The 2025 Australian ski season has officially commenced across New South Wales and Victoria, with resorts reporting varied early-season snow conditions. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a long-range forecast indicating warmer-than-average temperatures and below-average precipitation for alpine regions, while resort operators express confidence in snowmaking technology and forward bookings.
Current Snow Conditions
As of early June, natural snowfall has been limited. At Spencers Creek in New South Wales, only 14 centimeters of snow had been recorded since the season opened on June 6, which has since melted. Warm temperatures and rain have hindered both natural snowfall and snowmaking efforts.
However, some resorts reported 20-40 centimeters of snowfall across Victorian and NSW alps prior to the King's Birthday long weekend, supplemented by artificial snow.
Weather Forecast
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts temperatures to drop later in the week, with snowfalls predicted from Thursday night through Saturday morning. Up to 10 centimeters of snow is forecast to fall as low as 1,200 meters elevation on Thursday.
"Rain is expected on Tuesday and Wednesday, with potential snow from cold fronts on Thursday, though accumulation may be limited due to wet ground." — Meteorologist Jiwon Park
The Bureau's long-range outlook indicates an unusually warm winter across Australia, with a possible El Niño developing. Climatologist Zhi-Weng Chua reported a 60-80% chance of below-average rainfall and a high probability of temperatures in the top 20% for alpine regions from June to August.
"The combination of El Niño, drier conditions, and warmer temperatures does not favor deep snow cover." — Senior forecaster Jonathan How
Industry Perspective and Adaptation
Resort operators and industry representatives have noted that early-season conditions are not unusual. Noel Landry, general manager of Buller Ski Lifts, stated that data since the 1970s shows approximately 35% of seasons start with limited cover until July. Snow Resorts Australia CEO Josh Elliott said alpine conditions have always been variable and resorts are accustomed to planning for a wide range of weather outcomes.
Alpine Resorts Victoria (ARV) general manager Alan Arthur stated that Mount Buller and Mount Stirling have invested in snowmaking, with machines operating for several weeks. New "snow factories" can produce snow in variable conditions, and snowmaking has become more efficient. Arthur said two or three decent snowfalls would suffice for adequate coverage.
Thredbo's general manager Stuart Diver expressed confidence in a good season, noting sales are up. He stated the resort is "in a good spot to make sure that the industry is sustainable for decades to come" and that diversification is necessary, including summer activities such as mountain biking, hiking, and an alpine coaster with approximately 150,000 visits.
Statements from Local Businesses and Residents
Michelle Lindsay, owner of Alpine Sports in Jindabyne, said businesses are anxious for snow and hope forecasts bring visitors before school holidays. Falls Creek Business Chamber president Michelle Lovell said hotels and restaurants are taking the forecast "with a grain of salt," noting that forward bookings are strong.
Rob Aivatoglou, owner of George's Ski Hire at Mount Buller, reported 25 centimeters of snow fell on the June long weekend but did not last, though some previous seasons were worse.
Climate Projections and Long-Term Trends
Since the late 1950s, snow cover in Australia has declined due to warming temperatures and reduced cool season rains. Peak snow depths have decreased by 0.7 cm/year at Spencers Creek (NSW) and 0.6 cm/year at Rocky Valley Dam (Victoria). Historical data shows that El Niño years have snow depths averaging 35 centimeters below the mean and a shorter season by approximately two weeks.
A 2022 study using the SkiSim2 model predicted that average resort season length could drop by 15% to 17% by 2030, depending on greenhouse gas emissions. A 2024 Australian National University report projects that Australian ski seasons will shrink by 44-55 days by 2050 under the current climate trajectory, or 28 days shorter if emissions are reduced.
University of Southern Queensland climate scientist Tim Cowan noted that while a poorer season is not guaranteed, El Niño typically reduces moisture from the tropics, though large snowfalls can come from Antarctic blasts not linked to El Niño.
Economic Impact and Visitation
An ARV report shows Victorian alpine resorts generate over $2 billion in annual economic output and support more than 12,000 full-time equivalent jobs. Ski resort visitation Australia-wide has declined over the past decade, with 1.7 million lift ticket or season pass users in 2024 compared to 2 million in 2015, though 2023 saw 1.9 million and 2021 had 901,000 during the pandemic.
Lift Passes and Resort Upgrades
Several resorts have introduced new lift pass options and upgrades for the 2025 season:
- Epic Australia Pass (Perisher, Falls Creek, Hotham): A new flexible four-day pass available at $669 for adults and $379 for children, on sale until June 17. The unlimited pass costs $1,435, including northern hemisphere access.
- Thredbo's Ikon Pass: Approximately $2,000, valid at Aspen, Zermatt, Chamonix, and Furano.
- Charlotte Pass: The "2 Buck Tuesdays" offer continues; a new double chairlift replaces the old Poma lift at Guthries.
Beginner and Women's Programs
- Epic Beginner Bundle (Perisher, Falls Creek, Hotham): Three flexible days of beginner lift, lessons, and rentals for $499.
- Thredbo: New single-day "Learn to Ski and Snowboard" packages from $99 for adults, including lift and group lesson (rentals extra).
- Mount Buller: A new tunnel cover over the magic carpet lift on Bourke Street.
- Perisher: A two-day Women's Ski Weekend for $549 (lift pass extra).
Accommodation and Dining
Falls Creek: Nelse Lodge reopens after a five-year renovation as a wellness retreat with gym, sauna, and plunge pools. Cooroora Alpine Lodge adds Skyline Penthouse Apartments.
Mount Buller: Ski Club of Victoria renovates bar, restaurant, and ski club at The Whitt. Bull Run Cantina reopens after a two-season hiatus.
Thredbo: First Tracks Club offers sunrise breakfast at Eagles Nest and exclusive skiing; free gigs headlined by The Presets (August 1).
Perisher: Eiger Lodge launches a "Late Lunch…? Early Après?" menu from 2pm; Sugar & Snow sweet shop opens at Mid-Station.
Falls Creek: Lakeside Lodge offers 4-5:30pm aperitivo deals and live music.