ALPINE Resorts Victoria (ARV) is leading the development of a new sector-wide strategic plan for 2026 – 2030.

The 2026-2030 Alpine Resorts Strategic Plan is the key strategic tool outlining the vision, long-term objectives, challenges and opportunities, and strategic priorities for the alpine sector.

Amber Gardner, CEO of ARV, said this will be the first time the plan will be delivered under the unified governance of ARV.

"This means there will be a sector-wide focus and a collaborative approach between government, private entities and the community, to plan for the sustainability and vibrancy of Victoria’s alpine resorts," she said.

"The Alpine Resorts Strategic Plan is a plan for the whole industry, so it’s critical that we facilitate a collaborative approach to strategy development through engaging with a broad cross section of the alpine community."

Ms Gardner said Victoria's alpine resorts - Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt Buller, Mt Stirling, Mt Baw Baw and Lake Mountain - contribute $2.14 billion annually to the state economy.

In fact, the last study in 2024 found the alpine resorts support 12,130 full-time equivalent jobs, value add more than $1 billion annually, and attract near 1.4 million visitors who spend $1.33 billion.

"It’s important the 2026-2030 Alpine Resorts Strategic Plan supports the sector to thrive and prosper for the future,” Ms Gardner said.

“This sector is full of passionate, engaged and knowledgeable people, so drawing on their diverse perspectives to inform the strategic direction of Victoria’s alpine resorts is the best way forward.

“We are using a combination of in-person workshops, alongside online consultation to hear the priorities for the sector and understand both the challenges and opportunities we can address within this plan.”

Stakeholders and the alpine community can provide their insights online via Engage Victoria (https://engage.vic.gov.au/alpine-resorts-strategic-plan-2025) up until 6 July.

Key stakeholders including the stakeholder consultative committees at each resort, local and state government representatives and resort business operators also participated in in-person workshops throughout June to help inform the plan.

“Following this extensive engagement process, ARV will use all the knowledge, wisdom and insights gained from the consultation to build the priorities and opportunities within the 2026-2030 Alpine Resorts Strategic Plan,” Ms Gardner said.

ARV expects to release the draft strategic plan for feedback in September.

Climate change adaptation part of plan

A KEY considerations for the strategic plan is climate change adaptation, and the ongoing need for a proactive approach to address evolving climatic conditions to maintain the alpine region’s tourism and recreational, economic and ecological integrity.

Consideration includes:

- need for infrastructure and services that build industry and community climate resilience;

- future-proof energy and water systems;

- tap into growing demand for sustainable tourism;

- collaborate with stakeholders to support development and implementation of Snow Area Management Plans at all resorts; and

- diversify the visitor experience.