Source : Perth Now news
It’s all snow guns blazing for the official opening of the Australian ski season this weekend.
Resort operators are bracing for below freezing conditions perfect for fresh snow.
Australia’s largest resort, Perisher, had 59 snow guns firing from Monday, while Mt Buller in the Victorian Alps has already flicked the switch on their five all-weather snow-making systems.
The combination of fresh snowfall and canons promises to blanket Aussie ski fields in a sea of white, much to the delight of thousands expected to descend on the slopes for the opening weekend.
Vail Resorts owns and operates three major resorts in Perisher in NSW, and Falls Creek and Mount Hotham in Victoria.
A Thredbo spokesperson said resort “conditions are shaping up well, with strong snow-making temperatures expected throughout the weekend and into next week”.
“We’re expecting a busy opening weekend as skiers, snowboarders and visitors join us to celebrate the start of the season,” the spokesperson said.
“There’s a huge line-up of events, activities and entertainment planned, making it a fantastic atmosphere both on and off the slopes.
“With the recent snowfall and strong snow-making conditions, June is shaping up to be an excellent time for a winter getaway. Planning ahead also gives you the best choice of accommodation, lessons and rental equipment.”
Jennifer Ennion, a ski reporter with Australia’s No. 1 travel site escape, first learnt to snowboard at Thredbo in the Snowy Mountains 26 years ago.
“I have a soft spot for the mountain and village,” Ennion told NewsWire.
“As a snowboarder, I also find the pitch of the terrain and the minimal flat spots great. That said, I have the most fun at Mt Hotham in the Victorian Alps.
“There are some natural gullies at Hotham that are a blast, and I love how it’s an ‘upside down’ resort with the village at the top of the mountain.”
Her tip to getting the most out of this year’s ski season is to “buy a season pass”.
“Whether you prefer Epic or Ikon, a season pass is the most affordable way to get on the slopes, and they also give you flexibility with the days you choose to go,” she said.
“My other tip is to have your gear ready so when the snow falls you don’t have to dig through your ski tub looking for matching gloves, and you won’t have to rush to get your skis waxed on a fresh snow day. Streamline your winter holiday planning to make it easier to get in the car.”
Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Angus Hines said a succession of cold fronts was the secret to a good snow base.
“If you have a couple in a row and each one can bring a successive bout of snow on top of the next, then that’s often when you’ll find a good accumulation of snow over a short period of time,” Mr Hines said.
The cold fronts are the main weather system driving alpine snowfall but can rarely be predicted more than a week in advance.
But they can serve as a perfect compass for timing a ski holiday in the mountains.
Mr Hines encouraged skiers to be flexible when planning a trip, if possible.
“When you can see a weather event that’s coming up in the next four to seven days that’s likely to bring a lot of snowfall, then maybe you want to book your trip up to the slopes for the week after that,” he said.
While this weekend’s snowfall looks promising, long-term bureau data shows a downward trend in terms of maximum snow depth.
The bureau has observed a steady decline in maximum snow depth across the Australian alpine regions since the late 1950s, with the largest decline happening at lower altitudes and during spring.
“On average, if we look at the winters that are occurring now compared to a few decades ago, they’re warmer and that does result in more snow melt and ultimately less snow on the mountains, particularly on the lower slopes of the mountains,” Mr Hines said.
Lack of historical data on snow depth made it difficult to track the exact percentage or speed of this downward trend, he said.
“Certainly, having an overall warmer atmosphere does lead to more snow melt and perhaps less snow, particularly on those lower slopes, and that can lead to a shorter ski season.”
Off-trail festivities
Alpine Resorts Victoria spokeswoman Sarah Watt said the fresh snowfall had added an extra layer of excitement for visitors and staff.
“We do expect a lively and energetic start to the season,” Ms Watt said.
The weekend itinerary at all six resorts is set to create a “classic alpine celebration” atmosphere for visitors. Each resort would shine in its “unique alpine character”, with a packed schedule of events and festivities, Ms Watt said.
There is plenty of action off the ski trails including fireworks, fire twirlers, and fire pits, snowball competitions, themed parties, trivia, and much more.
“Whether you’re here for skiing, snowboarding, snow play, or simply to enjoy the alpine atmosphere, there’s something for everyone across Victoria’s alpine resorts this snow season,” Ms Watt said.
“Across all of the Victoria resorts, preparation for the season has been a co-ordinated, whole-of-mountain effort to ensure the best possible guest experience from day one.”
Festival with Australian Idol line-up
Opening season at Perisher attracts a diverse mix of people, ranging from first-time skiers, families eager to experience snow, and seasoned skiers who may have been waiting months to reconnect, Vail resort spokeswoman Dani Wright said.
The PEAK music festival beginning on June 5 would attract a massive crowd, with more than 20 bands and artists lined up for the four-day festival, Ms Wright said.
Australian Idol winner Kesha Neve, from Jindabyne, is also lined up to perform over the weekend.
For people heading up the mountains for the first time this weekend, Ms Wright offered some timely advice.
“Book early and dress in layers,” she said.
