GOOD natural and man-made snowfall helped to lift the ski season into full gear in July, with both Falls Creek and Mt Hotham able to get all lifts and terrain opened to visitors.

And perhaps not surprisingly, both alpine resorts are tracking near last year’s record visitation levels.

According to official entry statistics, Falls Creek had 14,576 visitors and 39,352 visitor days in the week to July 16, taking its season to date total to 49,397 visitors and 134,730 visitor days.

That is the second highest in the past decade, behind last year’s all conquering record setting season, which to the same point had 61,716 visitors and 158,880 visitor days.

It’s a similar story at Mt Hotham, which is actually having an even busier season than Falls Creek based on numbers to date.

For the week ended July 16 there were 16,918 visitors and 44,648 visitor days, taking the season total to 57,121 visitors and 144,250 visitor days.

That is second only to last season, which had 76,800 visitors and 158,517 visitor days.

What is becoming clearly evident this season is that both resorts are attracting thousands of new visitors, many of whom are happy just to see and play in the snow, let alone take to the ski slopes or trails.

Visitors to Falls Creek and Mt Hotham alpine resorts are reminded that all vehicles must carry chains.

Guests planning a trip are encouraged to plan early and buy lift tickets, lessons and rentals online.

Check the Falls Creek and Mt Hotham websites for more information.