UPDATE: Thredbo Ski Resort has just unveiled a groundbreaking snow-making machine, the Snowpro 260, capable of producing snow even at temperatures soaring to 20 degrees Celsius. This urgent development promises to transform the skiing experience for visitors as the resort prepares for a robust winter season.
The newly installed machine, imported from Italy, ensures a consistent snow cover from the start of the season in June through to the October long weekend. Currently operational on the beginners’ slope at Friday Flat, the Snowpro 260 is vital for maintaining snow in warmer weather, particularly in lower altitude areas susceptible to thawing.
“This will revolutionize our snow-making capabilities,” stated a spokesperson for Thredbo. The machine complements the existing arsenal of 200 snow-guns that already blanket the resort with artificial snow. The Snowpro 260 operates from a shipping container, functioning as a refrigerated storage unit for the ice it generates.
Truck driver Shane Macleod played a crucial role in transporting this cutting-edge machine, making three trips from Port Botany to the Snowy Mountains. Macleod shared, “It’s been a busy week getting everything down there,” highlighting the logistics involved in bringing this technology to Australia.
The arrival of the Snowpro 260 comes at a time when natural snowfall has been less predictable. As of July 16, 2025, the Bureau of Meteorology reports that while there hasn’t been a significant snowfall event, consistent smaller snowfalls have kept conditions favorable. Forecaster Angus Hines remarked, “The start of the season has been pretty good from the snow point of view,” noting that the area has seen under 50 centimeters of natural snow, which is considered modest.
Meanwhile, Perisher Resort has also reported excellent conditions, with 160 centimeters of natural snow accumulation and 55 centimeters falling in July alone. Their investment in snow-making technology includes 236 snow-guns, totaling over 22 million AUD since 2007, underscoring a broader trend among ski resorts to adapt to changing climate conditions.
As global temperatures rise, the ski industry faces increasing pressure to maintain snow levels artificially. A report commissioned by the NSW government highlights a projected 20 percent decrease in natural snow-making conditions over the next two decades, reinforcing the importance of innovations like the Snowpro 260.
With the ski season ramping up, Thredbo’s new snow-making capabilities signify a critical advancement in ensuring the longevity of winter sports in Australia. This development not only promises a better experience for skiers but also addresses the challenges posed by climate change.
Stay tuned for more updates on how this new technology will affect the ski season and what Thredbo has planned for winter enthusiasts.
