Victoria’s State Government has released some detailed operational information about the state’s ski resorts from June 21 onwards today.
The alpine resorts are open to visitors in line with current public health restrictions from Victoria’s Chief Health Officer and you can now find a frequently asked questions page dedicated to the alpine areas.
Each resort has its own Covid Safe Operating plan and has released most of their operational changes for 2020 which you’ll find within our coronavirus news section.
From 11:59pm on 21 June resort accommodation in Victoria will be able to accept group bookings of up to 20 people. Visitors can expect procedures to be in place to manage physical distancing, hygiene and gatherings to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
We know already that there will be a maximum number of visitors allowed in a resort as each Victorian resort has announced 50% capacity to start the season. There may also be procedures in place to manage the maximum number of visitors using facilities and infrastructure such as lifts, restaurants, car parks, ticket areas and gathering areas.
Capacity limits will be monitored regularly and may be revised as required. If resorts expect physical distancing measures to be impacted by adverse weather, they will adjust their operations accordingly (including closure of facilities where needed).
You must pre-book entry to resorts. The total number of visitors will be determined by individual resort management boards and managed through online bookings and pre-purchased resort entry.
Visitors will not be permitted into a resort unless tickets have been pre-purchased online.
Visitors should, where possible, ensure that all services (including transport, accommodation, lift tickets, ski school) are booked in advance. This will help resorts to manage operations in accordance with the current public health restrictions.
Physical distancing requirements also apply to queues for ski lifts and to maintain at least 1.5 metres of physical distancing at all times. To ensure physical distancing is maintained, the resorts will limit the number of people allowed to ride on ski lifts, with reduced seating allowances per chair lift.
There will be a limit on the total number of users on runs, toboggan areas (if open) and trails. These will be managed through signage and advice from staff, in addition to limitations on ski lifts and resort capacity measures.
Unlike New South Wales, Victorians can take day trips to alpine areas for snow play and sight-seeing. Pre-purchased entry tickets are required for all resorts to manage capacity limits.
Emergency shelters will be available for bad weather.
To maintain physical distancing requirements in emergency shelters, resorts will have plans in place for weather conditions, such as strong winds and lightning storms that have the potential to impact resort operations.
Saunas and spas must remain closed for now. Outdoor and indoor pools can open, with up to 20 people per pool (subject to capacity assessments), three people per lane (where these exist) while maintaining physical distancing requirements. From 11:59pm on 21 June, communal facilities like showers and changing rooms can open. The limit of 3 people per lane will also no longer apply.
For all the details in full check out the Victorian State Government page.
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