Ski update – May 2009
With a bumper season forecast for 2009, Victoria’s five major ski resorts of Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Buller and Lake Mountain are gearing up for a busy winter period and will be open for the snow season from 6 June.
While Lake Mountain was affected by the recent bushfires, the resort has bounced back and is encouraging visitors to return to the region during the snow season. The winter period will play a vital role in the recovery process for Lake Mountain and will provide much needed support for local businesses.
The main visitor centre which houses the ski hire, ski school, bistro, day shelter and resort administration was untouched and a range of initiatives are currently in place to ensure the resort is ready for the snow season. This includes the addition of new snowgrooming machines, snowmobiles and snowmaking machines to its existing facilities increasing the resorts snowmaking abilities.
Meanwhile, at Falls Creek there is plenty happening with the final stages of the St Falls development due to open in time for the 2009 season. Located at the base of the Express Chairlift, this multi-million dollar development will be the focal point of the village boasting restaurants and bars, a gymnasium, crèche, supermarket and the brand-new Quay West Resort & Spa Falls Creek.
Opening on 5 June, this luxurious 5-star property will be Australia’s first drive-in, drive-out, ski-in, ski-out alpine resort and spa with a range of one, two, three and four bedroom apartments and penthouses on offer. After a day on the slopes, guests can relax with a treatment in the award winning Mii Spa or enjoy a soak in the Turkish bath, outdoor plunge pool, sauna or steam room.
QantasLink recommences flights between Sydney and Mt Hotham from 3 July giving snow enthusiasts the benefit of being able to fly direct to Hotham in just 80 minutes. The direct flights will operate on selected Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays and Mondays during the season allowing people to enjoy a long a weekend or extended holiday in Hotham or nearby Dinner Plain. With connecting flights to Sydney from all other Australian capital cities, skiers and boarders can now get to the snow faster with the new direct service.
In a move sure to benefit regular skiers and boarders, Hotham and Falls Creek have joined forces with Perisher to offer the brand new Super Pass. Providing fantastic value, the Super Pass is offered at the early bird rate on full-season passes at each of the resorts and entitles them to ski and board at all three resorts for unlimited days in Winter 09. The Super Pass is on sale until 28 May 2009.
This season, Mt Buller has enhanced its ski field offering with a $2 million upgrade to its extensive lift network and snow making infrastructure, enabling visitors to make the most of their time on the slopes.
Off the slopes, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained with a great range of new activities and events. Adrenalin junkies will love the thrills and spills of the Banff Mountain Film Festival which hits Buller on 27 June, fresh from screenings around the world, while families will love Bobby the Gnome, a new character who will bring the Buller Gnome Roam to life.
In response to the economic crisis, Mt Baw Baw is offering never-before-seen ticket prices starting from $49* for adults and $29* for kids for weekday lift tickets making it affordable for everyone to hit the slopes (*$10 more on weekends). This year also sees the introduction of a series of new features positioned across the mountain to further enhance the skiing and boarding experience at Mt Baw Baw.
Another cost saving initiative families can take advantage of this year is the Grade 5 Ski Free Pass available to every Grade 5 student in Victoria. Supported by the five major ski resorts, every Grade 5 student is entitled to one free lift ticket or snow play pass at Mt Buller, Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw and Lake Mountain. This gives every Grade 5 student the chance to ski, ride or play in the snow during the winter season free (excluding school holidays).
For more information visit skivic.com