Falls and Hotham Suspend Operations From Today Until At Least August 19

July 9th, 2020
Mt Hotham at its best last season. Hopefully operations wil resume on August 20 and it will be like this! Photo: Chris Hocking
Mountainwatch | News
Vail Resorts announced this afternoon that Falls Creek and Hotham will suspend lift operations from today to at least August 19 when the current stage 3 restrictions in Melbourne are scheduled to be lifted.
The repercussions for staff and businesses in the resorts is huge while it is also a big blow for the surrounding towns and communities. However many  private businesses in both Falls and Hotham will remain open and the resorts are still open to visitors from regional Victoria.
Mt Buller is expected to announce it’s plans tomorrow afternoon. Here is this afternoon’s  press release from Vail resorts:

BROOMFIELD, Colo. – July 9, 2020 – After careful consideration of the new restrictions in Victoria due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak, Vail Resorts is suspending ski-lifting operations at Falls Creek and Hotham Ski Resorts, effective Thursday, 9 July through at least 19 August, consistent with the current stay at home directions. The Company will continue to assess the situation and follow the guidelines of the state health authorities in evaluating if it is advisable or feasible to reopen.

“We did not make this decision lightly as we know our employees, guests and the communities where we operate have already endured so much hardship this year,” said Pete Brulisauer, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Vail Resorts Australia. “However, we are focused first and foremost on health and safety, following local health guidelines and doing our part to support efforts across Victoria to address the recent rise in coronavirus cases. We recognise this is incredibly disappointing to our guests and pass holders, including those who have made reservations at Hotham and Falls Creek this season. We thank them for their patience and understanding as we continue to navigate this incredibly challenging time.”

Perisher will remain open and is unaffected by this decision, operating in accordance with COVID-19 restrictions in NSW.

All reservations for lift tickets, ski and ride lessons and rental bookings will be cancelled and fully refunded. Guests will be contacted with information on processing refunds and are asked to refrain from calling the call centres at this time.

Guests who purchased a 2020 Epic Australia Pass, who have not used the pass and who do not wish to proceed with their pass purchase, may obtain a refund by making a request here no later than Sunday 12 July. After the 12 July refund deadline, the 2020 Epic Australia Pass is non-refundable except as provided for under Epic Coverage and under Australian Consumer Law.

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