2020 snow season for Perisher, Hotham and Falls Creek to open on 24th June

May 29, 2020

Vail Resorts announced today that following approval by the NSW and Victorian Governments Perisher, Hotham and Falls Creek will open for skiing and snowboarding on 24th June for the 2020 snow season.

Each resort will enact a COVID-19 Safe Operating Plan developed in consultation with industry and government leaders, which will include social distancing measures, enhanced cleaning protocols and necessary changes to regularly offered programs and services.

Vail Resorts, Perisher and Australia Chief Operating Officer, Pete Brulisauer notes “we are grateful for the opportunity to open our resorts for the 2020 snow season, especially given the difficult year endured by our mountain communities, and we take seriously the responsibility we have to keep our employees, guests and communities safe in this new environment.

“Delaying our traditional opening from the June Long Weekend to 24th June is intentional to ensure our entire team has the time to fully understand and embrace our new COVID-19 Safe Operating Plan so that we can deliver a safe experience for our guests. We thank our guests in advance for their patience, understanding and cooperation as we all adapt to the new social distancing measures required to allow us to enjoy skiing and snowboarding this season.”

Skiers and snowboarders will only be able to access the resorts with a pre-purchased pass or lift tickets; on-the-day lift ticket purchases will not be available. Social distancing will be carefully managed at each resort, based on the amount of terrain and lifts open. Details about resort operations will be announced in the coming weeks.

As previously communicated with guests, final payment for the 2020 Epic Australia Pass will not be collected on 1st June.

More information, as well as any changes that might be made to the pass addressing COVID-19 impacts on the season, will be shared by 15th June. At that time, guests will have the option to request a refund of all payments made towards their 2020 Epic Australia Pass and Pass Refund Protection or move forward with their chosen pass product.

Image top Vails Resort Falls Creek; image centre Vails Resort Mount Hotham; image above Vails Resort Perisher. Courtesy of Vail Resorts

26th May 2020 - Vail Resorts to offer refunds for Epic Australia Pass and New Pass Options

25th May 2020 - Announcement of 2020 snow season welcomed by Mt Hotham

24th May 2020 - Victorian Government announces opening of gyms and ski fields from 22nd June

11th May 2020 - Australian Ski Resorts launch Keep Our Season Safe Campaign

8th May 2020 - Federal Government reveals how leisure activities will return as Coronavirus restrictions are eased

20th April 2020 - Snow.NZ confident there will be a winter sports season in 2020

14th April 2020 - Construction advances on Thredbo’s new gondola

11th April 2020 - Australia’s ski resorts prepare for winter 2020 season amid Coronavirus uncertainty

27th March 2020 - Doubts over Australian ski season as Coronavirus restrictions impact

6th February 2020 - Extensive bushfire damage prevents Selwyn Snow Resort opening for 2020 season

19th January 2020 - Mount Hotham reopens and encourages visitors

16th December 2019 - NSW Planning and Environment Department hit with $200,00 for polluting waterway at Perisher ski resort

15th November 2019 - Mount Hotham Alpine Resort Management Board appoints Amber Gardner as Chief Executive

1st August 2019 - Perisher’s new Leichhardt chairlift gets official opening

20th July 2019 - Falls Creek announce first weekend with full ski fields access

6th June 2019 - Falls Creek prepares for biggest opening weekend since 2000

22nd February 2019 - Vail Resorts confirm purchase of Victoria’s Falls Creek and Hotham ski resorts

3rd April 2016 - All Mountain trail to boost Thredbo’s status as Australia’s ultimate mountain bike destination

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