SAM Magazine—New South Wales, Australia, June 9, 2025—After a couple of disappointing winters in Australia, the 2025 season is off to a more optimistic start as snow blanketed the alpine regions of the country over the weekend and several ski areas opened for the season. Credit: Mt. Buller

Falls Creek, Mt. Buller, Hotham, Perisher, and Thredbo all opened Saturday, June 7, with fresh snow. The storm has continued to deliver, and more snow is expected today, according to reports. 

Perisher, Australia’s largest ski resort with 44 lifts serving more than 3,000 acres of terrain, is reporting a storm total of more than 65 cm (25 inches) so far, with snowmaking operations taking advantage of cold temps. Three lifts are serving three trails, according to the snow report.

With two more lifts opening today, Hotham will have five lifts serving 11 trails after getting 62 cm (24 inches) of snow since Friday night. 

With another 10 cm (4 inches) of snow falling last night, Falls Creek’s weekend snow total is up to 63 cm, allowing it to open two more lifts and the first intermediate terrain of the season today. 

On Mt. Buller’s snowy opening day Saturday, resort spokesperson Rhylla Morgan said, “This is a dream start to the snow season.” And as the snow continued to fall and more terrain opened, “the buzz around the mountain is wonderful.” 

The resort received a total of 30 cm over the weekend and opened with three lifts turning: one for upper mountain sightseeing and two for skiing and riding.

Thredbo has three lifts open serving four trails on an average base depth of 25 inches. 

More Australian resorts are expected to open for the season this weekend or next. 

New Zealand ski areas have also been getting a good dose of snowfall and plan to start spinning lifts next weekend, starting with Mt. Hutt on Friday, June 13. Mt. Hutt is reporting a season total of 246 cm (~97 inches) of snow so far, with nearly 100 cm falling in the past week. Cardrona, The Remarkables, and Coronet Peak plan to open on Saturday June 14, and Treble Cone is set to open on June 28.