Southern Hemisphere Weekly Snow Roundup #330

• Australia: Warm weather is reducing terrain, with most resorts only 5–35% open.
• New Zealand: Up to 50cm of fresh snow has boosted conditions, with more heavy snow forecast.
• Argentina: Cold, snowy weather continues, with most major resorts over two-thirds open.
• Chile: Excellent spring conditions continue, with Corralco topping 4m for the world’s deepest snow cover.

SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE INTRODUCTION

Australia’s ski areas continue into September, but +9 to +10°C daytime temperatures are eroding cover, leaving only 5%–35% of terrain open. New Zealand received up to 50cm (20") of snow, although winds, rain and landslips disrupted operations. The Andes have the world’s deepest snow and most open terrain. Las Leñas has Argentina’s deepest cover at 3m, while Chile’s major centres are near 100% open. Corralco has the world’s deepest cover at over 4m (15+ feet). In Africa, Afriski ended its season Monday but remains open for snow play while snow lasts.

AUSTRALIA REPORT

Australia’s open ski areas are continuing into September, helped by cold nights for snowmaking and some fresh snow. Thredbo reported successive nights of snowmaking, but daytime highs of +9 to +10°C are impacting cover. Most areas have 5%–35% of terrain open and thinning bases. Thredbo (40/90cm / 16/36”) has the deepest cover and about a third of runs open. Perisher (45/75cm / 18/30”) has lost about a third of its base and has around 30% of runs skiable.

AUSTRALIA FORECAST

Mostly mild conditions continue this week, with slope-level overnight lows of -1 to +8°C. Early conditions will be settled, with variable cloud and occasional light showers, often sleet or rain. A temperature dip late in the week may bring light alpine snow, but rain is increasingly likely by week’s end, particularly on lower slopes, potentially softening remaining cover.

NEW ZEALAND REPORT

New Zealand received up to 50cm (20”) of snow, but strong winds, rain and landslides disrupted operations. Coronet Peak (60/90cm / 24/36”) is 95% open with improved coverage. Cardrona (80/100cm / 32/40”) returned to fully open and extended its season to October 18th. Treble Cone (70/106cm / 28/43”) reopened Sunday after avalanche and landslide work, with its deepest cover and most open terrain of the season. Broken River saw 40cm of snow followed by rain and gales, while further snow and winds have caused occasional closures. Mt Hutt (126/186cm / 50/74”) has the country’s deepest cover.

NEW ZEALAND FORECAST

Another cold, wintry week is forecast, with significant snowfall and sub-zero temperatures. Persistent snow is expected across both islands, with Southern Alps totals commonly exceeding 40–50cm (16–20") and lighter steady accumulations elsewhere. Temperatures at elevation will remain below freezing, falling to -10°C overnight. Top resorts could receive 30–70cm (12–28") through the week.

ARGENTINA REPORT

Argentina remains wintry, with frequent light snow and cold temperatures maintaining firm cover, although some bases are thin. Most areas are seeing ongoing snowfall, with summit temperatures around −4°C overnight and 10–20cm (4–8”) accumulating most days. Las Leñas (120/300cm / 48/120") has the country’s deepest cover and received over a metre (40") on higher terrain. Chapelco (12/134cm / 5/55”) received around 15cm (6") on Monday and has 95% of slopes open. Cerro Bayo (5/85cm / 2/36”) has steady snow, while Cerro Castor has around 1cm forecast. Most major resorts have more than two-thirds of terrain open.

ARGENTINA FORECAST

A colder week is developing, with sustained sub-zero nights. Current systems could bring up to 30cm (12”) more by the end of Thursday. Temperatures will range from 4°C to −10°C depending on elevation, keeping freezing levels low and snow quality generally good. Light snow continues through the weekend, followed by clear skies early next week and colder air reinforcing wintry conditions.

CHILE REPORT

Conditions are excellent in Chile as spring skiing begins, with several larger centres planning to operate into October. Most ski areas, particularly in the central and northern Andes, have some of the world’s deepest bases and are 100% open or nearly so. Portillo (200/305cm / 80/122”) has fully reopened its access roads after closures through much of July and August. Corralco (140/400cm / 56/160”) has the world’s deepest reported snow depth, exceeding 4m (160”). Most of the country has been dry and clear since the weekend, with temperatures between -5 and +5°C, while southern areas have seen further snow showers. Canadian, French, Czech and US ski teams were reported training at La Parva (60/150cm / 24/60”).

CHILE FORECAST

A mixed but increasingly wintry pattern is developing across the Chilean Andes. The Central Andes remain mostly dry, with freeze–thaw cycles, temperatures between 7°C and −2°C, and only brief flurries possible from a weak late-week front. Farther south, more active systems will bring steady snow, colder air and 10–15cm of new snow, with freezing levels near 1,500m. Sub-zero nights will preserve snow quality, while passing fronts may bring periods of low visibility.