The Vail Resorts owned Australian ski areas of Perisher, Hotham and Falls Creek have finally made an announcement about their operational plans for season 2020. After drip feeding information for the last couple of weeks, we now know that multiday lift tickets will go on sale on 15 June. Also Epic Passes will be valid. Here is an update with a few much anticipated details;

Vail Resorts Key Announcements

• Season will commence on 24 June
• Multiday lift tickets on sale from 15 June. Purchase your tickets in advance. Single day tickets available at a later date
• Epic Pass (2019/20 Epic Pass and 2020 Epic Australia Pass) holders will initially require a reservation to access the mountain. However as the resorts fully open their terrain, reservations will not be required
• Social distancing will be required on all lifts, in lift lines and of course, in all indoor areas. Vail Resorts have recommended that you bring your own snacks and drinks and have a picnic instead of relying on on-mountain restaurants.
• Lessons: Group Lessons will be available for kids aged 6-14 and adults. Lessons for 3-5 year olds will not be offered to begin with, however that may change.  Advanced online bookings will also be required for all ski or snowboard lessons.
• Terrain Parks: will be operational, subject to snow cover, lift access and the normal challenges!
• Rental: skis, snowboards and boots, clothing and helmet hire available with additional cleaning, sanitisation and management in place.
• There will be no tobogganing or Tubetown on offer at Perisher

Getting to the Resorts

• Skitube to Perisher: In order to provide physical distancing, resort transportation, including Perisher’s Skitube, will be operating at reduced capacity with amended timetables. Guests must purchase their Skitube tickets online and in advance. Tickets will not be available on the day or at the terminal. You will be required to travel outside of peak operating periods if you are carrying luggage for overnight stays. (A tip for those staying on snow – drive up to Perisher to drop off your gear and most of the family. Then one person returns to Bullocks Flat to park the car and can take the skitube up – potentially quicker and less hassle)
• Falls Creek Resort Entry: All vehicle resort entry passes must be purchased online and prior to arrival to the resort.  If you do not pre-purchase, you will be refused entry at the gate. You can purchase here . More information about the accommodation transport service will be available soon.
• Mt Hotham Resort Entry: All visitors require a resort entry permit, which must be purchased online in advance via Alpine Easy Access. Find out more here

So whilst capacity may be limited at these mountains, it is great to see that group lessons will be available. All levels of skiers and snowboarders can have a snow experience this winter, without paying hefty private lesson fees. That being said, pricing is yet to be released and it is clear based on Thredbo’s lift ticket pricing that skiing in 2020 is a more expensive proposition than in previous years. Although, think of the savings you will make on lunches if you do, as suggested by the resort operators, avoid restaurants and bring a picnic!!