Perisher (AUS) celebrates 20 years of automated snowmaking

Perisher has marked a major milestone in 2026, celebrating 20 years of automated snowmaking. Over the past two decades, snowmaking at the resort has transformed significantly, evolving from labour-intensive, manually adjusted air-and-water guns to a largely automated system that delivers more reliable and efficient snow coverage. In the early days, snowmakers physically travelled between guns to adjust settings, which limited responsiveness and could result in missed production opportunities. 

Today, advanced automated lance & fan snow guns can dynamically regulate output based on shifting weather conditions, optimising snow production for different needs, like building a solid early-season base or creating a high-quality skiing surface. This investment in automation now enables the majority of Perisher’s snowmaking terrain to be covered by smart systems that respond instantly to temperature variations across the mountain.

Snowmaking teams still operate in coordinated swing and overnight shifts to capitalise on the most favourable conditions, but automation has enhanced precision, efficiency, and overall productivity. This technology plays a critical role in improving the guest experience by ensuring stronger early-season coverage, maintaining reliable snow conditions, and reinforcing heavily trafficked areas of the resort.

Perisher’s ongoing investment in snowmaking innovation underscores its commitment to snow reliability and high-quality conditions. Ultimately, the combination of modern technology and experienced teams allows the resort to deliver greater certainty and a consistently enjoyable experience for visitors, positioning it at the forefront of snowmaking advancement in Australia.