MT HOTHAM'S snow season will officially come to a premature end today, with the last day of lift operations.
The resort announced the early closure over the weekend, when operations were limited to only two of the 15 lifts, with nine groomed trails opened with an average snow depth reduced to 8cms.
Resort management said challenging weather over the past month, with warmer temperatures and significant rainfall had seen snow conditions deteriorate across the resort. "Despite the best efforts of our snowmaking, grooming and mountain operations teams, mother nature has thrown a few too many curve balls for us to keep the skiing and snowboarding safely in operation," a resort spokesperson said.
"If you've already purchased your resort entry, don't worry, you'll be receiving an email from us soon to arrange a refund.
"Otherwise, you can contact us at info.mthotham@alpineresorts.vic.gov.au for a refund on your entry permit.
"For queries about lift tickets and lessons please contact Vail Resorts by emailing tickets@hotham.com.au."
The early closure follows Mt Buller officially ending its season last Sunday, due to failing snow conditions.
Mt Hotham's 2024 season, while ending well before the scheduled full season closure of October 6, still drew very strong visitation to the resort in July and August.
According to official Alpine Resort Victoria resort entry data, Mt Hotham had 126,313 visitors for the first 12 weeks of the season up until Sunday, August 25.
That was the third highest figure in the past decade, behind season 2023 (139,281) and 2022 (171,971) and well above the 10 year average of 98,981.
However, Mt Hotham's visitor days for the season up until August 25 only totalled 237,970, which was well below week 12 figures for season 2023 (351,480) and season 2022 (365,229).
In fact, it was the fourth lowest total behind season 2020 (51,464), 2021 (196,608) and 2016 (234,318).
The disparity between strong visitor numbers but decreased visitor days appears to reflect a trend of growing day visitation, particularly for snowplay, rather than increased overnight and extended stays.
On the snow front, Mt Hotham's total natural snowfall for season 2024 up until Sunday, September 1, stood at 178cm.
That is well behind the past four seasons' totals - 2023 at 307cms, 2022 at 333cms, 2021 at 259cms and 2020 at 204cms.
The resort's average snow depth - with both natural and man made snow - began with 2cms on June 11; stood at 15cms on June 14 which got slope action up and running; 18cms on Jun 26; 44cms on June 30; 29cms on July 15 up to 55cms on July 16; 88cms on July 21, 89cms on July 28; 58cms on August 16; 30cms on August 25; and 8cms on September 1.
The season was punctuated by one of the biggest dumps of snow in recent seasons, with 78cms falling in the seven days until 9am July 21, which produced perfect powder snow conditions at the resort.