Falls Creek and Hotham Delay Opening Until July 6

June 24th, 2020

 

Mount Hotham at its best. Hopefully we’ll see similar conditions next this winter. Photo: Chris Hocking

 

Mountainwatch | News

While Perisher opened today with three lifts spinning on Front Valley, Vail Resorts announced this afternoon that it has delayed the opening of its two Victorian resorts, Falls Creek and Hotham, until July 6. The lack of snow this month and unfavourable snowmaking conditions over the past two weeks have left both resorts with limited skiable terrain and unable operate within the 50% capacity required under the Covid Safe plan approved by the Victorian government.

The snow cover  should improve in both resorts over the next week with good snow making conditions forecast this weekend and the chance of snowfalls next week. Make sure you check out the Grasshopper’s Australian forecast tomorrow for the latest update.

Vail Resort’s full statement is below:

 BROOMFIELD, Colo. — 24 June 2020 — Vail Resorts announced today that Hotham and Falls Creek will delay the opening of the ski lifts for the 2020 snow season until 6 July (conditions permitting) due to challenging early-season conditions. The delay is to ensure that Hotham and Falls Creek can open enough terrain to provide a safe experience in accordance with the COVID-19 Safe Operating Plan. Vail Resorts is offering full refunds on all lift, lesson and rental purchases that have been made for Hotham and Falls Creek for the period 24 June – 5 July.

In New South Wales, after over 20cm of natural snowfall and freezing temperatures providing ideal conditions for snowmaking, Perisher opened today for the 2020 snow season with three lifts open for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy their opening day turns.

Vail Resorts will keep the Epic Australia Pass on sale until 5 July and will also allow guests until this extended date to request a refund at epicaustraliapass.com.au. 2020 Epic Australia Pass, 2019-20 Epic Pass and 2019-20 Epic Military Pass holders will be advised shortly of the timing and process for pass access reservations for the period 6 to 12 July.

In alignment with physical distancing protocols, Vail Resorts will be carefully managing the number of skiers and snowboarders accessing Perisher, Hotham and Falls Creek, based on the amount of terrain and lifts open. To enjoy the best possible snow experience and to guarantee resort access, guests who do not have a season pass will be required to pre-purchase their lift tickets, lessons and rentals. Same-day lift ticket sales will not be available at Perisher, Falls Creek and Hotham. Tickets are available for purchase on the resort websites.