With the announcement that Mt Hotham and Falls Creek lift operations will be closed ‘until at least 19 August’, and other resorts about to make announcements, the season has suddenly changed (again).

Here’s what’s known as at July 12.

Needless to say, this is devastating for mountain staff and businesses, and the towns along the approaches to the resorts. Think about how you can support these businesses.

Most resorts remain open for visits/ accommodation, even if the tows aren’t operating. However, people from Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire are not allowed to visit the mountains/ resort areas.

Please note that if visiting resorts like Hotham, Baw Baw, Buller and Mt Stirling, and Falls Creek, you still need to purchase a resort entry fee. Please check the website for the resort you want to visit to ensure passes are available, and whether you need to pre purchase them.

Mt Hotham and Falls Creek

‘Due to the Stage 3 COVID-19 restrictions for the state of Victoria and the border closure with NSW, we have made the difficult decision to suspend lift operations at Hotham and Falls Creek, effective Thursday, 9 July through at least 19 August’.

All reservations for lift tickets, ski and ride lessons and rental bookings will be cancelled and fully refunded. Guests will be contacted with information on processing refunds and are asked to refrain from calling the call centres at this time’.

Falls Creek – additional info

Grooming on the cross country trails will continue through the rest of the ski season (where there is sufficient snow).

Windy Corner cafe is open, at least until July12.

Updates: https://www.facebook.com/FallsCreekAlpineResort/

Mt Hotham – additional info

Although the lifts are not operating, ‘winter activities including cross-country skiing (and trail grooming), snowshoeing, tobogganing and snowplay will still be offered at Hotham.’

Ski Patrol will operate at reduced capacity, however there is no village bus, and the medical centre is closed.

 

The General will remain open.

Snow Monkey is open for XC skiing snow shoeing, BC tours.  Give us a shout for more information. Number is 0357583663

Traverse Hotham is hoping to be able offer ‘cross country ski lessons, snowshoe experiences and Nordic/XC ski tours will kick off from MON 20 JULY’. However, they are ‘currently assessing the situation’. Check their FB page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/TraverseHotham/

Hotham central supermarket is now closed but you can get groceries and essentials from the store at The General or the Stables at DP.

Jack Frost bar – open ‘as long as possible‘.

Base n Edge at Hotham central is open. Call first.

Tirol Sports at the Arlberg are open (and will be running backcountry tours once there is more snow). https://www.tirolsports.com.au/

Hoys in Hotham Central is open.

Alpine Accommodation and Travel will still be taking accommodation bookings. A number of the lodegs are taking bookings.

Alpine Nature Experience (‘eco village’) at Wire Plain is open:  https://www.facebook.com/alpinenatureexperience/

Snow Stuff Park is also operating at Wire Plain.

https://snowstuffpark.com.au/mt-hotham-activities/

Check the Hotham facebook page for updates.

Dinner Plain

Remains open, with a number of businesses operating.

The Toboggan slope (and cafe) will continue its operations.

The DP-Hotham Shuttle Bus is not operating.

Toboggan & Nordic Hire:
Hoys Skis P/L
Cafe Play

Coffee, Lunch & Dinner:
The Stables at DP
Mountain Kitchen
Cobungra Burger Bar & Stonesthrow (Hotel High Plains)
Dinner Plain Hotel
Element (Ramada Resort by Wyndham Dinner Plain)
Alphutte

Pubs & Breweries
Blizzard Brewing Company
Hotel High Plains
Dinner Plain Hotel

Hoys. ‘Our family business will continue to operate while we can. Snow in the forecast always makes life better’.

Mt Baw Baw

Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort will be open for day visitors from regional areas after Sunday 12 July.

Lifts, trails and the toboggan park will operate only on weekends, subject to snow conditions.

All visitors are required to pre-purchase resort entry and lift passes online prior to travel. Village Central Restaurant provide a takeaway service only.

Check conditions prior to booking and before travelling.

These operations will be monitored and reviewed while current restrictions are in effect until 19 August 2020.

Full details: mtbawbaw.com.au/covid-19

Mt St Gwinear

Remains open:

‘No snow at car park. Patchy snow up top. Facilities (toboggan runs, warm room, office, food van) are CLOSED but the park remains open. Wheel chains must be carried by law. Please no visitors from lockdown areas’.

Lake Mountain

The mountain is closed: ‘Lake Mountain Alpine Resort will temporarily close to the public until the end of the snow season. The access road will only allow emergency access, resort staff or persons undertaking essential work who have been issued with an access permit. Entry is prohibited.

The closure under the public health restrictions will be in effect from 10th July 2020 for the snow season, potentially until 31st October 2020’.

Mt Buller

Mt Buller Lift Company have announced that the ski runs will stay open ‘at an appropriate scale for as long as conditions allow’.

They note that some businesses will need to close.

Check their COVID-19 update page for details. https://www.mtbuller.com.au/Winter/resort-info/about-mt-buller/covid-19

Resort entry limits apply, book online before you visit. 

Mt Stirling

In line with the position taken for Mt Buller, Mt Stirling will remain open.  Click here for updates and information on the COVID-19 response and plan.

Resort says: ‘We are STAYING OPEN! Visit the TBJ cafe open for dine in and takeaway Thu-Mon 9am-3pm’.

No tobogganing until further notice. Resort entry limits apply, book online before you visit. 

Mt Buffalo

Remains open, with C-19 limitations.

‘There is a manned gate at the entrance to the Park and if the snow play area carparks are at COVID capacity you may have to wait for a vehicle to leave the park before you can enter.

SOCIAL DISTANCING
Observe physical distancing of 1.5 metres at all times
Do not gather in groups of more than 10 people

Dingo Dell Cafe will now be closed during the week and will only open on weekends as there is very little snow and CORONA virus restrictions have slowed visitor numbers. This will be reassessed when the snow arrives. Toboggan hire will not be available weekdays.

Further information.

https://www.facebook.com/VisitMountBuffalomndk/posts/1656455564507527?__tn__=K-R

 

Backcountry ideas

Check here for a short list of places to visit inn the backcountry.