Mountainwatch

The Grasshopper's New Zealand Forecast – A Quiet Start Before Storm Window Swings Wide Open

Published early Monday, 20th July 2026:

"The weather ramps up on Thursday as we enter a long storm window that may last into early August with a tonne of snow on the cards. The first of many fronts crosses the South Island during the latter half of Thursday, bringing a bout of heavy rain.

However, colder winds will see light snow falling behind it before another, short, sharp and colder front crosses later on Friday, dumping around 5-20+ cm of fresh powder. Mt Ruapehu will also see some snow falling on mid and upper slopes either side of a soaking on Friday.

Read The Grasshopper's full analysis at:
https://www.mountainwatch.com/grasshopper/ -zealand

The Grasshopper's Australian Forecast – Balmy Spell Ends with a Dusting, Bigger Things Brewing Next Week

Published early Monday, 20th July 2026

"Another couple of more days of this fine, balmy weather before a storm system sliding underneath us brings a little snow up high on Wednesday, followed by a weak cold change and light snowfall on Thursday. Resorts will get a dusting of around 1-4cm to low levels, and cold temps persisting through Friday will see the snow guns get a good hard run in.

Those snow wishes must be paying off, because forecasts have been trending more and more in favour of a solid dump of powder next week."

Read the full forecast:
https://www.mountainwatch.com/grasshopper/

The Grasshopper's Australian Forecast – A Few More Balmy Days Before a Cold Change Brings a Little Snow

"The run of mint, balmy weather continues for a few more days until Wednesday, when light snow will fall about the tops before a cold change during the predawn hours of Thursday brings snow showers to low levels, giving us a dusting of around 2-4cm.

Extended Forecast

"We’ll have mostly fine weather from Friday, the 24thof July, to Monday, the 27th, as strong cold southwesterlies gradually ease before northwesterlies develop.

Models have turned in our favour and are now picking a decent top-up of snow from Tuesday, the 28th, to Thursday, the 30th, during a cold outbreak. Light snow showers and cold temperatures may persist for the following few days, allowing snow guns to add a heap more man-made snow to the groomers....."

Read the full forecast at:
https://www.mountainwatch.com/grasshopper/

Mountain Safety Collective Backcountry Conditions Report – Friday 17 July 2026:

"As we head into a sunny weekend, if you’re heading to the backcountry, this is what you can expect:

Access from lower altitude trailheads requires navigating a very shallow snowpack with extensive obstacles on the ascent and requiring very cautious riding on the descent.

Once you’re above 1800m, snow cover is generally deeper, but the moist finish to the last storm has created widespread ice on most aspects. Ski or boot crampons are essential for safe travel on all but the most mellow inclines."

Read the full report at
https://www.mountainwatch.com/Snow-news/mountain-safety-collective-backcountry-conditions-report-friday-17-july-2026/

The Grasshopper's Australian Weekend Forecast – T-shirt Runs and Goggle Tans

"A big, fat, juicy high-pressure system keeps a lid on things for the next several days, bringing balmy, sunny springtime conditions. Perfect for t-shirt runs and goggle tans.

Extended Forecast

"We’re likely to see a little rain and high-altitude snow develop on Wednesday, the 22nd, before a cold change arrives on Thursday, the 23rd, with a potential dusting of snow. Resorts will also benefit from a period of good snowmaking conditions, which may continue for a few nights afterwards...."

Read the full detailed forecast at:
https://www.mountainwatch.com/grasshopper/