Outlook looking good for the 2020 snow season
Winter is well and truly here, and for some of us, that means that it’s time to hit the snow. But what is the 2020 snow season going to look like?
Life as we know it has been a little disrupted of late as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Thankfully, however, last month it was confirmed that the 2020 snow season will go ahead in New South Wales and Victoria. However, Snow Australia noted it would take place in a “delayed fashion” with other changes also in store.
The announcements followed the development of COVID-safe operational plans which will enable the easing of restrictions. While Snow Australia admitted it would be a “modified” state-of-play, it was “confident” that it would find solutions to deal with the issues of crowd management as well as the practicalities of social distancing while on the slopes.
“We are excited that the 2020 season is on track for a late June start and encourage everyone to download the COVID-Safe App,” Snow Australia said.
“It plays an important role in helping us all get back to doing what we love in the mountains.”
So far the outlook for the 2020 snow season is looking good, with experts predicting bumper snow falls over the coming months.
“With the climate dealing us a good hand and enough support from models egging us on, it’s worth the bet to expect above average snowfall this season,” Mountainwatch confirmed.
Even though it may be a little different up at the snow this year, if you’re willing to make a few compromises, then it will be worth your while to get up there.
Take a look at our list below to find out which resort is for you and when it opens:
Falls Creek, VIC
Ski-in/ski-out is the name of the game at this pedestrian-only ski village which sits two hours from Albury Airport or four and a half hours from Melbourne.
Falls Creek is the largest ski resort in Victoria and is also considered by many to be the most picturesque in Australia.
It’s a great hit with families thanks to its ski school and enchanting children-only runs. For those with bigger boots to fill, there are around 450 hectares to ski or snowboard. You can even take a backcountry tour led by Australian Olympian Steve Lee who will snowmobile you out to the freshest powder.
Open from June 24.
Check out our Falls Creek accommodation options here.
Mount Buller, VIC
Just over three hours from Melbourne, Mount Buller is the city’s snowy playground. Here you’ll find over 300 hectares of terrain including 89 kms of marked trails. It’s also home to the largest lift network in Victoria.
Beginners and more advanced skiers and snowboarders will enjoy the action here thanks to the mix of slopes. Or, stand back and watch some pretty decent snow skills during a number of competitive events which are held here. Kids love it here too, with activities like traditional dog sledding part of the appeal.
Open from June 24.
Check out our Mount Buller accommodation options here.
Mount Hotham, VIC
Soak up the alpine vibes at this sky high ski village which sits high atop the mountain, so you feel like you’re floating above the clouds. Its location means you actually have to ski down to the chairlift at the start of the day. Or if you fancy a change of slopes, you can use the Heli-Link to hop on over to nearby Falls Creek.
Hotham’s runs are great for serious skiers and snowboarders with runs that are steeper and more challenging than many other resorts. But beginners are also well-looked after here, with a separate area, chairlift and ski school. Explore the backcountry trails by husky dog sled for a change of gear.
Open from June 24.
Check out our Mount Hotham accommodation options here.
Perisher, NSW
Bigger is better at Perisher which offers snowsport afficionados the largest resort terrain in Australasia. We’re talking over 1,200 hectares of slopes which are suited to skiers of all abilities, even kids.
Located six hours south of Sydney, Perisher does offer on-mountain accommodation – a great option if you’re there primarily to hit the slopes. But if apres-ski ranks high on your agenda, then you may be better of in nearby Jindabyne or Lake Crackenback Resort, reached by car or Skitube.
Open from June 24.
Check out our Perisher accommodation options here.
Thredbo, NSW
For longer runs and a ski-in/ski-out set up, Thredbo ticks a lot of boxes. A six hour drive south of Sydney, the resort is also known for its hedonistic après-ski scene although that may look a little different this year.
The Thredbo Supertrail, Australasia’s longest ski run, measures a whopping 5.9 kms. Then there’s The Bluff – great for advanced skiers on a powder day. The Cruiser area and High Noon cater nicely to intermediate skiers. Snow newbies will love the area complete with chairlift dedicated to beginners.
Open from June 22.
Check out our Thredbo accommodation options here.
