INVESTING IN SNOWMAKING AT BEN LOMOND
More than snow guns. A long-term investment in the future of skiing and snowboarding in Tasmania, helping us make the most of every suitable cold-weather window.
BUILDING A STRONGER FUTURE FOR WINTER
Natural snowfall will always be an important part of Ben Lomond. But Tasmania's alpine weather can change quickly, and waiting for natural snow alone can make the winter season unpredictable.
That's why Ben Lomond Alpine Resort has invested in modern snowmaking equipment and the infrastructure needed to operate it. By making snow when temperatures and humidity allow, our team can establish coverage in priority areas, reinforce natural snowfall and give skiers and snowboarders more opportunities to enjoy the mountain.
Snowmaking is an important part of our long-term plan, alongside snow grooming, lift operations, guest facilities and continued investment in Ben Lomond Base.
Ben Lomond Alpine Resort has committed an estimated $645,000 to snowmaking equipment and supporting infrastructure, reflecting our ongoing investment in the future of skiing at Ben Lomond.
SNOW RESORTS AUSTRALIA & #SNOWISSNOW
Ben Lomond Alpine Resort is part of Snow Resorts Australia, the national industry body representing commercial alpine resort operators. Together with other Australian resorts, we support a stronger future for winter tourism and investment in alpine experiences.
#snowissnow is an industry-wide initiative launched by Snow Resorts Australia in 2026. It helps visitors understand how modern snowmaking works, why suitable weather conditions matter and how resorts are investing in the future of Australian snow holidays.
We're pleased to support this industry message alongside our own investment in snowmaking at Ben Lomond.
NATURAL. MACHINE-MADE.
SNOW IS SNOW.
Learn about the science of snowmaking, responsible resort investment, snow management and the value of Australia's alpine industry.
An initiative of Snow Resorts Australia
HOW SNOWMAKING WORKS
Snow guns use water and air to form tiny ice particles in cold conditions. The snow is then spread and groomed to help create a skiable surface.
WAIT FOR THE RIGHT WEATHER
Our snowmaking team monitors temperature, humidity and wet-bulb temperature. Snowmaking can only operate effectively when the conditions are suitable.
MAKE SNOW WITH WATER AND AIR
Snow guns atomise water into fine droplets, which freeze into snow crystals in the cold air. No chemical additives are required.
BUILD AND GROOM THE SNOW BASE
Machine-made and natural snow can be moved, spread and compacted by our grooming team to create and preserve usable coverage.
SNOWMAKING INVESTMENT OVER THE YEARS
A continuing investment in the mountain, with each stage improving our ability to make the most of suitable winter conditions.
SNOWMAKING BEGINS
BLAR introduces four modern TechnoAlpin fan guns and begins producing machine-made snow for the ski area, with Summit a key focus.
REFINING OPERATIONS
Continued work on snowmaking operations, using cold-weather windows to support skiing and opening opportunities.
EXPANDING THE SYSTEM
Additional snowmaking equipment and infrastructure upgrades, with Summit snowmaking extended to Tower 4.
LOOKING AHEAD
Our work continues. Further improvements and mountain developments will be shared as plans are confirmed.
IT TAKES MORE THAN A SNOW GUN
Effective snowmaking depends on the entire system working together. Water supply, pumps, pipework, hydrants, electrical power, specialist operators and grooming are all part of what makes machine-made snow possible.
Our team plans operations around the weather and available resources, focusing on areas where snowmaking can provide the most benefit to lift-served skiing and snowboarding.
Suitable cold conditions are essential, and snowmaking does not guarantee that lifts or slopes will open on a particular day. Wind, visibility, coverage and safety may also affect operations.
SNOWMAKING FAQS
Does snowmaking mean there will always be snow?
No. Snowmaking depends on suitable temperature and humidity, while wind, snow coverage, safety and other operating factors determine whether lifts can open. Always check the current Snow Report and cameras before travelling.
Is machine-made snow real snow?
Yes. Snow guns use water and air to create frozen snow particles. It can have a different texture from fresh natural snowfall, but it is snow.
Do you add chemicals to make snow?
No chemical snowmaking additives are used. The snow is made from water and air.
Where does BLAR make snow?
BLAR's snowmaking has focused on the ski area, particularly Summit. Infrastructure has been expanded along Summit to Tower 4. Actual coverage varies with conditions and operational priorities.
Can snowmaking operate in warm weather?
Snowmaking requires sufficiently cold conditions. Both air temperature and humidity matter, so our operators use wet-bulb temperature rather than looking at air temperature alone.
How can I find out if snowmaking or lifts are operating?
Check the Snow Report for the latest operational information and the Live Cameras for a current view of the mountain.
CHECK THE MOUNTAIN BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
Snow conditions change quickly at Ben Lomond. Check the latest updates, then stop at Ben Lomond Base for ski and snowboard hire, winter clothing and other visitor services. All BLAR equipment hire is available at Ben Lomond Base only.
Read more about our snowmaking journey: the 2023 introduction and our 2025 snowmaking update.