Selwyn Snow Resort has ended its 2026 ski season early after rain, warmer temperatures and insufficient snow cover made continued operations unviable. It is the first of the four NSW alpine resorts to finish the season, while Perisher, Thredbo and Charlotte Pass remain open.
The closure affects visitors with late-August plans and highlights how difficult the 2026 Australian snow season has become. Snow depth across the NSW Alps is well below last year’s level, while another spell of warm weather and rain could put further pressure on the remaining snowpack.
Why did Selwyn Snow Resort close?
Recent rain and warmer temperatures significantly reduced Selwyn’s snow cover. General manager Abi Spackman said the resort had hoped for more natural snowfall and temperatures cold enough to support additional snowmaking.
Crews still had piles of manufactured snow available to push onto parts of the mountain, but conditions had deteriorated too far. Selwyn has therefore finished its ski operations for 2026 rather than announcing a temporary closure.
Visitors can check the official Selwyn snow and weather updates for the resort’s latest information.
How early did Selwyn’s 2026 season finish?
Selwyn closed with eight days of winter remaining and about two weeks earlier than the end of its 2025 season.
The resort’s problems began much earlier. A lack of snow delayed its opening in June, while the NSW Alps experienced their warmest June in decades. Significant snowfall in early July improved conditions and raised hopes that winter had simply arrived late, but the recovery did not last.
The difficult finish contrasts sharply with conditions earlier in the year, when a rare May snowstorm brought freezing conditions to Victoria and NSW, including areas around Perisher, Thredbo, Jindabyne and Cooma.
What happens to Selwyn bookings and tickets?
Customers with bookings for the remainder of the season should check the email address associated with their purchase. Selwyn says affected guests have been contacted directly with information about their booking.
The resort has also contacted customers holding unused Ticket Mania and Black Friday products. Visitors should follow the instructions provided for their individual purchase rather than assuming all unused products will be handled in the same way.
Although ski operations have ended, the Selwyn Centre remains open on Saturday and Sunday for food and drinks.
Are Perisher, Thredbo and Charlotte Pass still open?
Yes. Selwyn’s closure does not mean the NSW ski season is over. Perisher, Thredbo and Charlotte Pass remain open as of August 23, with visitors still skiing at the operating resorts this weekend.
Perisher and Thredbo traditionally aim to continue until the October long weekend, around six weeks away, while Charlotte Pass traditionally finishes operations around mid-September. Actual closing dates remain dependent on weather and snow conditions.
How much snow is left in the NSW Alps?
Spencers Creek most recently recorded about 90 centimetres of snow, compared with approximately 158 centimetres at the same point in 2025.
Conditions are better at higher elevations. Natural snow cover remains stronger above roughly 1,700 metres, while snowmaking is helping the remaining resorts maintain important runs.
Snowmaking has limits, however. Resorts need sufficiently cold temperatures to produce snow effectively, which makes prolonged mild weather particularly challenging.
Why Tuesday’s weather could be important
A warm front forecast for Tuesday could bring additional rain to the Alps. Lower-elevation snow is expected to be more vulnerable, while the deeper natural cover higher on the mountains may withstand the rain better.
Mountainwatch editor Reggae Ellis said spring skiing could still be possible, but much depends on the damage caused by the rain and whether colder temperatures return afterward.
Rain has already been a major weather issue elsewhere in NSW during 2026, including periods when heavy rain and dangerous storms affected parts of the NSW coastline.
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Mt Baw Baw is also ending operations
Selwyn is not the only Australian resort finishing early. Victoria’s Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort has announced it will wrap up operations on Monday, adding to concerns about the effect of the difficult winter on lower-elevation ski areas.
There has been no early-closure announcement from Perisher, Thredbo or Charlotte Pass. Selwyn management has suggested other operators may eventually face difficult decisions, but further NSW resort closures are not confirmed.
Can spring skiing still happen in 2026?
Spring skiing remains possible at the resorts still operating. Higher terrain retains natural snow and snowmaking can help maintain key runs when temperatures allow.
However, Ellis said warmer conditions associated with El Niño could influence September. How much snow survives the approaching rain, whether colder nights return and whether the Alps receive fresh snowfall will help determine how long the remaining resorts can continue operating.
Selwyn is already looking toward 2027
Selwyn’s attention is now turning to next winter. The resort says significant snowmaking infrastructure upgrades are planned for 2027, although detailed specifications have not yet been announced.
For anyone planning a NSW ski trip now, the key distinction is clear: Selwyn’s 2026 ski season is over, but Perisher, Thredbo and Charlotte Pass remain open. Visitors should check current lift, snow and weather conditions before travelling.
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