Documents, facts and statistics used by Australian Ski Areas Association and the media for reference and education.

Key Documents & Statistics

The Economic Significance of the Australian Alpine Resorts

This extensive study conducted by the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research (NIEIR) that shows the value of Australian Ski Industry to the economy

Snow Making at Australian Ski Resorts

The very latest in world snowmaking technology can now be seen in the Australian ski resorts. Each resort’s website contains a full description of resort-specific snowmaking techniques, while a general description of how snowmaking works can be found here.

Ski Patrol in the Australian Ski Resorts

Ski Patrol operations in Australian ski resorts are conducted operationally by each individual resort, with Ski Patrollers also represented by the Australian Ski Patrol Association (ASPA). ASPA was formed to provide support for the Ski Patrol community by:
  1. Promoting awareness of the need for high standards of safety in Australian Alpine Areas. It achieves this goal through SNOWSAFE.
  2. Establishing and maintain uniform standards. It achieves this goal through:
    • The operation of its Registered Training Organisation. This RTO is a light house organisation through its positive use of electronic leaning techniques and its quality face to face learning environment.
    • The sharing of ideas on the international stage through Federation of International Ski Patrols.

Supporting Patrols to invest in technology used in the rescue and treatment of injured visitors to Alpine Areas.
More information on ASPA can be found here.

Snowgrooming in Australian Ski Resorts

Australian ski resorts utilise the very best in snowgrooming machinery and techniques, with quality snow grooming and “snow farming” critical to the enjoyment of snowsports. An overview of snow grooming and how it works can be found here.

Victorian Alpine Resorts Economic Contribution Study

This analysis demonstrates that the alpine resorts help boost economic activity in regions and a growth in unemployment would become more of an issue if the alpine industry and resorts were to decline in quality and appeal. The alpine resorts are of importance in terms of their economic contribution to the regions closest to where the resorts are located.

Helmet Usage Information Release

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 is now trending well above 80% in Australia.

SnowSafe

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ASAA Environmental Policies

ASAA and the Environment

Over the period that lifted skiing has been offered as a recreational option in Australia there has been an increasing awareness of the importance of the preservation of the quintessential qualities of the alpine environment. The resort lift operators are very much aware of the importance of their stewardship of these sensitive areas. In recent times the need to address issues raised by changes in global weather pattens and how they might affect the climate of the Alps has led to a host of initiatives in the management of the resorts.
Water and waste management, fuel and energy reductions and reduced greenhouse emissions are all areas where changes are enhancing what the resorts are doing to help preserve the environment. Changes in land management techniques have improved outcomes for biodiversity of fauna and flora. The different features of the resorts give rise to different priorities in each area.

ASAA Environmental Vision & Mission Statements

The Australian Ski Areas Association has adopted the following environmental vision and mission statements, which are intended to guide the development and formulation of a range of police

Environmental Vision Statement

Australian Ski Areas Association members aim to be the leaders amongst outdoor recreation providers by managing our businesses in a manner that demonstrates our commitment to environmental protection and stewardship while meeting public expectations.

Environmental Mission Statement

Australian Ski Areas Association members are committed to improving environmental performance in all aspects of our operations and in managing our areas to allow for their continued enjoyment by future generations.

The ASAA wishes to acknowledge and thank the National Ski Areas Association (USA) for authorisation to use and adopt the NSAA’s environmental statements.

ASAA Climate Change Policy

To collectively address the long-term challenges presented by climate change, Australian ski and alpine resorts have adopted the following climate change policy.

ASAA General Policies

Snow Sport Helmet Use

The Australian Ski Areas Association recommends the wearing of helmets for skiing and riding. Skiers and snowboarders are encouraged urism educate themselves on the benefits and limitations of helmet usage. The primary safety consideration, and obligation under the nene Responsibility Code, is to ski and ride in a controlled and responsible manner.

The Australian Ski Areas Association’s helmet policy has been reviewed and updated following recent changes made by the Canada West Ski Areas Association and the National Ski Areas Association (USA). The review also had regard to the Australian alpine and snowsports environments as well as the increasing use of helmets by Australian skiers and riders

The ASAA’s helmet policy urges skiers and riders to wear a helmet and to educate themselves on the benefits and the limitations of helmet usage, while emphasising that skiing and snowboarding in a controlled and responsible manner at all times is the primary safety consideration for all skiers and boarders.

