Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro said work is underway to ensure appropriate COVIDsafe measures are in place at Thredbo, Charlotte Pass and Perisher.
“One of the highlights of the winter tourism season is a trip to our alpine regions,” Mr Barilaro said.
“However, while many people are eager to return to the slopes, it is important that visitors can enjoy themselves safely and responsibly.
“The NSW Government, through NSW Health and NSW Police, is working closely with ski field operators, associated businesses, suppliers and industry associations to ensure COVIDsafe measures are in place when the season commences.
“These measures will mean that fewer people will be able to visit and stay at resorts this season, so it is essential that people book and confirm their travel arrangements and accommodation before they travel.”
Some of the measures in place include maintaining physical distancing at resorts, limits to the number of people on ski areas, controlled access to ski lifts, increased cleaning of all facilities and no snowplay.
Mr Barilaro said to give ski resorts enough time to implement health and safety measures they will not open before Monday June 22, which means skiers and holidaymakers will not be able to visit ski resorts for the 6-8 June long weekend.
“The ski resorts will not be open over the June long weekend, so please arrange travel and accommodation from June 22 and onwards,” Mr Barilaro said.
“We are welcoming every visitor to regional NSW with open arms and I will be celebrating by shouting a few beers, but it is more important than ever that we continue to be responsible and maintain good physical distancing while we are enjoying oursleves.
“No matter where you are visiting, make sure you book, check that places you’d like to visit will be open, confirm your arrangements before you travel and, most importantly, if you do feel unwell, postpone your trip.”
CEO of the Australian Ski Areas Association Colin Hackworth said The Australian Ski Areas Association welcomes the announcement today by the NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro that the NSW snow season can open from June 22.
“The NSW Resorts are of course disappointed to miss the traditional opening of the snow season on the June long weekend but operators are looking forward to the season ahead and are busily preparing for the safe opening of the resorts from 22 June,” Mr Hackworth said.
The Mt Selwyn resort will remain closed during the season due to bushfire damage.
Several COVIDsafe measures will be in place on the ski fields as well as accommodation, dining and other recreational facilities, with details to be listed on ski resort websites soon.
