Australia's ski industry is facing a "frustrating start" to the winter season as both climate change and the El Niño weather pattern combine to create challenging conditions for snowfall. The alpine regions of New South Wales and Victoria, home to popular ski resorts such as Perisher and Mount Buller, have seen minimal natural snowfall, leaving slopes covered in mud and relying heavily on artificial snowmaking efforts. This early-season struggle comes amid growing concerns over the long-term viability of skiing in the region, exacerbated by rising global temperatures and changing weather patterns.
The situation has become particularly evident as students begin their winter school holidays, a critical period for the ski industry that typically sees a surge in family visitors. However, instead of pristine snow-covered slopes, many resorts have been forced to rely on snow guns to create artificial snow. At Perisher, for example, snow-making machines are working under difficult conditions, battling warm and rainy weather that limits their effectiveness. One visitor captured a video showing a narrow strip of artificial snow against a backdrop of muddy terrain, highlighting the stark contrast between expectations and reality.
Industry representatives argue that these early challenges are not uncommon and should not necessarily signal a poor season ahead. Bess Nolan-Cook, CEO of the Victorian tourism group Tourism North East, noted that June often brings mixed results and expressed confidence that snow would eventually arrive. Similarly, Noel Landry, general manager of Buller Ski Lifts, pointed to historical data indicating that low or no snow in June is typical, with approximately 35% of seasons starting with limited snow cover until July.
Despite these assurances, the broader environmental context remains concerning. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) indicates that snow coverage in Australia has been declining steadily since the late 1950s, driven by rising temperatures and reduced rainfall during the cooler months. Reports show that peak snow depths have decreased annually at key monitoring sites such as Spencers Creek in NSW and Rocky Valley Dam in Victoria. These trends are further compounded by the current El Niño phenomenon, which contributes to warmer and drier conditions, potentially reducing snow depth by nearly 35 centimeters compared to average years.
Environmental groups have drawn attention to the role of fossil fuels in exacerbating these issues. Protect Our Winters Australia attributes the shrinking snowpack directly to the continued reliance on coal, oil, and gas. Dr. Lily O’Neill, a senior research fellow at Melbourne Climate Futures, emphasized that while El Niño is a natural climatic cycle, its effects are amplified by anthropogenic climate change. She highlighted that the current season represents one of the warmest starts to winter on record, underscoring the urgent need to address emissions.
Meteorological forecasts offer cautious optimism, predicting that colder nights could lead to snowfall later in the week. However, even if snow arrives, it is expected to fall on already saturated ground, limiting accumulation. Jiwon Park, a BOM meteorologist, noted that while snow is in the forecast, its impact might be minimal given the existing conditions. Despite these uncertainties, local business owners remain hopeful. Rob Aivatoglou, owner of George’s Ski Hire at Mount Buller, acknowledged the difficulties but noted that artificial snowmaking allows for continued operations and enjoyment for visitors, even if the experience falls short of ideal conditions for seasoned skiers.
As the ski season progresses, the focus will remain on whether natural snowfall can catch up with the artificial efforts and provide a viable experience for tourists. Industry stakeholders continue to monitor weather patterns closely, hoping for a turnaround that will sustain the economic and recreational value of the alpine regions. Meanwhile, the broader implications of climate change loom large, raising questions about the future of skiing in Australia and the resilience of the industry in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather.
5 reports
The Sydney Morning HeraldIndependentCenteryesterdayOn June 24, 2026, the London School of Economics canceled an event discussing extreme heat due to dangerously high temperatures in England, reaching 35°C—12°C above average. The event was meant to kick off London Climate Week and featured prominent climate experts. The LSE cited safety concerns, noting the venue lacked cooling systems. Across Europe, the heatwave led to severe impacts: the London Ambulance Service handled over 7,900 calls, with 642 classified as critical. Hospitals in France struggled with patient overload, and over 1000 excess deaths were reported. Drowning incidents rose as people sought relief in water, and tragic cases involved children trapped in vehicles. French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the heatwave, emphasizing the need for greater preparedness. The World Health Organization warned that extreme heat will become more frequent, stressing that failing to adapt risks loss of life.
Bias read (Center): While the article discusses the severe impacts of extreme heat and references political figures like President Macron, it presents the situation as a scientific and humanitarian crisis rather than taking a clear ideological stance. The framing remains balanced, focusing on factual outcomes and data,
SBS NewsState / PublicCenter3 days agoThis article discusses the unusually warm winter conditions across much of Australia, noting that several major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide have recorded above-average temperatures for June. It highlights that this trend aligns with broader global patterns of rising temperatures due to climate change, citing examples such as the record-breaking heatwave in Western Europe earlier in the year. The article references scientific studies and meteorological reports to support these claims, suggesting that continued warmth could lead to a hotter summer. It also mentions potential impacts on natural phenomena like the ski season in Australia and notes that while some areas remain within normal temperature ranges, the overall pattern indicates a shift toward more frequent extreme weather events.
Bias read (Center): The article presents information about climate trends and temperature anomalies without overtly endorsing any particular political stance. While it acknowledges the role of human-made climate change, it does not frame the issue in a way that favors one ideological perspective over another. The focus
The Conversation (AU)IndependentCenter4 days agoThe article discusses the unusually warm start to winter in Australia, noting that several major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide have recorded above-average temperatures. Perth remains the only southern capital with typical June temperatures. The phenomenon is linked to global heating and is part of a broader trend of unseasonably high temperatures globally, including an early summer heatwave in Western Europe. The article references scientific studies and climate reports to support these claims, suggesting that such extreme weather is becoming more common due to accelerated global warming. It also mentions potential impacts on the upcoming ski season and notes that while dry conditions are expected, occasional cold outbreaks could occur due to the jet stream's 'waviness'.
Bias read (Center): While the article discusses climate change and its effects, which are politically charged topics, it presents information from multiple sources, including the Bureau of Meteorology, academic studies, and international climate reports. The framing appears balanced, discussing both the current trends,
The AgeIndependentCenter4 days agoAustralia's ski season has begun with a lack of natural snow, leaving slopes muddy and prompting reliance on artificial snowmaking. The early part of the season is typically inconsistent, but concerns have grown due to climate change and the onset of an El Nino weather pattern, both contributing to warmer and drier conditions. Resorts like Perisher and Buller Ski Lifts are using snow guns to try to create snow, though they note that low snow levels in June are historically common. Officials from the Bureau of Meteorology highlight long-term declines in snow cover linked to rising temperatures and reduced rainfall, while resort managers express optimism about potential improvements later in the season.
Bias read (Center): The article presents information about the impact of climate change and weather patterns on the ski season without overtly criticizing or praising any political stance. It includes quotes from officials and reports from the Bureau of Meteorology, maintaining a balanced approach by presenting both a
The Sydney Morning HeraldIndependentCenter4 days ago ‘Frustrating start’ to ski season as climate change and El Nino weather pattern convergeAustralia's ski season has begun with a significant lack of natural snow, leading to muddy conditions on the slopes and reliance on artificial snowmaking. The ski industry is hoping for improvement later in the season, but early signs point to challenges due to climate change and the influence of the El Niño weather pattern. Resorts in New South Wales and Victoria are using snow guns to create artificial snow, though effectiveness depends on cold temperatures. Long-term data indicates declining snow cover since the 1950s, attributed to rising temperatures and reduced rainfall during cooler months. Industry representatives note that while June often brings variable snowfall, they remain optimistic about future conditions.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced view of the situation, citing both the challenges faced by the ski industry and the perspectives of industry representatives. It includes scientific data from the Bureau of Meteorology regarding climate trends and mentions the impact of El Niño, without overtly favori
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