Ski bunnies could be taking to Mount Baw Baw’s slopes on purely manufactured snow within the next two decades due to the ongoing effects of climate change.
A recently released report into the future of alpine resorts revealed there was only 20 to 30 more years of natural snowfall before climate change takes hold.
As a low-altitude resort Mt Baw Baw will lose natural snow cover sooner than higher altitude resorts.
The non-peer reviewed report released by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning revealed Mt Baw Baw averaged 80 natural snow days in the 2000s. This will shrink to between 32 to 71 snow days in the 2020s.
“Between the 2050s and 2070s, natural snowfall is likely to reduce to the point that there will be only transient natural cover each year,” the report read.
“Maximum snow depth is also expected to decline to zero over this period. How quickly this occurs depends on global success in reducing emissions.”
Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort general manager John Fascio said the resort was adapting to changing climactic conditions by investing in a snow-making machine which could be turned on in any temperature. The new machine was switched on last week in preparation for snow season opening this weekend.
“The majority of resorts now rely on man-made snow factories which will become critical for winter visitors as climate change becomes a factor into the future,” Mr Fascio said.
He said natural snow levels were variable in the past with a metre of snow lying around late into last year’s season.
Mr Fascio said the resort would also focus on attracting visitors in the warmer months as well as installing a grass toboggan area.
He said there were 120,000 visitors to Baw Baw last year with a roughly even spread across both white and green seasons.
Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said skiers could continue to expect snow but the government was developing a long-term plan to ensure alpine regions were visited year-round.
