Natural snow depths
The measuring of natural snow depths is done at up to four gauge locations (snow plots) at the resorts. From these locations an average overall depth is ascertained as well as an average 24hr snowfall.

The snow plots have a wooden permanent gauge (200cm high) fixed to a post. The depth of the snow pack is measured from the ground up. There is also a 24hr gauge, which is made of steel and is 50cm high with a base plate. This gauge sits on top of the snow and is cleaned off and re-placed every day, when it snows, at 5:30 am. The snow depth and 24hr snowfall are therefore an average taken from the plots.

Snowmaking depths
The average depth in snowmaking areas is calculated from depths taken from probing the areas where snowmaking occurs. Probing is done approximately sixteen times evenly distributed across the length of the run and an average of these probes is calculated. Then an average of this average is calculated across all the snowmaking areas. Since probing is time consuming it is done a minimum of once a fortnight.

Definition of Terms for Snow Cover
Excellent - Complete snow cover with no exposed hazards.
Very Good - Complete cover of snow with occasional exposed hazards that do not impede skiing.
Good - Almost complete cover. Some exposed hazards that rarely impede skiing.
Fair - Cover is extensive but not complete. There may be moderately sized exposed hazards including grass/vegetation, which are easily avoidable. Cover will most likely be soft and thin in areas.
Poor - Cover is broken and skiers are very limited in choice of lines. There may be exposed grass areas if the run is open. Cover is soft and thin; snow will most likely be brown in places.
Insufficient/Sightseeing - Insufficient cover for skiing and boarding. Only suitable for snowplay if the run is accessible. May involve a short walk from car park area.
No Snow - no snow

Definition of Terms for Snow Conditions
Fresh - Fresh snow newly fallen. Ranges from very heavy and wet, to very light and dry.
Dry - Light, fluffy snow. Powder-like.
Powder - Extremely light, dry, fluffy snow, providing no support to skis and snowboards.
Soft - Yielding to pressure from skis and snowboards. Snow could be sun-affected.
Packed - Fresh, packed snow.
Firm - Hard packed snow where the skis do not dig in much but the edges hold well.
Firm or hard packed - In the transition stage to icy. Sharp edges help.
Icy - Clear and very hard. (May also include granular icy cover especially when describing the manmade snow after a night with a good freeze).
Softening - Transition from firm to soft snow.
Wet - Wet snow that is often heavy and grabs at the skis making them slide more slowly.
Spring - Rough, icy, granular surface in the morning, then softens due to warm weather by mid-morning to soft and granular. (Depending on how warm, may become sticky and very soft during the afternoon, then icing up again in the late afternoon. Can be very good skiing in the late morning and early afternoon).