COVID-19 has severely impacted all Australian ski resort operations this winter, with some resorts being more affected than others. NSW resorts are operating at reduced capacity and hope to continue operations until the scheduled close of the 2020 snow season, while in Victoria all alpine resorts have ceased operations due to stage 3 and stage 4 restrictions being introduced across Victoria. Mount Buller has announced that it is possible, public health restrictions and snow conditions permitting, that the ski area may be able to reopen after 13 September. Guests are encouraged to check the websites of their preferred resorts regularly for the latest news and updates on resort operations.
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented incredible challenges not just for the Australian ski industry, but also for the local communities and the 23,000 jobs that rely on alpine tourism, much of that located in regional Victoria and NSW. From the outset, the safety of guests and staff has always been at the forefront of every decision, and that principle continues to guide the operations of those resorts still operating. The Australian ski industry is unified in its support of governments and health authorities and the efforts being made to contain the spread of COVID-19, and encourages the entire Australian ski and snowboard community to actively work to be part of the ultimate solution we all desire. The sooner we can beat the virus, the sooner we can all return to the mountains we all love.