2025 Australian Ski Season Gets Underway

Early Snowfall and Cautious Optimism

The 2025 Australian ski season has officially commenced, with resorts across New South Wales and Victoria opening after receiving 20–40 cm of natural snowfall in late May and early June, supplemented by artificial snowmaking. The season began ahead of the King's Birthday long weekend, with snow cover considered sufficient for skiing and snowboarding.

"Alpine conditions have always been variable... resorts are accustomed to planning for a wide range of weather outcomes." — Josh Elliott, CEO, Snow Resorts Australia

Weather and Climate Outlook

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a long-range forecast indicating above-average maximum and minimum temperatures for the winter months (June–August) across Australian alpine regions.

• BOM senior forecaster Jonathan How stated that the combination of a likely El Niño event, drier conditions, and warmer temperatures "does not favor good deep snow cover."
• Climatologist Zhi-Weng Chua reported a 60–80% probability of below-average rainfall and a high likelihood of temperatures in the top 20% for alpine regions during the season.
• University of Southern Queensland climate scientist Tim Cowan noted that while El Niño typically reduces moisture from the tropics, large snowfall events can still occur from Antarctic cold fronts unrelated to El Niño.

Dr. Andrew Watkins (Monash University) : "Climate change loads the dice for less snowfall and El Niño loads the dice for a shorter season."

Resort Operations and Infrastructure

Snowmaking Investments

Alpine Resorts Victoria (ARV) general manager Alan Arthur stated that Mount Buller and Mount Stirling have invested heavily in snowmaking equipment, with machines operating for several weeks prior to the season. New "snow factories" are capable of producing snow in variable conditions. Arthur said that two or three significant natural snowfalls would provide adequate coverage.

Thredbo general manager Stuart Diver expressed confidence in the season, noting that sales are up. He stated the resort is "in a good spot to make sure that the industry is sustainable for decades to come." Diver said the industry approach "has got to be multi-pronged, you just can't rely on one thing."

Lift Passes and Pricing

One-day lift passes, which were approximately $100 in 2010, now commonly exceed $200. Discounts are available for beginners, multi-day bundles, and families. Vail Resorts offered an opening weekend special of $99 for a pass with an optional $1 lesson.

Beginner and Women's Programs

• Epic Beginner Bundle (Perisher, Falls Creek, Hotham): Three flexible days of beginner lift access, lessons, and rentals for $499
• Thredbo: Single-day "Learn to Ski and Snowboard" packages from $99 for adults, including lift access and group lesson (rentals extra)
• Mount Buller: New tunnel cover installed over the magic carpet lift on Bourke Street
• Perisher: Two-day Women's Ski Weekend offered for $549 (lift pass extra)

Accommodation

• Falls Creek: Nelse Lodge has reopened after a five-year renovation, operating as a wellness retreat with gym, sauna, and plunge pools. Cooroora Alpine Lodge has added Skyline Penthouse Apartments.
• Mount Buller: Ski Club of Victoria has renovated the bar, restaurant, and ski club at The Whitt.

Après and Dining

• Thredbo: First Tracks Club offers sunrise breakfast at Eagles Nest and exclusive skiing. Free gigs headlined by The Presets (August 1)
• Perisher: Eiger Lodge launched a "Late Lunch…? Early Après?" menu from 2pm. Sugar & Snow sweet shop opened at Mid-Station
• Mount Buller: Bull Run Cantina reopened after a two-season hiatus
• Falls Creek: Lakeside Lodge offers aperitivo deals (4-5:30pm) and live music

Visitor Trends and Economic Impact

Ski resort visitation across Australia has declined from 2 million lift ticket or season pass users in 2015 to 1.7 million in 2024. The 2023 season recorded 1.9 million users, and 2021 recorded 901,000 during the pandemic.

Victorian alpine resorts generate over $2 billion in annual economic output and support more than 12,000 full-time equivalent jobs.

Falls Creek Business Chamber president Michelle Lovell said forward bookings are strong, with many visitors planning new experiences. She noted that south-facing terrain holds snow well, providing skiing for at least 10 weeks.

In Jindabyne, NSW, optimism has been boosted by the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, where local athlete Josie Baff won gold in women's snowboard cross. Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce head Olivier Kapetanakos stated this success would attract more visitors to the slopes, particularly younger visitors and families. Mount Buller is planning a celebration in July to welcome back local Winter Olympians, including gold medallist Jakara Anthony.

Scientific Projections and Industry Adaptation

Climate Projections

• A 2024 Australian National University report projects that Australian ski seasons will shrink by 44–55 days by 2050 under current climate trajectory, or 28 days shorter if emissions are reduced, with potential recovery by 2080
• 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
• Climatologists note that snow depths have trended downward since the 1950s, but predicting specific snow levels remains difficult due to short-term factors

"There is a really stark difference between the emissions scenarios. The more we can reduce our emissions, the cheaper and more effective our adaptation will be." — Ruby Olsson, ANU researcher

Resort Diversification

Thredbo is diversifying with summer activities including mountain biking, hiking, and an alpine coaster, which attracts approximately 150,000 visits.

Industry Statements

• Snow Resorts Australia Summit noted that snowmaking is considered a critical climate resilience measure, potentially warranting designation as critical public infrastructure