Qantas has the edge in three new routes to Australian ski fields

There will soon be five flights a week from Brisbane to southern ski field towns with Qantas expecting a bumper season.

Qantas is aiming to tap into demand for the Australian ski fields this winter with three new routes ready to go.

Qantas aims to tap into demand for the Australian snow fields this winter with three new routes set to carry skiers to the Snowy Mountains and Victorian Alps.

From July 1 to September 26, QantasLink will operate three flights a week between Sydney and Cooma and Brisbane-Albury, and two flights a week between Brisbane and Cooma.

The Sydney-Cooma service will fill the void left by Rex, which has announced its intention to pull out of the route when government assistance ends this month.

All flights will be operated by Q400 turboprop aircraft, offering more than 15,000 seats on the routes through winter.

QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the new routes would help meet demand to access the ski fields.

“The direct flights mean ski enthusiasts spend less time on the road and more time on the mountain,” he said.

With fares of $179 one-way for Sydney-Cooma, and $239 for Brisbane to Cooma and to Albury, Mr Gissing was expecting strong demand.

“We’ll be working with the major ski resorts and transport operators to promote these new flights to millions of our frequent flyers around the country, with connections from our large domestic network through Sydney or Brisbane making a trip to the snowfields more accessible,” he said.

“These new flights are also good news for local businesses, hospitality and tour operators in the region, helping drive tourism and reviving the industry that has been hurting from COVID-19.”

Ski resorts reported they planned to ramp up marketing for the season ahead next month, but were already seeing strong interest in the lead-up to winter.

Falls Creek Resort marketing and communications manager Sarah Watt said many snow enthusiasts missed out on their winter holiday last year and were keen to return this year.

Charlotte Pass communications officer Laura Grubisa said they were already seeing strong demand months out from winter.

“Falls Creek accommodation providers are seeing a high level of interest and bookings as we approach the 2021 snow season with those looking to book their next holiday,” Ms Watt said.

“This is extremely positive for the business operators and Falls Creek community. We can’t wait to see everyone back at the resort this season although we are mindful that government health directives may still be in place.”

Charlotte Pass communications officer Laura Grubisa said they were already seeing strong demand months out from winter.

“We are thrilled to see the launch of these new flights for winter, particularly the introduction of direct services from Brisbane for the first time,” Ms Grubisa said.

“Demand for winter 2021 is strong and we can’t wait to welcome guests onto the slopes this season.”

The new routes are among 26 announced by Qantas since the start of the COVID crisis, to try to stimulate domestic travel and connect the cities to the regions.

Seats on the routes go on sale on Tuesday.