Publications - The Impact of Climate Change on Snow Conditions in Mainland Australia (CSIRO)

Victoria's alpine resorts will be able to manage the impact of climate change and continue to provide skiing and other snow activities until at least the year 2020. This was one conclusion of a major study into climate change undertaken by CSIRO.

The CSIRO study involved detailed research based on the alpine climate over the last fifty years and has produced projections of future snow cover.

Illustrations of the projected changes in snow making requirements are detailed in CSIRO's report. Snow making is an effective response to variable snow seasons and the CSIRO study shows how it will allow Victoria's resorts to manage the impacts of global warming until at least 2020.

The research shows that Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek will face minimal impact in relation to snow cover with sufficient investment in snow making. Lower altitude resorts are more vulnerable to climate change.

The CSIRO's research on the impact of climate change on snow conditions in Australia is a key component supporting the Alpine Resorts 2020 Strategy.

CSIRO's research was jointly funded by industry and the Victorian, New South Wales and Federal Governments. The ARCC was a financial contributer to the study and was a key participant on the project steering committee.

The Impact of Climate Change on Snow Conditions in Mainland Australia (CSIRO) (PDF 1.49 mb)

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