Latest news with #Perisher
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Incredible pictures show Aussie towns blanketed in snow as millions issued stark warning
A powerful polar blast has delivered a shivering start to winter across Australia's southeast, dumping snow on alpine regions and sweeping icy winds as far north as Queensland, while coating parts of regional New South Wales and Victoria in white. Pictures emerging from regions like Cooma and Canberra show cars buried, fields dusted in snow, and roads turned to ski runs. Thredbo and Perisher have recorded upwards of 40cm of fresh snow — some of the most significant early-season falls in recent years — as freezing air rushed in from the Southern Ocean. In NSW, snowfalls were reported across the Central Tablelands, Blue Mountains, and Snowy Mountains, with residents waking to scenes more typical of Scandinavia than regional Australia. "It's absolutely dumping," one Perisher local said. "We've had around 45cm already and it's still going." In Cooma, locals shared extraordinary footage showing rooftops and front lawns blanketed in snow. "This is the most I've seen fall here in years," one resident posted online. In Orange, snow fell across Sunday and into Monday morning, with locals sharing videos of flurries drifting through town. The Snowy Mountains lived up to their name, with conditions turning treacherous for two hikers near Mt Kosciuszko, who became trapped in whiteout blizzard conditions on Saturday. The 31-year-old man and 28-year-old woman activated an emergency beacon, prompting a major rescue operation. "Due to the weather, including low visibility, a helicopter was unable to reach the pair," NSW Police said. "Officers from the Alpine Operations Unit hiked into the location and reached the man and woman about 10.40pm." The pair were brought to safety around 4am Sunday, both uninjured. The ACT has also been swept up in the chill, with Canberra facing gusty winds, sleet and a maximum of just 8 degrees on Monday. Wind chill made it feel far colder, with apparent temperatures hovering close to zero in exposed areas throughout the day. A very cold start to the morning as snow falls over the hills of 9th June 2025 8.00am#canberra #snow #ACT #Australia #winter — Timothy Dean Photographer (@TimothyDeanAU) June 8, 2025 Police have reminded the public to drive cautiously on icy roads. "With recent heavy snowfalls impacting these roads, drivers need to be prepared for changing conditions. Please ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and well equipped with extra supplies should you become stranded in snowy conditions, as help can often be a long way away," NSW Highway Patrol said. People driving in the Snowy Mountains are required to carry chains and fit them when directed. Icy blast and snow hit one state 'Treacherous': Six trapped in snow for days Road warning over King's Birthday long weekend amid wild weather Further south, Victoria copped a full-force blast of wintry weather, with more than 50cm of snow falling at Mt Hotham and motorists caught off guard. Six people remain stranded after becoming trapped in their vehicles by heavy snowfall on Saturday night. At around 10.50pm, approximately 20 travellers were caught out by the snow while driving along the Blue Rag Range Track at Mount Hotham. The group was forced to spend the night in their cars as conditions worsened. By Sunday, Victoria Police and State Emergency Service (SES) crews had managed to rescue 13 of them. Amid the difficult conditions, a man in his 40s sustained injuries when his vehicle rolled. A fire truck that had been sent to assist also became bogged down in the snow. The remaining six people were unable to be rescued and had to endure temperatures that dropped to -4.3° degrees overnight. SES Regional Duty Officer James Boler described the rescue conditions as "pretty treacherous." Our VICSES Bright and Falls Creek Unit volunteers are currently assisting @VictoriaPolice with the rescue of more than 20 people stuck in their vehicles near Hotham Heights, following more than 50cm of snowfall in the area over the weekend (1/3) — VICSES News (@vicsesnews) June 8, 2025 Meanwhile, the sudden dump has kicked off a bumper start to the ski season, with Thredbo opening for skiing and launching its winter festivities. Visitors flooded the alpine village for the weekend, despite road warnings and icy conditions. "The vibe has been electric," a Thredbo spokesperson said. "It's