This year has been one of the worst starts to the snow season since records began. And it's a trend that researchers say will only continue in the years to come. 

But what's causing this change? What's the outlook for the rest of this ski season, and should we all just be booking a holiday to Japan? 

Jonathan Webb goes off-piste with climate reporter Romy Stephens about what this all means. 

You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science editor and presenter Jonathan Webb on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more.

Get in touch with us: labnotes@abc.net.au

Featuring:

• Romy Stephens, climate reporter

Further information:

This episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Gadigal, Ngunnawal and Ngambri people.