The Australian Ski Areas Association (ASAA), the peak body representing Australia’s ski lifting and resort companies, is pleased to announce that helmet usage in snowsports in the Australian skifields has reached an all-time high of 92.3%.

In a comprehensive survey conducted in July 2023 across every Australian ski resort, with more than 29,000 snowsports participants counted while riding key ski lifts at each resort, a helmet usage rate of 92.3% was recorded, up from 86.0% in 2021. This reflects the highest level of helmet usage recorded in Australia’s resorts since survey data first began to be compiled. The 2023 result is consistent with the continuing upward trend in helmet usage since surveying commenced in 2013, with only 57.4% recorded in that year.

Well, our predictions of huge pent up demand for a snow holiday certainly came to pass in 2022. Visitation to Australia’s ski resorts was an all-time record – by a significant margin. This is terrific news for all of the businesses and regional towns that rely on the ski industry for their livelihoods and their well-being. Finally our stalwart businesses and communities were cut a break after what seemed like endless years of bushfires, drought and of course our erstwhile friend COVID-19.

Well, the frustrations and restrictions of the COVID-19 years now seem to be behind us. With most of us vaccinated and all of us “living with the virus” we can now look forward to a seriously excellent 2022 winter. The snow will be terrific and all of Australia’s ski resort are primed and ready to welcome you back into our icy but warm embrace

Well, 2021 certainly showed us that the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. At the beginning of the year we thought Australia had largely contained the spread of COVID-19, with relatively few positive cases being recorded in the lead up to the 2021 ski season. Early snow provided all resort operators with hope and a good dose of optimism, and all of us geared up for a great snow season. Bookings were made, mountain staff were engaged and businesses were prepped for a long and busy winter. Opening weekend, particularly in NSW, was incredibly busy and broke all sorts of records.