Mount Baw Baw Wraps Up 2026 Winter Season Early Following Warm Weather and Rain

Victoria’s Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort will officially end its 2026 ski season on Sunday, August 23, at 5:00 p.m., making it the first Australian resort to close lift operations for the winter.

The decision brings a 57-day season to a close, driven by persistent above-freezing temperatures and heavy rainfall that severely eroded the mountain's natural snowpack.

As of late August, the remaining snowpack dropped to roughly 28 centimeters (11 inches) along the Hut Run and Old Hut areas, forcing all other trails to close. Lifts have been scaled back to just two active operations: the Hut Run Platter and the Beginner Magic Carpet.

End-of-Season Operations & Transition

While lift-served skiing and snowboarding will cease on Sunday, Mount Baw Baw will remain accessible to visitors heading into late August with adjusted amenities:

• Lift Closure: All ski lifts will officially halt operations after 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 23.

• Waived Entry Fees: Resort entry fees will be completely waived starting Monday, August 24.

• Dining Facilities: The Village Central Restaurant will remain open for visitors through Sunday, August 30.

• Season Send-Off: The resort is hosting its annual Bollywood Weekend through Sunday, giving guests a final festive send-off on the mountain.

A Challenging Season Across the Australian Alps

Mount Baw Baw’s early closure reflects a difficult 2026 winter season across the Southern Alps. Unseasonably mild weather and recent atmospheric rain events have impacted resorts in both Victoria and New South Wales, with several mountains temporarily suspending lift operations to preserve remaining snowbases.

As the closest snow resort to Melbourne, Mount Baw Baw plans to transition into its green-season operations, shifting focus to summer hiking, mountain biking, and eco-tourism across the Baw Baw Plateau.