Skiing In Victoria, Australia Could Be a Memory by 2070

Jenah MacGrain | | Post Tag for Conditions ReportConditions ReportPost Tag for Industry NewsIndustry NewsPost Tag for Featured ArticleFeatured Article

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Ski fields will have to rely more heavily on snowmaking, which will become expensive. Image: The Border Mail

Ski fields in Victoria, Australia could see the end of ski seasons in 30 years, according to a state report by SGS Economics and Planning. The biggest resorts of Mt. Hotham, Mt. Buller, and Falls Creek could have just 20 to 30 years of natural snowfall left due to a warmer and drier climate. Lower elevation resorts could have just 10 years of snowfall in their futures.

Average number of days of natural snow cover:

                               2000s                               2020s                             2050s                                2070s

Mt. Hotham     98 (low elevations)           59-92                             0-29                              transient

129 (high elevations)       100-120                         21-114

Falls Creek      105                                      68-99                            2-59                               transient

125                                     92-120                         18-108

Mt. Buller         108                                     70-102                           7-89                               transient

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Mt. Buller. Image: nevasport.com

By 2070, there could be no snow industry in Victoria. Resorts may try to become escapes from the summer heat. A similar report was released last year regarding resorts in New South Wales, specifically in the Kosciuszko area. Victorian ski fields provide close to 5,000 jobs and contribute $483 million to the economy. The loss of this industry would have significant impact on the region.

Only man-made snow at Perisher on the opening day of ski season.

Perisher starting their season with snowmaking. Image: traveller.com.au

The new report has not been peer-reviewed, and the department states that it is difficult to predict the impact of climate change on the snow indusrty beyond 20 years. If nothing is done about climate change however, the worst-case scenario could become a reality.

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Effects of climate change. Image: Environment Magazine

 

 

 

 


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