Climbing

Global Ski Season Update: Record Snowfalls and Promising Conditions

Ossie Khan

20th June 2024 3 min read

Record Snowfall in South America

South America is experiencing exceptional snowfall this season, with several ski centres reporting over a meter of snowfall in just 24 hours. Valle Nevado, Chile, among others, has seen accumulations of over 1.5 meters in 48 hours. This significant snowfall means some centres have received over 3 meters of snow before the official start of the season.

Portillo, Chile: This iconic resort reported a staggering 113 cm of snowfall within 24 hours, bringing the season’s total to 325 cm. This exceptional early-season snowfall has set the stage for a fantastic winter sports season in Chile.

New Zealand Ski Season Begins

Despite initial rain delays, New Zealand kicked off its ski season last weekend with three centres opening. Colder and snowier weather has allowed for some terrain to open, although conditions are still developing.

Improved Conditions in Australia

Australia’s ski resorts have seen improved conditions thanks to recent snowfall and cold temperatures, enhancing the terrain available for snow sports. All centres that have opened are now offering skiing and snowboarding, marking a positive start to the season.

Falls Creek: With 19 cm of fresh snow and excellent snowmaking conditions, Falls Creek’s terrain is now looking winter-ready. Wombat’s Ramble, Australia’s longest green run, is open and welcoming skiers and snowboarders.

Perisher: Australia’s largest ski area has received 26 cm of natural snowfall and has all 167 snow guns firing, making it the area with the most terrain open so far. However, this still represents only about 10% of its total area.

Afriski in Lesotho

Afriski remains the only outdoor ski centre open in Africa, with its main run operational. This unique resort offers a distinctive skiing experience in the southern hemisphere.

Timberline, Oregon

Timberline is currently the last open ski resort in North America, offering a few miles of slopes for skiing and snowboarding. This resort continues to provide lift-accessed skiing even as summer approaches in the northern hemisphere.

World Overview

As winter approaches in the southern hemisphere, all major ski nations have begun their seasons. New Zealand’s ski season started last Saturday, following rain delays. In Australia, colder weather and snowfall have allowed for the opening of more slopes and terrain.

South America

The pre-season in South America has been marked by massive snowfalls. Many centres reported around a meter of snow in 24 hours, and the season has started earlier than usual due to exceptional autumn snowfalls.

Australia

Australia’s ski season began with some centres unable to offer snowsports, but recent cold temperatures and light snowfall have improved conditions. All open centres are now providing some snow sports, with more terrain expected to open soon thanks to ongoing snowmaking efforts.

New Zealand

New Zealand’s season began last weekend, with three out of four planned centres opening. Although conditions are still marginal, cold temperatures and fresh snowfall have provided a boost for the early season.

Argentina

Argentina’s ski areas have also benefitted from significant early-season snowfall. Although much of the terrain is not yet open, the official season start next weekend is expected to see more slopes available.

Chile

Chile has seen substantial snowfall, with some resorts already open for the season. Portillo and Valle Nevado have reported huge snowfalls, ensuring a solid base for the winter.

Southern Africa

Afriski in Lesotho remains operational, offering a unique skiing experience in Africa. The resort has its main run, a beginner area, and a terrain park section open for enthusiasts.

Northern Hemisphere

As the southern hemisphere embraces winter, the northern hemisphere is in midsummer. A few ski centres in Europe remain open, with fresh snow reported at high elevations and in northern latitudes.

Europe

Seven centres in Europe are still open, with the Hintertux glacier in Austria and Zermatt in Switzerland among the notable ones. Summer skiing is also available at Les 2 Alpes in France and Passo Stelvio in Italy.

Scandinavia

In Scandinavia, Fonna and Galdhøpiggen in Norway remain open with fresh snow reported. Riksgransen in Sweden briefly reopened for midsummer skiing under the midnight sun.

North America

With Arapahoe Basin ending its season, Timberline in Oregon is the only remaining open ski resort in North America. It offers a few miles of slopes and a terrain park, keeping the skiing spirit alive into the summer.

Source: https://www.snow-forecast.com/whiteroom/world-snow-roundup-246-2/

More News

AdventureSport

South America’s Snowiest Season in 30 Years Sets the Stage for Epic Ski Competitions

South America is experiencing exceptional snowfall this season, with several ski centres reporting over a meter of snowfall in just 24 hours. Valle Nevado, Chile, among others, has seen accumulations of over 1.5 meters in 48 hours. This significant snowfall means some centres have received over 3 meters of snow before the official start of the season. Read More

Ossie Khan

22nd July 2024 3 min read
Adventure Trail

Skydivers Aim High: Celebrating the First World Skydiving Day at Skydive Edmonton West

South America is experiencing exceptional snowfall this season, with several ski centres reporting over a meter of snowfall in just 24 hours. Valle Nevado, Chile, among others, has seen accumulations of over 1.5 meters in 48 hours. This significant snowfall means some centres have received over 3 meters of snow before the official start of the season. Read More

Ossie Khan

17th July 2024 3 min read
Adventure Trail

From Humble Beginnings to Soaring Heights: The Journey of Skydive Australia

South America is experiencing exceptional snowfall this season, with several ski centres reporting over a meter of snowfall in just 24 hours. Valle Nevado, Chile, among others, has seen accumulations of over 1.5 meters in 48 hours. This significant snowfall means some centres have received over 3 meters of snow before the official start of the season. Read More

Ossie Khan

08th July 2024 3 min read
AdventureSport

Lukas Mayerhofer Achieves First Ascent of Anam Cara Low (8C)

South America is experiencing exceptional snowfall this season, with several ski centres reporting over a meter of snowfall in just 24 hours. Valle Nevado, Chile, among others, has seen accumulations of over 1.5 meters in 48 hours. This significant snowfall means some centres have received over 3 meters of snow before the official start of the season. Read More

Ossie Khan

08th July 2024 3 min read
AdventureSport

Ainhize Belar Barrutia Conquers Parasitorik ez (8c)

South America is experiencing exceptional snowfall this season, with several ski centres reporting over a meter of snowfall in just 24 hours. Valle Nevado, Chile, among others, has seen accumulations of over 1.5 meters in 48 hours. This significant snowfall means some centres have received over 3 meters of snow before the official start of the season. Read More

Ossie Khan

08th July 2024 3 min read
AdventureSport

Ard Intrachupongse: Climbing Solo and Soaring High

South America is experiencing exceptional snowfall this season, with several ski centres reporting over a meter of snowfall in just 24 hours. Valle Nevado, Chile, among others, has seen accumulations of over 1.5 meters in 48 hours. This significant snowfall means some centres have received over 3 meters of snow before the official start of the season. Read More

Ossie Khan

08th July 2024 3 min read