Snow resorts across the region have invested in their future with huge expenditure into their infrastructure, making the 2025 snow season a much anticipated one among surrounding communities.

After two straight snow seasons of low visitor numbers and poor snow coverage, businesses have been challenged and hope with significant investments into the snow industry by resorts visitor numbers will strengthen this season once the snow starts to fall.

This will be a season to remember at Perisher with the addition of the $26 million Mt Perisher 6, a brand new, high-speed, six-seater chairlift coming for 2025.

Guests this season will enjoy a 44 per cent faster ride time up the iconic Mt Perisher with its endless terrain options and awe-inspiring views.

But it’s the ride down they will love even more as it opens wider, longer terrain for more laps, more choice and more fun.

“Perisher and Doppelmayr Australia teams have made great progress and I have been in awe of all they have achieved so far,” Perisher vice president and general manager, Nathan Butterworth, said.

“This will truly be a game changer for the Australian ski industry, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience the freedom and options it will give them.”

Perisher is not the only resort to invest in significant changes to what is offered.

This summer, Charlotte Pass Snow Resort kicked off the exciting construction of the Guthries Double Chairlift.

A major upgrade that replaces the iconic Guthries High Speed Poma, which has been a staple of the resort since 1961.

The new chairlift will offer guests quicker access to the resort’s beloved advanced terrain, transporting riders effortlessly over the “boulder field” and straight onto thrilling runs, or the Guthries Chutes for the more adventurous riders.

Thredbo has also invested in cutting-edge snowmaking technology to ensure the (best possible) improved snow cover and enhanced conditions for all guests and skill levels.

The addition of the ‘all-weather snowmaking unit’ will improve snow coverage in the beginner area on Friday Flat, with the ability to create snow in temperatures of up to 20 degrees Celsius.

This summer, Selwyn Snow Resort has also enhanced its snowmaking capabilities with the addition of one TT10 and two TR10 snowmaking guns from TechnoAlpin.

Set to be installed ahead of the 2025 season, these advanced guns will be strategically positioned at the top of the Wombat T-Bar and the Township Triple Chair.

This exciting upgrade will not only improve snow cover on the runs served by these lifts but also extend their operation throughout the winter season, ensuring more consistent and longer-lasting conditions for skiers and snowboarders.

McGrath Real Estate sales agent and former principal of First National Real Estate, Gordon Jenkinson, said in his experience any investment in infrastructure in the resorts will benefit the town of Jindabyne greatly.

“Improved and expanded snowmaking would help draw visitors at the start and ends of our 16 weeks winter seasons and help throughout winter in those marginal snow years, like the last couple we have experienced,” Mr Jenkinson said.

“Improved and more reliable snow at the start and end of our season and in our low season, as far as accommodation tariffs go, could attract a market that has been priced out of peak periods.

“While new lifts like the Mt Perisher 6-seater and Guthries Chair at Charlotte Pass will get snow sports enthusiasts up the hill quicker and in more comfort.

“There are many new quality townhouses and apartments being built specifically for snow sports enthusiasts through winter and hikers and bikers throughout the balance of the year in Jindabyne with most ready for winter 2025. This will offer a more pleasant and cheaper stay plus options than many of the older offerings on snow.”

Wilderness Sports operator, Bruce Easton, operates a mountain adventure store in Jindabyne, open year-round.

Well known for his backcountry tours and extensive knowledge and experience of the mountains, Mr Easton said many upgrades to backcountry networks have also been completed in the leadup to this snow season.

“The volunteers involved with Perisher XC have once again been busy through the summer with work parties to ensure the XC ski facilities are installing additional bridges over water courses and ensuring further improvements to the Trail network for fun and safer skiing,” Mr Easton said.

“These improvements will also ensure the snow holds longer on the trails and compliment the snow fencing.

“Not to forget the maintenance to all the historic huts up in the backcountry of the Kosciuszko National Park that provide safe havens in poor weather and shelter.

“Thanks to volunteer groups involved with the Kosciuszko Huts Association and various ski and walking clubs for their enthusiasm and care for the history and the preservation.”

Locals from across the region are anticipating a successful 2025 snow season with all the recent upgrades and funding put towards better resort infrastructure.