Weather
There’s been a hint of winter in the air across Australia with temperatures dropping significantly as a polar blast hit a summer cyclone in the night from March 26 to March 27. Perisher Ski Resort saw around 3-4 cm (1-2 inches) of light snow and cold alpine conditions, giving Aussie skiers and riders an early-season tease.
While it’s far from a start to the ski season in Australia, this rare weather system is certainly noteworthy. The unseasonal winter storm brought the coldest March weather in decades to Australia. Today is expected to be the coldest March day on record for some regions in the Snowy Monaro as the Antarctic polar air moves across the south-east of Australia. At a time of year when summer weather still typically dominates, maximums are expected to plummet as much as 13°C below average on Friday.
While it may not be time to build a snow base for the ski season across Australian resorts yet, it certainly is time to plan ahead for the Southern Hemisphere ski season: winter isn’t that far away. Vail Resorts—which operates Perisher—has already begun ramping up for the 2026 season. Lift passes, lessons, and rentals are officially on sale, with the resort encouraging skiers to lock in early-season bookings. Epic Australia Pass prices will rise on April 8, so lock in your price now.
Situated in the Kosciuszko National Park, roughly 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Sydney, Perisher is Australia’s largest ski resort. With the highest peak, Mt. Perisher topping out at 2,054 meters ( 6,739 feet) and only about 355 meters (1,165 feet) of vertical, Perisher does not have any cliffs or dangerous drops, but rather enables skiers and boarders to explore almost every inch of the 3,076 acres of skiable area. It is the largest resort in Australia and New Zealand in terms of acres and consists of four interconnected areas: Perisher, Blue Cow, Guthega, and Smiggins Hole.
For those planning to get on the snow this winter—whether it’s your first turns or you’re dialing in technique—lesson bookings are now open across Perisher. That includes ski school programs, private lessons, and kids’ packages, all of which tend to fill quickly once winter gets underway. Don’t say we did not warn you!
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