How NSW ski resorts will change for this snow season
The snow season will look ery different when ski fields open from June 22, with major changes to accessing slopes, lifts, day passes and even equipment. Here’s how the 2020 season will work.
NSW
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Snowball fights and season passes are out, but the ski slopes will be open in time for the school holidays.
The State Government announced last week that ski fields will be up and running from June 22, with a number of strict social distancing measures in place.
However ski resorts won’t be ready for business by the June long weekend.
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“The long weekend is when we start normally, but not a lot of snow will be there, so we’re better off waiting a couple of weeks to get everything right,” Deputy Premier John Barilaro told The Daily Telegraph.
Australian Ski Areas Association CEO Colin Hackworth said operators were “disappointed” with the delay, but were looking forward to the season ahead and preparing for the safe opening of resorts from June 22.
Limited numbers of people will be allowed on the slopes and on ski lifts, and there will be increased cleaning and no ‘snowplay’.
“We want people to ski, we can’t have people congregating,” Mr Barilaro said.
With no season passes this year, holiday-makers need to book visits ahead of time, the Deputy Premier said.
Thredbo is taking physical distancing seriously, with just two people per four-seater lift, and two per gondola cabin.
The amount of skiers allowed on the mountain will be restricted to half the usual crowd, so pre-purchasing day passes is essential.
Group lessons are cancelled but one-on-one lessons will remain. Clothing rentals will cease, however ski, snowboard and helmet rentals will continue.
Other closures include the Thredbo Leisure Centre, the childcare centre, night skiing, group mountain biking tours and any events with large groups.
Everyone will be required to buy individual day passes on a first-come first-serve basis, and season pass holders can apply for credits or a partial refund.
Skiers and snowboarders will only be able to access the resort with a pre-purchased pass or lift tickets; on-the-day lift ticket purchases will not be available”.
Pre-booked accommodation is no guarantee you’ll nab a day pass.
Perisher is yet to announce its plan for reopening but it’s expected to be similar to Thredbo. Visitors are being encouraged to download the COVIDSafe app before arriving at the snow.
Ski slopes at Thredbo, Charlotte Pass, and Perisher will be open in time for midwinter, but the Mt Selwyn resort would remain shut due to bushfire damage.
“The NSW Government through NSW Health and NSW Police are working closely with ski field operators, associated businesses and suppliers and industry associations to ensure COVID-safe measures are in place when the season commences,” Mr Barilaro said.