It’s just over nine and a half weeks to the official start of the Australian ski season and we know you’re all wondering, will it go ahead?
According to all five major commercial ski resorts, they are planning that it will but taking steps in case it doesn’t, and addressing the options of both shorter seasons and less open terrain and so forth.
Though at this rate, Thredbo’s new gondola will be akin to the pizza box chairs of Japan, room for just one. Hey I’ll take the queue if it means I get the tracks and am sure many of you feel the same, just ski 2 metres away from me, thanks.
We’ve been working hard to gee up the snow community, on our social channels and here on the website, to have hope, because if these last two weeks are anything to go by, well, then, anything can happen in nine weeks.
Even if the season opens late it’s better to have a shorter season than no season at all, right?
The same way that, if it’s not safe to open, then we all sacrifice this season so we can live to ski another next year.
Meanwhile the resorts have addressed the major concern of skiers and snowboarders and that is, will they get a refund if the season doesn’t happen?
Here’s the latest on season passes, refunds and credits, all designed to give you confidence to book ahead now, knowing you’re covered.
Mt Buller
Mt Buller announced last Thursday their updated policies around holiday bookings and season passes.
Buller Holidays will provide a cancellation, change of dates, credit forward or full refund on all pre- paid resort entry, accommodation, lift, lesson, rental products and other pre-paid services and activities if you or a family member (or travelling companion) contract Covid-19 and are unable to travel on intended dates or the resort is closed due to Covid-19 or government policies prevent you from travelling on your intended dates.
They will also provide a refund of each 2020 Season Membership or an equivalent credit for 2021 if the ski area is unable to operate for the 2020 snow season. If they open for a limited period due to Covid-19 then they will consider offering a partial refund or equivalent credit.
You can find all the fine details and information here.
Vail Resorts for Hotham, Falls Creek and Perisher
Vail Resorts announced their updates last Friday with an e-blast revealing their updated policies.
The final payments for Epic Australia Passes for those who made the $49 down payment, has now been moved from May 1 to June 1.
The resorts have stated for lodging, lift tickets, rentals and group Snowsports School products that “If we are unable to provide you with the products that you have purchased as a result of COVID-19, we will provide you with a credit for the 2021 winter season or a full or partial refund, depending on the circumstance.”
You’ll find all the details, fine print and information here.
Thredbo
Thredbo have today assured guests they have protection should Covid-19 prevent you from going ahead with your pre booked plans.
Their final payment for the winter season pass balances due has also been moved from April 30 to June 2. If Thredbo is closed due to Covid-19 or government policies prevent you from travelling to Thredbo on your intended dates then you can request a cancellation, change of dates or MyMoney Credit for pre-purchased lift, lesson, rental products and/or accommodation purchased via Thredbo Resort Centre or the Thredbo Alpine Hotel.
You’ll find all their details, fine print and information here.
There’s no official updates from Charlotte Pass or Mt Baw Baw as yet, but we’ll keep you informed.
