Australia’s 2026 Snow Season Opens With 20–40cm Falls, Strong Bookings Despite Mixed Outlook

Between 20cm and 40cm of snow fell across the Victorian and New South Wales alps before the long weekend, with snowmakers supplementing natural precipitation. The Bureau of Meteorology said on Friday that the snow was widespread and that light showers would give way to cold, frosty nights and sunny days through the weekend.

Snow cams on Saturday showed continuous cover in some locations and patchy or absent snow in others.

Resorts have increased reliance on snow cannons, snow factories, grooming and harvesting to maintain conditions for visitors. ” He dismissed Bureau of Meteorology forecasts of below-average snowfall, noting that last year had been strong despite a similar outlook.

Vail Resorts’ senior communications manager Dani Wright said interest in the 2026 season at Perisher, Falls Creek and Hotham was strong, though the company does not release sales figures.

Vail Resorts offered an opening-weekend special of a $99 lift pass with an optional $1 lesson. A one-day lift pass cost about $100 in 2010, according to an Australian Alpine Club survey; current prices are often more than double that amount, though discounts remain available for beginners, families and multi-day passes.

Thredbo recorded about 150,000 visits to its $10 million alpine coaster last season.

Diver said the resort is expanding summer offerings in mountain biking and hiking to reduce reliance on winter snow alone. A 2024 Australian National University report found that Australian ski seasons could shorten by 44 to 55 days by 2050 under current climate trends, or by 28 days if emissions are reduced.

The Snow Resorts Australia Summit in May described snowmaking as a critical resilience measure and potential public infrastructure.