been a dream opening weekend with fresh snow, music, and après ski events." Weather warnings remain in place across higher parts of southeastern Australia as the system continues to push through, bringing strong winds, freezing overnight lows and dangerous driving conditions. Authorities are urging anyone heading to alpine or elevated areas to plan ahead. "Be prepared for extreme conditions. Fill out a trip intention form, carry a personal locator beacon, and check the forecast before heading out," NSW Police warned. Despite the cold, many Australians are embracing the change of pace, particularly after years of inconsistent snow seasons. As the snap continues to sweep the country's southeast, more snow is forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday in alpine regions, while cities like Sydney and Melbourne will feel the chill with strong southwesterly winds and icy nights. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Climate
- News.com.au
‘Absolutely dumping': More than 40cm of snow kickstarts NSW ski season
Ski resorts across the NSW Snowy Mountains have been blanketed by a whopping 45cm of snow, in a strong start to the official ski season. Perisher ski resort recorded 25cm of fresh snow falling overnight and continuing to fall, bringing the long-weekend total to 45cm. More snow was expected to fall on Sunday across the range, with a north-westerly wind and temperatures topping only -1C. The snowfall comes at a welcome time for the ski resorts after a difficult few years, with Perisher posting on social media that Saturday night was an 'absolutely dumping'. The Bureau of Meteorology was reporting snowfall in the Australian Alps on Sunday above 900m as a high in Western Australia brought strong winds to north NSW. Meanwhile, a cold front was sweeping across southern NSW, with several more fronts expected to follow before a high-pressure ridge settles over NSW next week. The early season dusting was quick to light up social media, with people commenting that it was an 'amazing weekend' and a 'great start' to the ski season. Thredbo ski resort was forecasting a high chance of snow on Monday, with Sunday's dusting having blanketed the ski fields nestled into Mt Kosciuszko. Across the border, Mt Hotham resort reported a whopping 51cm of snow so far a storm there, with 32cm falling in the past 24 hours. Snow was still lightly falling at the resort on Sunday morning, with the temperature dipping to a frigid -3C. The NSW snow season ended earlier for the second year in a row in 2024 after one of the warmest winters on record. The Bureau reported above average winter mean temperatures across the state, in particular in the south and parts of the east coast.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Shock start to ski season amid polar blast
Ski resorts across the NSW Snowy Mountains have been blanketed by a whopping 45cm of snow, in a strong start to the official ski season. Perisher ski resort recorded 25cm of fresh snow falling overnight and continuing to fall, bringing the long-weekend total to 45cm. More snow was expected to fall on Sunday across the range, with a north-westerly wind and temperatures topping only -1C. The snowfall comes at a welcome time for the ski resorts after a difficult few years, with Perisher posting on social media that Saturday night was an 'absolutely dumping'. The Bureau of Meteorology was reporting snowfall in the Australian Alps on Sunday above 900m as a high in Western Australia brought strong winds to north NSW. Meanwhile, a cold front was sweeping across southern NSW, with several more fronts expected to follow before a high-pressure ridge settles over NSW next week. The early season dusting was quick to light up social media, with people commenting that it was an 'amazing weekend' and a 'great start' to the ski season. Thredbo ski resort was forecasting a high chance of snow on Monday, with Sunday's dusting having blanketed the ski fields nestled into Mt Kosciuszko. Across the border, Mt Hotham resort reported a whopping 51cm of snow so far a storm there, with 32cm falling in the past 24 hours. Snow was still lightly falling at the resort on Sunday morning, with the temperature dipping to a frigid -3C. The NSW snow season ended earlier for the second year in a row in 2024 after one of the warmest winters on record. The Bureau reported above average winter mean temperatures across the state, in particular in the south and parts of the east coast.
