Southern Hemisphere Weekly Snow Roundup #331
Weekly Snow News for Southern Hemisphere, updated 10 September 2026: Chile’s Corralco nears 5m (16ft) of snow, while New Zealand offers 90–100% terrain and Australia’s season collapses.
- Australia: Heavy rain has closed most resorts, with only Perisher and Thredbo left.
- New Zealand: Most resorts are 90–100% open, with fresh snow and more forecast.
- Argentina: Strong conditions continue, with 70–90% of terrain open.
- Chile: Cold conditions and deep snow continue, with Corralco nearing 5m.
Southern Hemisphere Introduction
Australia’s season has deteriorated rapidly, with most resorts now closed after heavy rain damaged the thin snowpack. Only Perisher and Thredbo remain open in NSW, with limited terrain. New Zealand continues to enjoy generally favourable conditions, with most resorts 90–100% open and Cardrona and Mt Hutt leading. South America has the deepest snow, with Argentina mostly dry and sunny and Chile maintaining excellent cover, particularly at Corralco.
Australia Report
Heavy rain has forced Mt Hotham, Mt Buller and Falls Creek to close early, ending Victoria’s season. Only Perisher and Thredbo remain open, both with very limited snow. Thredbo has just a small amount of snow remaining on Friday Flat and will close Sunday, while Perisher has around 15% of terrain skiable and has resumed overnight snowmaking.
Australia Forecast
Conditions should remain difficult, although colder nights and unsettled weather may bring light high-altitude snow from Thursday into Friday. Freezing levels could fall to 1200–1400m, with temperatures of –3°C to –7°C at higher elevations, allowing some refreezing and limited snowmaking. Gusty winds and clearer periods are also expected.
New Zealand Report
New Zealand has seen a mix of sunshine, rain, fresh snow and strong winds, with up to 15–30cm of new snow reported. Most resorts remain 90–100% open. Cardrona is fully open with 45km of runs, while Mt Hutt has the country’s deepest snowpack and is also fully open. Further snow has fallen at Mt Hutt and Treble Cone.
New Zealand Forecast
A mostly cold, dry and sunny period is expected, with two chances of fresh snow. Thursday could bring 5–10cm to higher terrain, followed by another possible snowfall on Sunday. Between systems, clear skies and overnight temperatures of –3°C to –10°C should produce firm, fast conditions.
Argentina Report
Argentina has returned to mostly dry, sunny weather after a snowy period, with only light showers in the south. Temperatures remain generally between –5°C and +5°C, keeping snowpacks stable. Resorts are reporting their best terrain availability of the season, with 70–90% open. Catedral is nearly 80% open, while Las Leñas has around 80% open and now has the world’s second-deepest snowpack.
Argentina Forecast
Slightly more unsettled weather is expected, with cold nights, scattered snow showers and variable temperatures. Southern resorts have the best chance of fresh snow, while central areas may see light flurries. Overnight temperatures of –5°C to –10°C should preserve snow at altitude, with daytime highs around 0°C to +5°C.
Chile Report
Chile continues to experience cold, stable conditions, with most major resorts 90–100% open. Valle Nevado, La Parva and El Colorado together offer 124km of terrain. Southern resorts remain well covered, with Corralco now holding the world’s deepest snowpack. Nevados de Chillán briefly closed following a hotel fire but has since reopened.
Chile Forecast
Colder, stable conditions are expected from Thursday, with Central Andes temperatures falling to –10°C to –15°C at altitude. Light snowfall of around 5–10cm is possible, but conditions will remain mostly dry. Southern resorts should stay slightly milder, while cold overnight temperatures preserve the snowpack. Overall, firm, hard-packed conditions are expected.
