Victorian Lockdown Ends – Alpine Resorts Re-Open Tomorrow

July 27th, 2021
Will McCarthy doing his essential exercise in Buller on Sunday. Good to know all Victorians can now head up to their favourite resort. Photo; Tony Harrington

Mountainwatch | News

The Victorian premier Dan Andrews announced this morning that the current state-wide lockdown will end at midnight today with a number of restrictions easing in Victoria. This includes being able to travel more than 5ks from your home and Victorian skiers and snowboarders are no doubt amping to visit the ski resorts which will re-open tomorrow.

In today’s statement, the government said that, “People will be free to visit ski fields again, but due to the higher risk in these settings entry to Victoria’s alpine resorts will require a COVID test and receipt of a negative result within 72 hours prior to visiting. Children under 12 years of age are not required to be tested.”

Schools will also re-open for onsite learning from tomorrow, restaurants and cafes are open for seated service and retail, and entertainment venues can also open subject to density limits.

You can read the full statement here.

The last two snowfalls dropped 125-160cms across the Victorian resorts leaving a good mid-winter base and preparations are underway for re-opening tomorrow.  Mt Buller plans to have nine lifts open, General manager Laurie Blampied saying, “It’s a colossal task ahead of us to clear snow from the lift load areas and resort buildings, but in a ski resort having a lot of snow is a good problem to have.”

“The wild weather poses real challenges as we dig out, de-ice frozen lifts, groom the runs and prepare the ski area to make it safe for skiers and boarders to get up here and make some turns,” Blampied added.

 

A wintry day in Hotham today and more snow is due tomorrow to coincide with the reopening of the Victorian resorts. Photo: Hotham

Falls Creek, Hotham and Baw Baw will also open tomorrow and at this stage the number of lifts opening hasn’t been announced but there is a good base across all resorts, Falls and Hotham with an average depth of 134cms while Baw Baw is reporting an average base of 45cms. The timing of the easing of restrictions is perfect with another storm due tomorrow, the Grasshopper calling for solid snow totals before snow showers ease on Thursday.

Our snow reporters have been on the job during the lockdown and will have the latest rundown on conditions in tomorrow’s reports.

Hotham,snow reports and forecasts

Falls Creek snow reports and forecasts

Mt Buller snow reports and forecasts

Mt Baw Baw snow reports and forecasts