This weekend temperatures hovered around 0°C, bringing rain to resorts across the Australian Alps. On Sunday, over 60mm of rain hit Mt Hotham and over 120mm hit Thredbo (Australian Bureau of Meteorology). Fossil fuels have warmed Australia by 1.59°C since 1910, with each decade warmer than the previous. As a vulnerable climate frontline and ‘canary in the coal mine’, climate change has made the difference between precipitation falling as rain or snow in Australia’s alpine regions this season.
Dr Andrew Watkins, POW Science Alliance Member, Adjunct Professor at Monash and National Climate Risk Assessment Lead Author, touches on what warming temperatures and rain mean for snow:
“Recent and future changes to snow covers are due to warm temperatures and less precipitation. Warmer air means more frequent rain instead of snow even in mid winter, while dry conditions during autumn and winter mean less snow. Rain is the natural enemy of snow – it eats it for breakfast.”
With record-breaking July temperatures across the Australian Alps and 2026 marking the 4th poor snow season since 2020, the need for government intervention is urgent and clear. Protect Our Winters (POW) Australia is bringing a team of experts to meet with Parliament officials in Canberra to call for a National Alpine Adaptation Plan (NAAP) to protect the cultural, social, economic and environmental importance of our alpine regions.
Published in 2025, the Commonwealth’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) sets a framework for response to physical climate risks outlined under the National Climate Risk Assessment (NCRA). The NCRA found “the future may no longer support systems such as alpine ecosystems”, yet alpine regions are omitted from the NAP. POW is calling on the government to close this significant adaptation gap.
Dr Andrew Watkins further notes the need urgent for government action to protect alpine regions:
“We need to assess the impacts of warm winters like this one on our communities, industry, and environment, and work with governments to protect our amazing but fragile alpine environment we all love and depend upon.”
There is a lot at stake for the Alps. Australia’s resort economy is worth over $3 billion annually, supporting over 12,000 jobs in Victoria alone. Over 30 species found nowhere else on earth are facing a drastically changing environment. Hydroelectricity, agriculture, and regional town water security that depend on inflows from the Murray-Darling Basin are at risk. The NAAP would place resources, support, and power in the hands of alpine communities and land managers who are already feeling the impacts of climate change.
Ruby Olsson, POW Science Alliance Member, Social Scientist and Author of ‘Our Changing Snowscapes Report’ notes the community support for an alpine adaptation plan:
“People are worried for the future of the Alps. They want to see proactive and meaningful action taken, and they want community voices to be part of the decision-making processes.”
Coming off the back of Australia’s most successful Winter Olympics with a record 6 medals at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games, climate change is threatening the future of Australia’s snowsports viability, success and culture. Alpine adaptation protects a future for Australian snowsports training and competition, providing the next generation with the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Australia’s 2026 Olympians.
Jackson Harvey, POW Athlete Alliance Member, Moguls Skier and 2026 Olympian, notes the importance of action to protect snowsports opportunities for future generations:
“It’s the next generation and the one after that that will miss out if we don’t get our act together. Through my experience in the winter sports community and having the opportunity to chase my dreams, I’ve learned a lot about myself and the world, and I would love for those future groups to have the same opportunities.”
POW is bringing alpine community stories to Parliament this week, representing the impact of this winter season and demonstrating the public’s demand for urgent action to protect our mountains and communities. Securing a future with healthy ecosystems, reliable snow, rich biodiversity and vibrant communities requires urgent government action. A National Alpine Adaptation Plan is a step in the right direction toward protecting the cultural, social, economic and environmental importance of our alpine regions now, and for generations to come.
Mia ‘Miff’ Rennie, POW Athlete Alliance Member, Freestyle Skier and Sports Commentator, draws on her experience in the professional snowsport industry and notes her hope for our alpine future:
“I have seen first hand how quickly our winters are changing and how quickly we need to respond. I want future generations to feel the magic that we grew up with. The long snow days, the longer seasons, the healthy snowpacks, and a thriving ski community where our winters are not just beautiful, but resilient.”
EXPERT
