Many of us were shocked last winter when the season basically stopped in August. While bad winters will become more common under climate change scenarios, and yes – we have always had good and bad seasons, the abrupt end was hard for people who were planning trips later in the season (and of course terrible for local and on-mountain businesses and staff).

This winter has been so much better – more like a ‘normal’ winter although with obviously less snow at lower elevations. It certainly delivered the snow we all needed after several grim seasons.

As we reported last September:

If you were in the Victorian mountains during that amazing storm that passed through in the third week of July, you will have experienced winter at its best. In the Victorian backcountry we had already lost much of the base and the fresh snow was unconsolidated, but it didn’t really matter because there was so much of it.

Then the blow drier was turned on, and we all know what happened next. Despite the amazing efforts of the resort groomers, the resorts started to close – the lower elevation ones like Mt Selwyn went first (consistent with what we expect from climate change). As of September 8 there is still cover in the Main Range and a few lifts are still going in places like Falls Creek. But basically the season is done – a whole month early.

This winter has been so much better – more like a ‘normal’ winter although with obviously less snow at lower elevations (as noted in this story from the ABC). We know that snow pack is going in one direction under climate change. But we also need to enjoy what we have.

So. Here’s to deep powder and long winters. I’m truly grateful for an awesome season. Here are a few pics from this year’s wanderings and a couple of relevant stories:

A report on a June mission to Mt Pinnibar.

The Australian backcountry festival had fantastic conditions for their annual gathering in and around Mt Hotham (late AUG).

The solid winter snow pack did allow for easy access to areas that are really scrubby after recent wild fires, for instance in the Mt Tabletop area.

And I do love this story of a trip in to Mt Howitt.

Yes its still going, hope you’re getting out and enjoying the last of the corn harvest.

Bogong High Plains