The 2026 winter ski season has commenced with significant challenges for resorts across Australia and New Zealand, marked by a stark lack of natural snowfall and unseasonably warm temperatures. This meteorological anomaly has resulted in delayed openings, limited operational terrain, and widespread concern among industry stakeholders and enthusiasts alike. While some resorts are leveraging advanced snowmaking technology to salvage operations, the overall picture paints a challenging start, with projections suggesting June 2026 may be recorded as one of the worst starts to a ski season in Australian history.
Widespread Snow Deficit Cripples Australian Resorts
In Australia, the typically snow-rich month of June has delivered a disappointing performance. Average June snowfall across the Australian Alps usually hovers around 35 centimetres. However, the current season has fallen far short of this benchmark, with some of the nation’s premier ski destinations experiencing virtually no natural snow.
Mount Hotham, a cornerstone of Australian skiing, has reported an alarming zero centimetres of natural snowfall for the month of June. This complete absence of fresh snow has left its slopes bare, a stark contrast to the powder-laden conditions typically anticipated by this stage of the season. The resort, renowned for its challenging terrain and reliable snow cover, is grappling with the direct consequences of the prevailing warm weather patterns.
Across the broader Australian ski landscape, operational capacity remains severely restricted. As of the latest updates, only two chairlifts are functioning across all Australian ski fields. In Thredbo, the "Easy Does It" chairlift is operational, providing limited access to beginner-friendly terrain. Similarly, Mount Buller has managed to open the "Bourke Street Express" chairlift, offering a small pocket of skiing and snowboarding.
These limited operations are almost entirely reliant on advanced all-weather snowmaking units. These sophisticated systems are capable of producing artificial snow even in ambient temperatures as high as 20 degrees Celsius, a testament to the technological advancements in snow management. However, the sheer scale of these machines and the energy required to operate them mean that they cannot fully replicate the natural snow experience or cover the extensive terrain offered by larger resorts.
Perisher, another major Australian ski resort, has managed to open a single, small slope. This minimal offering is a direct result of the prevailing conditions and the resort’s efforts to provide some form of recreational access despite the snow deficit.
Falls Creek, a popular destination for both families and experienced skiers, remains entirely closed. The lack of natural snow, coupled with insufficient conditions for effective snowmaking, has forced the resort to postpone its opening. Betony Pitcher, Brand + Experience Manager for Falls Creek, expressed the resort’s commitment to reopening as soon as conditions permit. "Our snowmaking team will be making snow at every opportunity, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on conditions to open for skiing and boarding as soon as we are able to," Pitcher stated. This sentiment highlights the proactive approach being taken by resort management, but also underscores the severity of the current snow shortage.
Industry analysis from Mountainwatch, a leading authority on ski conditions in the region, has characterized June 2026 as one of the "worst starts to a ski season" in Australia’s recorded history. This stark assessment reflects the unprecedented nature of the current weather patterns and their profound impact on the winter sports industry.
New Zealand Resorts Show Signs of Hope Amidst Evolving Conditions
While Australia grapples with a severe snow deficit, the outlook for New Zealand’s ski resorts is showing tentative signs of improvement, albeit from a similarly challenging starting point. Recent forecasts have indicated the potential for some snowfall, offering a glimmer of hope for the industry.
Crucially, colder temperatures have begun to penetrate the region, allowing snow guns at New Zealand resorts to operate more effectively. This shift in temperature is a critical factor in enabling the production of artificial snow, a vital tool in mitigating the impact of natural snow deficiencies.
On Friday, June 26th, Cardrona successfully opened for the season. This marked a significant milestone, with the resort now welcoming skiers and snowboarders. The opening was facilitated by a combination of the resort’s snowmaking efforts and the recent improvement in cold weather conditions. Social media channels from Cardrona showcased early-season conditions, with the resort working to establish a viable operational base.
Elsewhere, Mt Hutt has also commenced its season. Similar to Cardrona, Mt Hutt’s opening has been dependent on snowmaking capabilities and the recent drop in temperatures. The resort has been actively preparing its slopes to offer skiing and snowboarding as soon as conditions allowed.
The situation in New Zealand, while still presenting challenges, appears to be on a slightly more positive trajectory than in Australia, with the prospect of natural snow providing a much-needed boost.
Background and Context: The El Niño Factor and Climate Change
The current difficult start to the ski season in Australia and New Zealand is widely attributed to prevailing weather patterns, most notably the lingering effects of an El Niño event, which typically brings warmer and drier conditions to the region. El Niño is a naturally occurring climate pattern characterized by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Its influence can extend globally, impacting weather systems thousands of miles away.
For the Australian and New Zealand ski seasons, El Niño often translates to reduced snowfall and warmer temperatures, particularly during the crucial early months of winter. While El Niño events are cyclical, the intensity and duration of recent events, coupled with the broader backdrop of climate change, are leading to more extreme and unpredictable weather patterns. Scientists have warned that climate change is exacerbating the impacts of natural climate phenomena like El Niño, leading to more frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, and in the case of the ski industry, reduced snow cover.
The reliance on snowmaking technology has become increasingly critical for ski resorts worldwide, including those in Australia and New Zealand. While these systems are sophisticated, they are energy-intensive and have limitations. The ability to make snow is directly dependent on ambient temperatures, and prolonged periods of unseasonable warmth can render even the most advanced snowmaking operations ineffective or prohibitively expensive.
Broader Implications for the Ski Industry
The current season’s challenging start has significant implications for the ski industry in both countries. Resorts face substantial revenue losses due to delayed openings, reduced operational capacity, and potentially fewer visitor numbers. The economic impact extends beyond the resorts themselves, affecting local communities that rely heavily on winter tourism for employment and income. This includes hospitality businesses, equipment rental shops, and transportation services.
The prolonged reliance on artificial snow also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of ski operations in regions increasingly affected by warming climates. Investment in snowmaking technology is substantial, and its effectiveness is not guaranteed in a warming world. This may necessitate a re-evaluation of business models and potentially a diversification of offerings to remain viable.
Furthermore, the inconsistent snow conditions can impact the competitive ski circuit, with potential disruptions to training and events. For recreational skiers and snowboarders, the experience can be diminished, leading to disappointment and potentially a reduction in future participation if consistent access to quality snow cannot be guaranteed.
The situation serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of industries dependent on specific climatic conditions and highlights the growing need for adaptation and mitigation strategies in the face of climate change. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the weather forecasts and the resilience of the snowmaking operations in determining the ultimate success or failure of the 2026 ski season in Australia and New Zealand. The coming weeks will be critical in assessing whether the forecast snow arrives and if the operational capacity can be expanded to offer a more complete winter sports experience to eager enthusiasts.
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Published by PlanetSKI on June 28th, 2026. Last modified on June 30th, 2026.
