Snow Drought Brings NSW Ski Resorts to Brink of Disaster as Warm Weather Wipes Out Winter Wonderland Hopes
- NSW ski resorts face a nervous wait as warm temperatures and rain hinder snowfall and snow-making efforts, threatening a “terrible” start to the season.
- Just 14 centimetres of snow has been recorded at Spencers Creek since the season opened on June 6, with none remaining.
- Forecasts predict a potential snowfall later in the week, but businesses in the alps are anxious for conditions to improve in time for the school holidays.
- The snow drought has already taken a toll on local businesses, with many relying on a successful ski season to stay afloat.
The usually bustling ski resorts of the NSW Snowy Mountains are facing a desperate wait for snow, as warm temperatures and rain continue to hinder natural snowfall and snow-making operations.
With the NSW school holidays just around the corner, businesses in the alps are growing increasingly anxious, knowing that a successful ski season is crucial to their survival.
Snowatch forecaster Peter Taylor described the start to the season as “terrible”, with just 14 centimetres of snow recorded at Spencers Creek since the season opened on June 6.
The snow has since melted away, leaving the slopes patchy and bare.
“By Thursday morning, we’re probably going to reach the lowest of the lows as far as the season’s concerned, and it’s probably looking like the worst on record start to the season I’ve seen,” Mr Taylor said.
But there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon, with forecasts predicting a potential snowfall later in the week.
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting up to 10 centimetres of snow to fall as low as 1,200 metres elevation on Thursday, which could provide a much-needed boost to the struggling ski resorts.
“Obviously it’s been a pretty average snow season so far, but at least there’s a little bit on the way,” meteorologist Robert Urbaniak said.
The snow drought has already taken a toll on local businesses, with many relying on a successful ski season to stay afloat.
Michelle Lindsay, owner of Alpine Sports in Jindabyne, said that while beginner skiers were still taking to the slopes, the bulk of the visitors, and the tourism dollars, would only come when the snow does.
“Like everybody in town, we’re quite anxious to see some snow fall as soon as possible. It’s been a very slow start,” Ms Lindsay said.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
The snow drought in the NSW Snowy Mountains has significant implications for the local economy, with many businesses relying on a successful ski season to stay afloat.
If the snow doesn’t come, it could spell disaster for the region, which is already struggling to recover from the bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic. “We can’t control what Mother Nature does, but as soon as it comes, everything changes,” Ms Lindsay said.
Security analysts say that the snow drought also raises concerns about the impact of climate change on Australia’s ski industry. As the planet warms, it’s likely that snow seasons will become shorter and more unpredictable, making it harder for resorts to operate.
“The snow drought in the NSW Snowy Mountains is just the tip of the iceberg,” said one analyst. “Climate change is already having a profound impact on Australia’s ski industry, and it’s only going to get worse.”
Law enforcement insiders warn that the snow drought could also have implications for public safety, as desperate skiers and snowboarders take to the slopes despite the lack of snow.
“We’re concerned that people will take risks to get their fix of snow, which could lead to accidents and injuries,” said one insider.
Industry observers believe that the snow drought highlights the need for more investment in snow-making technology and infrastructure. “The NSW government needs to take action to support the ski industry, which is a vital part of the state’s economy,” said one observer.
For now, the people of the NSW Snowy Mountains can only wait and hope that the snow will come. As Ms Lindsay said, “It doesn’t take much to turn it around from a late start to a great season.
Everyone is just waiting with bated breath for the snow to come in and the people to come in so we can get this season started.”
