To all our Stakeholders, Village Residents, Snowsport and Mountain Adventure Enthusiasts,

The excitement is building as we approach the ‘deferred’ opening of the 2020 snow season. We are delighted that the Victorian government has declared that from June 22^nd, the ski season can  commence. Whilst Falls Creek Ski Lifts have confirmed the lifts will begin turning two days later, on June 24^th.

It was not too long ago that the prospect of any opportunity to put a few turns in was anything but a reality. As we approach the season, we acknowledge it is going to be different. It is going to require flexibility and patience to ensure safety is paramount and that we comply with the Chief Health Officers directions.

To that point, we have all been experiencing the challenges of this pandemic. The resort and its stakeholder and partners have nonetheless been frenetically getting ready to welcome you.

As with many large venues, there are challenges managing mass gatherings. However, we are confident the steps we are taking will prioritise safety first.

To that point, this season will require a little more planning and preparation on all our behalves.

As such, there are changes in place when visiting Falls Creek for the 2020 snow season.

We are asking our guests to do a little extra in preparation for their snow trip this year.

To avoid disappointment, we recommend you follow this sequence;

1. Ensure you have purchased (online) your lift ticket from Falls Creek Ski Lifts or have an Epic Pass, guaranteeing you ski lift access on the days you’re in resort;
2. Book your accommodation (if staying overnight);
3. Then, head to the Resort Entry page on our website to purchase and print your Resort Entry Vehicle Pass. Please provide all the details necessary then print it off as proof to place on your dashboard before departing home.

Vehicle Resort Entry

From Wednesday the 17^th of June, guests will be able to purchase Resort Entry Passes online for dates between the 17^th of June until the 17^th of July only.

Don’t worry, for dates later than this, we’ll provide further details and release dates regarding resort entry in the coming weeks as further information becomes available and the resort is able to incorporate any changes to the current health restrictions.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Downhill Skiers and Snowboarders Day Visitors

Those guests with accommodation booked in the Falls Creek Village do not have any limitations to booking resort entry (within the prescribed dates). Day visitors to the resort will continue to be limited. To avoid disappoint ensure you have a valid lift pass for the days you wish to enter.

Cross Country Skiing

Yes, we know your keen too…but further details will become available regarding Cross Country skiing as the trail conditions allow grooming activities to commence. Condition reports on cross country trails will be made available at that time. Where you’ve booked accommodation in resort, there will be no limitation to vehicle resort entry. However, natural snow fall is still needed to make the trails “kick and glidable” and it is best check with your accommodation provider first. Day visitors to the resort will continue to be limited.

Please visit the Falls Creek Resort Entry page to pre-purchase your resort entry.

Season Pass Holders (Resort Entry)

Falls Creek vehicle season pass holders will also need to change how they’ve usually planned their trips, with everybody coming to the resort needing to register on the Falls Creek Resort Entry page. The good news though, is there are no limitations to resort entry dates.

Season pass holders are required to register the dates of their visit and any person’s travelling to the resort in their vehicle. The registration process can be completed through the online store on our website (no cost associated). Your season pass sticker will need to be supplemented with a printout to show to staff at the resort entry ticket box and displayed on the dashboard of the vehicle.

Why the Changes?

In order to ensure the safety of all staff, guests and the community, the importance of having sufficient details to facilitate contact tracing is critical to meeting our obligations to ensure the ski industry and the resort is COVIDSafe. The resort is also subject to density quotients, which it is obliged to manage.

Additional Changes of Note;

Within Falls Creek resort we will see further operational changes under COVIDSafe protocols this season;

The BHP Road Shuttle Bus

The village bus services will not be operational for the 2020 snow season.

The Intra Village Shuttle Oversnow

The service from Slalom Plaza to the Village Bowl is unable to operate and meet the necessary criteria to ensure passenger safety. We apologise to all the weary bodies at the end of the day. We will however, endeavour to ensure, when the snow permits, that the ski in and ski out trails are maintained in piste condition.

Accommodation Transfer Service (ATS)

This service will be available for passenger and luggage transfers when arriving or leaving the resort. You may pre-pay for this service when purchasing resort entry. To ensure guest safety, changes to the number of passengers within the terminal and on oversnow vehicles will be managed differently this year. We ask for your support and understanding in the implementation of these measures.

As one Falls Creek resident is often quoted as saying “All snow season are great, some just greater than others”. I think this one will be “special”. Not just because we are fortunate enough to be able to host it, but because we are fortunate to at least have the opportunity for one!

We look forward to welcoming guests to Falls Creek for Season 2020.

Kind Regards,

Stuart Smythe

CEO | Falls Creek Resort Management