Australia's Thredbo Resort has announced that it has closed for the season two weeks earlier than planned due to the continuing warm conditions. Mt Buller is also closed.
After a snowy month in the first month to the 2023 season after a delayed start in early June for many, temperatures have been warmer than average for much of July, August and September with just a few snowfalls. Overnight lows did allow for snowmaking however and there was a 20-30cm accumnulation a week ago for most areas
Mt Baw Baw and Selwyn resort, which reopened this winter after a three year closure followed a devastating bush fire kin January 2020, close earlier this month.
Other continue with limited terrain, with Hotham announcing it had closed much of its terrain.
"Safety of our guests and staff is always our priority and with the warm weather and deteriorating snowpack, it's time to wish Ruined Castle, Scott, Eagle Express and Gully chairlifts a warm farewell until next season," a statement from Falls Creek on Sunday explained, saying they still have four lifts running.
The largest resort, Perisher, plan to stay open to the start of October and still has a metre of snow lying on its upper runs they say, 30cm below, and about a third of its terrain still open.
Forecasters predicted warmer weather this year in Australia due a "likely El Nino" event which means warmer currents and weather in the Pacific.