Australia's ski resorts are increasingly relying on artificial snowmaking to cope with unpredictable winter conditions.This year marked one of the worst starts to the snow season in decades, with minimal natural snowfall until late July.

Resorts like Mount Buller, which invested $17 million in snowmaking technology over 25 years, have turned to advanced snow guns and snow factories to keep lifts operational.These facilities can produce snow around the clock, even in temperatures as high as -2°C.Climate factors such as El Niño, the Southern Annular Mode, and long-term warming trends have contributed to the delayed snow season.

Experts warn that while snowmaking is a vital insurance policy, it cannot reverse the broader impacts of climate change, including shorter seasons and reduced snow cover.

The ski industry, supporting over 22,000 jobs, continues to adapt, but the long-term viability of snowmaking under warming conditions remains uncertain.The article highlights the tension between technological solutions and the growing challenges posed by a changing climate.