Individual members of the ASAA may have more specific helmet requirements for some activities and programs for one or more particular groups or age of participant, which are conducted by the member resort.

Lids on Kids

The ASAA and its members provide information to snow sports enthusiasts and parents of snow sports enthusiasts to promote education and awareness about the benefits, limitations and proper fitting of helmets.

In supporting the use of helmets when undertaking recreational snow sports, the ASAA recognises that a helmet may make a difference in reducing or preventing injury, and that many skiers and snowboarders are choosing to wear them. Helmets are designed to reduce the severity of head injuries, but they are most effective at providing protection at speeds of 20kph or slower. If a person was to collide with a tree, any other object or another skier at moderate or high speed, a helmet may not prevent or reduce serious injury.

Each snow sports enthusiast’s behaviour has as much to do with their safety as does any piece of safety equipment.

Alpine Responsibility Code

There are inherent risks in all snow recreational activities. Common sense, staying in control and personal awareness can reduce these risks. Risks include rapid changes in weather, visibility and surface conditions, as well as natural and artificial hazards such as rocks, trees, stumps, vehicles, lift towers, snow fences and snowmaking equipment. Observe the code and ski and ride with courtesy to others.

  1. Stay in control and avoid other people and hazards.
  2. Use appropriate protective equipment, especially helmets, to minimise the risk of injury.
  3. You must have the ability to use each lift safely. If in doubt ask the lift attendant.
  4. Obey all signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails and areas.
  5. It is your responsibility to avoid and give way to people below and beside you.
  6. Do not stop where you are not visible from above or where you obstruct a trail.
  7. Before starting downhill, or merging into a trail, look uphill and give way to others.
  8. Use care to prevent runaway snowboards.
  9. If you are involved in or see an accident, alert and identify yourself to Resort Staff.
  10. Be aware that it is dangerous to ski, board or ride lifts if your ability is impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Know the Code. Its Your Responsibility.
Failure to observe the code may result in cancellation of your ticket or pass by Resort Staff.

Kids Alpine Responsibility Code

A special responsibility code for kids.

  1. Take lessons to improve your skiing or snowboarding.
  2. Give way to people in front of you and beside you.
  3. Stop where you can be seen. Stop on the side of the run.
  4. Look up the hill before you start and only go when the run is clear.
  5. Check your equipment. Make sure ski bindings are in good condition. Snowboarders should always use safety straps.
  6. Read and follow all signs. Do not go into closed areas.
  7. Learn how to get on, ride and get off all lifts safely. Always use the safety bar.
  8. If you see or have an accident, call Ski Patrol and wait until they arrive.
  9. Helmets may keep your head safe.

Snow Riding Restraint Devices

ASAA member resorts will be enforcing the use of restraint devices on all snow-riding equipment.

  • In the interest of visitor safety all ASAA member resorts will be enforcing the use of restraint devices on all snow-riding equipment including snowboards.
  • There have been incidents in the past few winters where run away snowboards have endangered the safety of resort visitors. Some of these run-aways have actually been boards accidentally knocked over whilst unattended. The restraint requirement will extend to unattended snow-riding equipment not fitted with approved braking devices. As an example, board riders will be required to leash their board to a fixed restraint (eg: resort provided racks) when unattended.
  • To educate snow-riders of this requirement, resorts will be utilising additional signposting, with ski patrol, ski school and lifting staff enforcing the policy.
  • All hire and retail outlets should ensure that all their equipment complies with this requirement.
  • Any snow-rider found utilising unleashed snow-riding equipment will not be permitted on the ski slopes.

Disabled Wintersport Association Concession Policy

  • ASAA members provide a 50% concession on the regular full day lift pass price (adult and child) to Full DWA Members (i.e. with a medically certified disability) on presentation of a current valid DWA Passport or member card.  Associate DWA members do not receive a concession unless they are an approved carer/companion with that noted on their member card or in their DWA Passport.
  • ASAA members also provide a concession on private lessons conducted at all ASAA Snowsports Schools for valid DWA Passport holders or member card holders. Because pricing structures vary between resorts, the concession may be applied differently, and DWA members are advised to check the specific concession available at each resort. Each ASAA member has the discretion to apply lesson concessions as appropriate.
  • ASAA members may in some cases provide additional benefits and concession programs for the benefit of DWA members such as season pass concessions, rental concessions and the like. These additional benefits are provided at the sole discretion of the individual ASAA member in negotiation with DWA.

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