December snow is attracting skiers and boarders to Australia's alpine peaks for the chance to enjoy a rare summer shred. The tail end of this year's snow season has been impressive. While the season's peak depth of 170.5cm was only the best in three years, the end of the season stood out. Based on measurements taken by Snowy Hyrdo at Spencers Creek, the 2016 snow season had the best depth in 24 years for the beginning of November and the latest measurable snow in at least 20 years. Spring snow this year was boosted by a predominantly negative Southern Annular Mode (SAM) during October and November. During a negative SAM, westerly winds and colder air become more prevalent over southern Australia, which both help produce snow. Now, the residual snow left behind after this late-season surge is struggling to melt, even though it's summer. The patches of snow that usually pepper Australia's alpine peaks during early summer are longer, wider unbroken chutes and banks this year. Intrepid skiers hiked to the top of Australia last weekend to enjoy the late-season offerings. Dodging rocks and bathing in sunshine, they enjoyed the country's only remaining slopes all to themselves. This was while thousands of cyclists battled heat in the lower valleys during the inaugural L'Etape Australia bike ride. Looking ahead, elevated areas in Tasmania, eastern Victoria and southeast New South Wales could pick up another dusting of snow on Thursday night or Friday morning. Tasmania may see a few centimetres in places from this next system, although it won't add much to the cover on the mainland mountains.