The Corona pandemic is not over. In the southern hemisphere is the number of cases still rising rapidly. While in South America it is not yet possible to think of opening up the ski areas, the south of Australia is also being hit by a second wave. A six-week lockdown has now been imposed in the Melbourne metropolitan region. Entry into the entire state of Victoria is no longer possible. This also has consequences for two major ski resorts in this region: they will cease lift operations shortly after the start of the winter season.
Ski resorts close voluntarily
Only three days the slopes in Falls Creek were open, now the ski season is over again. The popular ski resort is voluntarily stopping skiing from July 9 to August 19 to help contain the Coronavirus in the state of Victoria. This was announced by Vail Resorts as the operator. The Hotham Alpine Resort, which also belongs to the powerful Colorado group, is also affected.
The ski areas located far outside the metropolitan region are not obliged to close temporarily. However, economic reasons certainly play a role in the decision, in addition to health aspects. Due to the closure of the borders to the neighbouring states and the lockdown in Melbourne, there would probably be few guests in the coming weeks anyway, despite the peak season
Lift operation in other ski areas continues
Two other ski resorts in Victoria want to monitor the situation further. On both Mt Buller and Mt Baw Baw, lift operations will continue for the time being under the hygiene and distance rules that have been in force since the start of the season. However, winter sports enthusiasts from Melbourne and the north adjoining Mitchell Shire district are asked to stay home and follow the government's instructions regarding the lockdown.
Outside the state of Victoria, where the number of newly infected people is at a very low level, ski operations continue unimpeded. For example, the major resorts in Perisher and Thredbo are still open under appropriate hygiene rules.
In New Zealand almost all ski resorts have now started the new ski season. In the last few days, more than 60 centimetres of fresh snow has fallen, which provides fantastic conditions on the slopes.
High infection rates in South America
The ski areas of South America are also currently being hit by a snowy winter start. However, a season start in the Andes is still a long way off due to the sharp rise in infection figures (we reported). More than 300,000 infected persons are now reported from Chile, the sixth highest figure worldwide. And in Argentina, too, several thousand people have recently still tested positive for the virus every day
