JUST days after the delayed restart to the ski season, Vail Resorts announced last Thursday night that Hotham and Falls Creek lift operations would be suspended effective immediately.
A combination of poor weather conditions and heightened COVID-19 restrictions across the state, including the closure of the New South Wales border, forced the company to cease lift operations until at least August 19.
Lifts had only opened for the first time last Monday with thousands scrambling to get their hands on pre-booked ski passes.
Vail Resorts Australia’s Pete Brulisauer said in a statement on Thursday the season-ending decision was not made lightly.
“We know our employees, guests and the communities where we operate have already endured so much hardship this year," he wrote.
"However, we are focused first and foremost on health and safety, following local health guidelines and doing our part to support efforts across Victoria to address the recent rise in coronavirus cases.
"We recognise this is incredibly disappointing to our guests and pass holders, including those who have made reservations at Hotham and Falls Creek this season.”
Mount Hotham and Falls Creek resorts have confirmed they will remain open for local visitation but standard coronavirus restrictions will remain in place.
Mount Hotham Alpine Resort Management Board said it was continuing to operate ski patrol at reduced capacity, while village and carpark snowclearing, grooming of cross country trails, snow play and tobogganing would continue depending on conditions but the medical centre, local ambulance service and village bus service aren't operating.
Falls Creek Alpine Resort Management Board said guests coming to the resort will be required via the resort entry portal, to provide their details for contract tracing purposes and for capacity management.
Cross country trail grooming, tobogganing and snowplay at the Windy Corner Toboggan slope, ski patrol activity, transport services (excluding the village and Bogong High Plains shuttles), childcare (for residents and staff), snowmobile tours and Back Country Tours with Steve Lee are all continuing, but the Falls Creek Medical Centre has closed and Ambulance Victoria will not be located in the resort until further notice.
Mt Buller also remains open to visitors, with Buller Ski Lifts on Friday confirming lift operations will continue, "ensuring access to the ski area and lessons on an appropriate scale for as long as conditions permit".
Mt Buffalo also remains open to day visitors, with cross country skiing, tobogganing and snow play dependent of natural snow cover.
All reservations for lift tickets, ski and ride lessons and rental bookings will be cancelled and fully refunded. Guests will be contacted with information on processing refunds and have been asked to refrain from calling the call centres at this time.
