Blizzard in Oz

Australian ski areas are enjoying the biggest snowstorm of the 2023 ski season so far. 

The multi-day storm is in its first 24 hours with 15-25cm (6-10”) snowfall totals so far, but two to three times that much expected by Monday.

Coming on top of predominantly cold weather and snowstorms in June that have already let above-average cover at most Aussie resorts three weeks into the 2023 season, it looks like centres will be in great shape for the key July and September periods which also see school holidays in the wider region.

The current snowstorm is arriving accompanied by gale force winds however, which have led to some centres, including Falls Creek (above), closing lifts and slopes at times.

“It’s been a wild day today at Perisher, with the blizzard delivering up to 15cm of snow today! The fresh snow meant our guests had a good time in the powder, which we expect to keep up in the next few days,” commented Maddi Ventura, Marketing Manager at Perisher Ski Resort, which is the first in the country to post a base of more than a metre (40”) on its higher runs. It’s currently up at 109cm (44”) with more than 40 lifts running.

Of other published numbers, Hotham (pictured top) reported 20cm (8”) and Thredbo 22cm (9”) of fresh snowfall so far.