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Climate
- News.com.au
Blizzard conditions, heavy snowfall, damaging winds mark frigid start to Australia's snow season
A cold snap and snowfall is set to hit parts of south eastern Australia this King's Birthday long weekend, marking the start of the Australian snow season. Blizzard conditions, heavy snowfall, and damaging winds are expected to impact regions across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. A series of cold fronts from the Southern Ocean are already bringing icy temperatures, showers, possible hail and snow to the south. Snow is falling as low as 1100m and may descend even further by Sunday, with the heaviest snowfall projected to hit alpine areas and the Grampians. Fresh snowfall also hit Perisher resort on Friday night with 5cm of snowfall hitting the mountains. More snowfall is set to hit the region, with over 40cm of snow predicted to fall over the next few days. A top of 1C and strong, north-westerly winds are forecast for the resort on its first open weekend for the season. Elsewhere, the Bureau of Meteorology is warning of dangerous travel conditions due to black ice and reduced visibility, especially for those heading to ski resorts for the weekend. In South Australia, severe weather warnings have been issued for damaging winds averaging 55 to 65 km/h, and gusts exceeding 90 km/h reported in areas like Cape Borda and Stenhouse Bay. These conditions have disrupted transport services, resulting in ferry cancellations on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Eastern States have also recorded their coldest mornings of the year, with temperatures plunging to -7C in Goulburn, -4C in Canberra, 7C in Sydney and 4C in Melbourne. Here's what to expect across the country's capital cities this long weekend. Sydney Sydneysiders can expect a mostly sunny day on Saturday with a top of 20C and a low of 10C. On Sunday the city can expect a windy day with a top of 17C and a low of 8C. Melbourne In Melbourne, the city should expect possible showers with a top of 14C and a low of 7C. On Sunday, Melbourne can expect heavy showers with a top of 10C and a low of 8C. Brisbane Those in Brisbane can expect a mostly Sunday day with a top of 25C and a low of 10C. On Sunday the city should expect a top of 23C and a low of 9C. Adelaide In Adelaide on Saturday showers and strong winds are expected with a top of 14C and a low of 8C. On Sunday the city can expect some showers with a high of 12C and a low of 7C. Perth In Perth on Saturday a sunny day is forecast, with a top of 20C and a low of 9C. On Sunday a high of 22C is expected with a low of 8C. Hobart Those in Hobart can expect a few showers on Saturday with a high of 13C and a low of 6C. On Sunday rain is forecast with a high of 11C and a low of 8C. Canberra Canberra residents can expect a chilly weekend with a high on Saturday of 9C and a low of 5C. On Sunday the nation's capital can expect a few showers with a low of 7C and a low of 2C. Darwin Up in Darwin a mostly sunny day is forecast for Saturday with a high of 32C and a low of 22C. On Sunday a high of 31C and a low of 19C is forecast.
ABC News
5 days ago
- Business
- ABC News
Snow forecast for first weekend of NSW ski season despite warmer winter forecast
The first weekend of the winter ski season is expected to be a snowy one, despite fears warmer forecasts could spoil conditions. Snow is forecast to fall from Friday night over the next few days, coinciding with the official start of the 2025 ski season this long weekend. The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted temperatures will be above average this winter, after warmer temperatures in 2023 and 2024 led to record-low snow seasons. Traders in the NSW Snowy Mountains are making their final preparations before visitors arrive and remain hopeful about the season ahead. "It's a nervous time of year with forecasts the way they are," said Phil Schulte, manager of The Shed Ski Hire in Jindabyne. "But there's a lot of work to do, so [we] just knuckle down and look out the window, and in a couple weeks hopefully there's plenty of snow out there." The resorts at Perisher and Thredbo are expected to begin operating lifts for guests on Saturday, with the latter expecting 50 centimetres of snow over the next three days. It was refreshing news for business owners like Mr Schulte. "You can't count it off until it happens, right? he said. Although the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting warmer than average temperatures this winter, it does not mean there will not be snowfall. "Over the three months, it is likely that it will be warmer than average, not necessarily the warmest on record, but warmer than we have had in the past," said BOM climatologist Caitlin Minney. "The warmer than average forecast doesn't rule out the possibility of a good snow season or some really good snow coverage during the snow season." Many locals are prepared to wait and see what the season brings. "At the end of the day, we can't really predict a snow season so there's always going to be predictions, good or bad," said Jessica Rutherford, visitor experience manager at Charlotte Pass Snow Resort. "With two seasons with less snow in them, we're feeling like it's going to be on the way back up this year." Charlotte Pass has the advantage of being at the highest altitude of all four resorts, and requires over-snow transport to reach. It is scheduled, along with Selwyn Resort, to open in two weeks. With this weekend's forecast, staff at Charlotte Pass are already switching out tyres for tracks. "We're expecting 70cm at the moment, which is going to be enough to cover a lot of the resort," Ms Rutherford said. The same goes for businesses back in Jindabyne, where excitement is building. The poor snow conditions of the last couple of years and cost-of-living pressures have led to a noticeable decline in tourism spending. "Last year was a bit better than the year before, but still it's been a bit of a let-down," said Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce president Olivier Kapentanakos. "When we add that to the calamities we've had over the last five years with COVID and floods and the bushfires in 2020, we've had a pretty ordinary trot." Many see the snowfall over the opening weekend as a positive start to the season. "We will get snow, we just don't know how much," said Mr Kapentanakos.
