Selwyn Snow Resort Closure: Heatwave Challenges Australian Ski Season

Michael Fulton26 Aug 2024

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Australian Heatwave Halts Skiing at Selwyn Snow Resort Selwyn Snow Resort in New South Wales, Australia, announced a temporary closure starting August 25 due to an unprecedented heatwave. The resort's ability to reopen this season depends on upcoming weather conditions and snowmaking capabilities.Despite the snowmaking crew's best efforts, including a spirited video shared two days ago, the rapidly dwindling snow depth has forced the resort to stop lift operations after 5 p.m. on Sunday.This closure is the latest in a series of challenges for Selwyn Snow Resort. After a devastating bushfire in 2019-20 that required a complete rebuild, the resort missed the exceptional 2022 season due to early snowfall. It finally reopened in 2023, only to face another below-average season. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Selwyn Snow Resort (@selwynsnow) As Australia's northernmost ski resort, Selwyn faces unique challenges. Located at an altitude of 1,492 m (4,895 ft) with a peak elevation of 1,614 m (5,295 ft), its geographical position makes maintaining natural snow cover difficult. To combat this, the resort invested heavily in state-of-the-art TechnoAlpin snow cannons following the bushfires.Despite these obstacles, Selwyn achieved a milestone this season by operating all lifts for the first time in five years and even setting up a small terrain park.

A view of the snow cams showing how the resort has been decimidated by the recent storms. Credit: Selwyn Resort There's hope on the horizon, as the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasts several cold fronts moving across the Snowy Mountains in the coming week. A significant front is expected late Tuesday and Wednesday, August 27 and 28, followed by another at week's end. These cold fronts could provide crucial snowmaking opportunities before the Australian winter concludes.Selwyn Snow Resort plans to contact pass holders in the coming days regarding their purchased products for the remainder of the season.

About the author

Michael Fulton

Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.

50+ resorts visited15 years skiing

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