Screen grab from snow-forecast.com
As forecasting models evolve, it looks as though the Southern Hemisphere may be in store for a Perfect Storm of unbelievably snowy proportions. Chile (especially Chile), Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand will all receive accumulation between now and the end of the weekend. Here are our favorites for big time snowfall. Time to book your flight.
Chile
Chile looks to be the breadwinner after this weekend with forecasts calling for up to 100 inches at some resorts. The storm totals are too ridiculous to explain individually so here are the top 5 forecasted storm totals.
- Valle Nevado- 140 inches
- El Colorado- 107 inches
- Ski Pucon- 102 inches
- Portillo- 102 inches
- La Parva- 95 inches
Argentina
Things are finally getting exciting in Argentina with a big dump in the forecast over the weekend. According to models between 40-50 inches will fall on Las Leñas throughout the weekend. Other resorts favored are Cerro Castor (20-30 inches), Cerro Catedral (10-25 inches), and Chapelco (20-25 inches). Obviously, our bet is with Las Leñas and we hope this storm gets the Marte Chair that much closer to opening. Fingers crossed.
Australia
Snow looks to come into the Australian picture on Friday with heavy snow falling throughout the weekend. The models are generally favoring the New South Wales and Victorian ski fields and after snow throughout the weekend, blizzard conditions are expected on Monday (ski-bums rejoice!). As far as which resort will benefit the most from this trend, models are unclear but expect Sunday and Monday to possibly be some of the best days at Thredbo and Perisher in a few years with 30-40cm falling on Saturday alone.
Note: Australians don’t believe in forecasting specific snow totals… sad.
New Zealand
Although, New Zealand is currently the least favored in the Southern trend, resorts across the North Island in the Mount Ruapehu region will be receiving accumulation through Thursday evening and into early Friday. Forecasts are currently calling for 10-20cm on the Ruapehu ski fields. On the southern island, forecasts vary but so far models are leaning towards significant accumulation on the North Canterbury ski fields of Mt Lyford and Hamner Springs (10cm).
Other ski fields from the Remarkables to Treble Cone have smaller totals in the forecast (1-10cm).
