MT BULLER management has welcomed the Victorian government’s announcement giving a green light for alpine resorts to open for skiing and boarding from June 22 in Victoria.
Mt Buller will open the gates in time for the Queen’s Birthday weekend but with ‘stay safe’ restrictions in place.
Anyone visiting for the Queen’s Birthday long weekend (June 6-8) will be required to pre-purchase a resort entry pass online and carry wheel chains to enter the resort.
However, the ski field will remain closed, along with most of the other facilities and services that usually mark the formal commencement of the season.
Pre-purchased ticketed entry enables the resort to manage capacity in accordance with the Victorian Government's public health measures.
It also sustains essential services including snow clearing, parking and public facilities.
Premier Daniel Andrews' message last week was “now, as we begin to settle into a new normal, our message is stay safe”.
“We just can’t afford to have millions of people moving around our state – taking public transport or using the communal kitchen," he said.
Physical distancing and a limit of up to 20 patrons per space will apply, and indoor venues will be required to keep customer contact details.
Buller Ski Lifts (BSL) general manager Laurie Blampied was delighted at the Premier’s statement.
“This is terrific news and Mt Buller is working towards June 22 as our target for opening,” Mr Blampied said.
“Mt Buller has been working on a considered and collaborative approach to prepare a COVID safe operating plan to ensure the health and wellbeing of staff, guests and the wider community as restrictions eased from June 1 and we can enjoy snowsports again.
“It is going to be different this winter as we all adapt to the constraints of coronavirus.
“We will need to limit guest volumes in resort to maintain social distancing, there will be rigid cleaning and sanitisation protocols in place, our international staff will sadly not be travelling to work with us this year, and our local mountain staff numbers will be reduced as well.
“This means that the full range of products and services normally associated with the alpine resorts will not be available in 2020.
“COVID-19 operating safely plans will include capacity management measures at key points such as transport, day shelters, public spaces, food and beverage outlets and, of course, ski lifting.
“We will introduce new safety measures such as traceability of guests, physical distancing requirements and increased hygiene and cleaning, all adapted to the unique challenges of our alpine setting.
“Victorians are now familiar with social distancing, cashless/tap-and-go payments, reduced capacity in venues and hygiene measures, and the snow season will be an extension of that.
“What will be new this year is skiers and boarders will need to pre-plan like never before, booking in their resort entry and lift access so that we can manage guest numbers on a daily basis,” Mr Blampied said.
Currently, Mt Buller is accessible for day visits and locals can visit in accordance with Victorian State Government directives.
