This was published 8 years ago
Australia and New Zealand ski season 2015: Who has the best snow?
By Rachael Oakes-Ash
The challenge to that question lies in the snow depths and each resort measures these differently. Thredbo and Perisher use Spencer Creek's snow depth chart which as of today is measured at a mere 58 centimetres despite resort measurements of 70 centimetres of snowfall in 48 hours on July 26. That snowfall is on top of already established snowmaking and previous weeks' snowfalls in July.
We all know that numbers mean nothing if we're talking about actual snow conditions. You can have metres and metres of snowfall but if the weather turns tropical warm and brings rain then cold the snow base is not going to be fun to ski. Lucky for both parties on either side of the Tasman that another storm is predicted with up to 40 centimetres of snow coming both our ways over the next week so clearly rain and ice is not our problem this season so far.
But I always think comparing ski-fields is like comparing apples and oranges, it all depends on which you prefer. If you like to stay in ski-in and ski-out accommodation in mountain villages then you can't beat Australia for convenience and alpine living simply because New Zealand doesn't generally offer that option across the board at their commercial fields.
It is great to see Australian ski resorts finally back in the game this season. The start was far from pretty but there is no doubt from the videos and photos flooding social media that we are looking pretty spectacular about now, if we do say so ourselves.
Instagram2Win a ski trip to Whistler
We've partnered with SkiMax this season for the annual #misssnowitall Instagram competition. You could win seven nights for two at the swanky Fairmont Chateau in Whistler, plus lift passes for two people at Whistler Blackcomb for six days and return flights for two from Sydney to Vancouver thanks to SkiMax.
Just tag your winter-inspired Instagram pics #misssnowitall #skimaxholidays to enter. We'll publish five finalists each week, with one winner at the end of the season. See this week's top entries in the gallery at the top of the page.
Pro photographers can win a Sony 4k Action Cam with Helmet Side Mount and Board Mount worth $697 (they are not eligible for the Whistler prize) by tagging their pics #misssnowitall #skimaxholidays #pro. We'll choose one pro shot a week as a finalist with one overall winner at end of season.
Click here for competition terms and conditions. See the latest entries below.
Follow on Instagram and Twitter @misssnowitall
See also: Ten ways to tell you're a snow addict
See also: What to wear (and what not to wear) at the snow
Follow on Instagram and Twitter @misssnowitall
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