Epic Australia Pass holders have been anxious this month with the impending date for final payments and still no news from government on when the season will open or what it will look like.
Today, Vail Resorts have released more information regarding refunds to put skiers and snowboarders minds (and pockets) at ease.
Final payments for the 2020 Epic Australia Pass will not be processed on June 1 and Vail Resorts will share more information by June 15 about the season ahead, including new pass options that will address the expected COVID-19 impacts to the season.
Pass holders will have the option, once more information is shared, to request a refund of all payments made towards their 2020 Epic Australia Pass or move forward with a new pass product.
Letter from Vail Resorts Australia COO Pete Brulisauer
Pass holders will receive this letter by email today from Vail Resorts Chief Operating Officer Australia, Pete Brulisauer, outlining what’s ahead.
With the snow falling at Perisher, Falls Creek and Hotham, we know that you are looking forward to the upcoming 2020 winter season. We are too. While the National Cabinet recently released a three-step plan to a COVIDSafe Australia, the details of how that plan will apply to ski and ride operations in New South Wales and Victoria are still evolving. Because of this, I unfortunately do not have an update on when we will be able to open for the 2020 season.
That said, I can assure you that our team is continuing all necessary pre-season work to ensure we are ready to open once we are able to. In preparing for the upcoming season, first and foremost we are committed to protecting the health and safety of our guests, employees and communities. Our plans will continue to be informed by guidance from public health authorities and government health orders relating to resort operations.
We previously informed you that, if you have final payment remaining for your Epic Australia Pass, we would delay it until 1 June. While we do not know exactly how the season will play out, with 1 June only a few weeks away, we do believe that there will be some impact to the season from COVID-19.
As a result, I wanted to share an update on our plans following the guidance provided by the National Cabinet’s three-step plan to a COVIDSafe Australia:
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- We will not take the final payment for your 2020 Epic Australia Pass on 1 June.
- By 15 June, we will share more information about the season ahead as well as new pass options that will address the expected COVID-19 impacts on our season
- Once we have shared more information, you will have the option to request a refund of all payments made towards your 2020 Epic Australia Pass and Pass Refund Protection or move forward with a new pass product. If you decide to purchase a pass, the final payment date will also be announced on 15 June, after you have had the opportunity to consider your options.
Thank you again for your patience and understanding. I will keep you updated as we learn more about this season and I hope to be able to do so very soon.
I am confident that we will get through this together and I hope to see you soon when we have the opportunity to welcome you back to our beautiful resorts.
Stay well and thank you,
Pete Brulisauer, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Australia, Vail Resorts
Pass holders can check out all the pass updates here.
Watch this space for more Covid 19 Australia and New Zealand season news.
