‘Hasn’t stopped’: Alpine ski resorts inundated with calls as lockdown lifts

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Victoria’s alpine ski resorts are receiving a huge influx of calls after the state government announced people will be free to visit the snow again as it lifted lockdown restrictions.

The ski fields’ reopening will coincide with a lifting of the state’s lockdown at 11.59pm on Tuesday, but visitors will need to test negative for COVID-19 at least 72 hours before arriving.

A snowboarder takes a jump at Mt Buller Ski Resort in June. Credit:Getty

Mount Buller resort staff emphasised that message when fielding numerous calls from eager skiers on Tuesday.

“The phone calls and emails started before the Premier [Daniel Andrews] had finished making the announcement,” a spokeswoman for the resort said.

“Our team hasn’t stopped since 11am and it’s wonderful to be talking to people and helping visitors make plans to get back to the snow again.”

Many people who called Mount Buller were looking to make new bookings, while some were calling to reschedule trips cancelled because of the state’s fifth lockdown. Some were seeking refunds because they couldn’t make later dates.

The spokeswoman said 124 centimetres of snow had fallen at the resort during the lockdown and staff would need to dig out ski lifts and other facilities.

Bookings were strong at the alpine resort through to the end of September, and Mount Buller was encouraging Victorians to plan their visits for mid-week.

“Spring is also a terrific time to visit, with sunnier days [and] plenty of snow still on the slopes …” the spokeswoman said.

Mount Hotham Alpine Resort’s management also reported strong interest on Tuesday, with media manager Anita Coia saying the snow field was thrilled to welcome Victorians back to the slopes.

Children under 12 won’t be required to get a COVID-19 test before they hit the slopes. Credit:Dinner Plain

Falls Creek echoed that sentiment, having also received an influx of calls and messages on Tuesday from people wanting to visit in the coming days and weeks.

“We’re excited to be welcoming people back and our business stakeholders are too,” a Falls Creek resort management spokeswoman said.

Health authorities explained on Tuesday that Victorians would have to get tested for COVID-19 before hitting the slopes because the alpine resorts were considered “higher-risk settings”. Children under 12 won’t have to get tested before they go.

Victorians will no longer be bound by the five-kilometre travel limit when the lockdown lifts, but they will still have to wear masks inside and outdoors.

Households can only travel within the state in their family unit, and visitors to homes are still not allowed. However, public gatherings are permitted with a maximum of 10 people.

“You can’t be going away with other families, you can’t be having visitors to your temporary home,” Mr Andrews said on Tuesday.

Schools will reopen for all year levels on Wednesday, and pubs, cafes, restaurants and bars can also reopen.

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