Porters Alpine Resort, New Zealand, still delivering...
The southern hemisphere ski season winds down as Australia closes resorts and New Zealand gains late snow, while early snowfalls in the Alps, Scandinavia, and North America spark anticipation for the northern winter.
The Snow Headlines - September 11th
- Mount Mawson in Tasmania and New Zealand's Temple Basin open for the first time in 2025.
- Another round of high-altitude snowfall on high slopes in Europe's Alps.
- Australia's Mount Baw Baw and Selwyn resorts end their 2025 seasons.
- Scandinavian ski areas re-opening in a week's time.
- First snowfall dusting of meteorological fall 2025 in the Colorado Rockies.
Late season snow forecast for Argentina, Chile, New Zealand.
Re-publication :- the J2Ski Snow Report Summary, being the text above this line, is free to re-publish, but must be clearly credited to www.J2ski.com with text including "J2Ski Snow Report" linked to this page - thank you.
World Overview
The southern hemisphere's season is winding down, with several Australian resorts closing last weekend. Others remain open with excellent coverage; Perisher currently boasts the world's deepest snowpack.
Across Argentina, Chile and New Zealand, lower-altitude areas are wrapping up, though fresh snowfall has given Kiwi centres a late-season lift, and two small areas in Australia and New Zealand opened for the first time this season at the weekend.
In the northern hemisphere, early signs of winter are emerging. The Alps saw a second round of high-altitude snow, refreshing Italy and Switzerland's glacier areas — the only open centres for now.
Scandinavia's skiing resumes soon: Norway's Galdhøpiggen glacier reopens next week, with Finland's Levi and Ruka set to follow mid-month, thanks to snow farming. Light snow also reached lower slopes, stirring anticipation for the season ahead.
North America saw weekend snowfall in the Rockies, Alaska and parts of the Midwest, with more forecast this weekend, raising hopes of a possible season start in 4 to 6 weeks.
Southern Hemisphere
Australia
Meteorological springtime may have arrived and afternoon temperatures have risen into double figures above freezing, but most of Australia's alpine regions are holding firm due to the substantial bases they've built up.
Some of the best September snow depths in years are reported across New South Wales and Victoria. Perisher, Thredbo and Charlotte Pass continue to offer excellent coverage, with Perisher still leading globally for base depth and terrain open.
Tasmania's Mount Mawson opened for the first time this season after fresh snowfall, while lower-lying centres like Selwyn and Mount Baw Baw have now closed.
In Victoria, Mount Hotham and Falls Creek are delivering a mix of packed powder and spring snow, while Mount Buller remains open despite patchier cover.
There was rain, sleet and light snow midweek, and winds have picked up, bringing colder air as skies clear into the weekend.
New Zealand
New Zealand's slopes have experienced their usual mixed conditions, with rain, sleet and wind causing some issues at times, then fresh snowfall and blue skies delivering fabulous ski days at others. Some areas saw 20 to 30 cm/8 to 12 inches of fresh snow offsetting some lower-level thaw and wind disruptions.
The South Island continues to post healthy snow statistics, with most terrain open. Mount Hutt leads with the country's deepest snowpack and full lift operations, while Treble Cone, Cardrona, The Remarkables and Coronet Peak all remain well-covered.
Temple Basin, previously closed all season and stating three weeks ago it thought that was it for 2025, managed to open last weekend after a late snow surge.
North Island resorts are improving quickly; Turoa now ranks among the deepest snowpacks globally, and Whakapapa continues to expand terrain. A wintry system midweek has brought more fresh snow, with clearer skies and colder temperatures. Snow is in the forecast too.
Argentina
The season is tapering off in Argentina, with Caviahue already closed and lower elevations showing springtime wear at most centres still open. High-altitude terrain has the best conditions, along with southerly latitude areas.
Cerro Castor near Ushuaia, the world's most southerly city, continues to have the most terrain open at 81% and consistent coverage across all slopes. Las Leñas boasts the deepest upper-mountain snow and has received more in the past few days but still reports only 38% of terrain open.
Catedral Alta Patagonia, Argentina's largest area, remains with thin cover and little open, as has been the case all season. Chapelco and Cerro Bayo are also struggling with limited snow and lift operations.
A promising Andean storm system is forecast to deliver up to 40 cm/16 inches of fresh snow by Saturday following cold, snowy conditions over the past few days. Clearer skies and easing winds are expected at the weekend.
Chile
The season is into its final few weeks for most ski areas in Chile, but the country's high-altitude resorts are still in good shape overall, with the central Andes offering good September snow depths and most runs still open.
Valle Nevado leads with 100% terrain open and fresh powder across upper bowls, while its Tres Valles neighbour, El Colorado, is running 84% of lifts with thinning lower slopes. Portillo reports over 90% terrain open and consistent snow quality.
Further south, Nevados de Chillán and Villarrica-Pillán remain fully open, though off-piste is limited.
A midweek storm has brought more fresh September spring snow to northern slopes. Temperatures dipped back to -9°C/15°F at altitude overnight, with clearer skies and calmer winds expected Friday and Saturday, potentially good news for late-season powder seekers.
Northern Hemisphere
The Alps
Fresh snowfall returned to the Alps' higher elevations last weekend — the second notable accumulation in a week — sparking early-season anticipation.
Austria's Pitztal Glacier, home to the country's highest lift-served terrain, plans to open in a fortnight's time.
Currently, only three glacier resorts remain open: Saas Fee and Zermatt in Switzerland (with about 14 km/8.7 miles of terrain open each) and Passo Stelvio (with about half as much) in Italy. Austria's Hintertux Glacier, typically open year-round, remains temporarily closed but may reopen later this month.
Scandinavia
Scandinavia's ski season is preparing for relaunch.
Norway's Galdhøpiggen Glacier reopens next weekend with fresh snow and an Arctic chill in the air.
Finland's Levi and Ruka are due to launch their 2025–26 seasons in a fortnight, spreading snow-farmed preserved snow from last winter, stockpiled under cover through summer, across 2 km/1.2 miles long runs.
Recent days have seen cooler temperatures with -7°C/19°F overnight lows and light snowfall up at Galdhøpiggen, while Finland has stayed dry but much colder than it has been.
USA
Currently, nowhere is open in Canada or the USA, but the first centres may open for their 2025–26 seasons next month if Mother Nature cooperates.
Light snow dusted Colorado's highest peaks and parts of the Midwest last weekend, offering a brief taste of winter. For now, though, Big Snow in New Jersey remains the only lift-served skiing.
The short-term forecast now indicates warmer, drier weather across the Mountain West, with Alaska and northern Canada likely offering the best chance for any more snowfall at present.