areas Whakapapa and Turoa continue to hold some of their best conditions of the season.

Forecast
Calmer weather is expected with mostly light winds and variable cloud cover. Wanaka and Queenstown resorts look dry and partly cloudy, while North Island areas remain firm with spring snow.

Argentina

Argentina’s season is winding up fast, with most ski areas now closed, including Las Leñas. Two remain open: Cerro Castor (30/75cm / 12/30”) and Cerro Catedral (20/35cm / 8/14”), both of which plan to run until early October.

Forecast
Catedral expects light showers, while Cerro Castor may see brief wintry spells before milder spring returns.

Chile

In contrast, most Chilean ski areas are extending into October. Valle Nevado (60/180cm / 24/72”) has all slopes open and world-class depths. El Colorado and La Parva remain about 90% open, while Portillo is at 90% terrain open.

Forecast
Relatively quiet weather is expected, with only light flurries possible at higher elevations. Conditions should favour classic spring skiing with firmer mornings and softer afternoons.