So far this season, Australia has edged ahead...
Snowstorms and cold snaps allowed several New South Wales and Victoria slopes to open as early as May 20, with the added assistance of artificial snow.
While the snow bases at those resorts were small - 20-50cm - and changeable, the early snowfall has given Australian operators hope of a bumper season.
Some New South Wales skifields did not see natural snow until August 6 last year.
New Zealand operators, on the other hand, are yet to get the snowfalls needed to kickstart their seasons.
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MetService weather ambassador Bob McDavitt said a weather system in the Tasman Sea had been fixed for weeks, with cold air driving towards Australia and warmer air shunted across New Zealand.
The latest planned opening dates for the main ski areas are now as follows :-
Whakapapa: Opening date July 2 - 5cm snow base.
Turoa: Opening date June 25 - 1cm.
Mt Hutt: Opening date June 11 (delayed) - 0cm.
Coronet Peak: Opening date June 4 (delayed) - 1cm.
The Remarkables: Opening date June 18 - 5cm.
Cardrona: Opening date June 24 - 0cm.
Treble Cone: Opening date June 23 - 0cm.
Snow Park: Opening date June 11 (delayed) - base unknown.