ALPINE Resorts Victoria (ARV) has confirmed that cross country operations at Falls Creek alpine resort will remain status quo in season 2025.
ARV said the Bogong High Plains Road, which links the resort's cross country skiing hub at Windy Corner to the resort's trail network, will remain uncleared of snow for this winter.
The decision follows ARV's win last year where the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) approved its planning permit for the Falls Creek Lakeside Development to expand a significant number of year-round activities by developing the existing facilities and enhancing the visitor experience.
Cross Country Skiing Association Victoria (XCSAV) was among several resorts stakeholders opposing the permit, concerned by the impact clearing the road of snow in winter to provide year-round vehicle access to the development would have on cross country skiing.
In particular, concerns were raised about the potential impact on Australia's premier cross country skiing race - the Kangaroo Hoppet - which which uses the road as part of its skiing course for the ski marathon, drawing skiers from around the world to compete.
ARV last week re-affirmed its position that it would not make any operational decisions about the potential clearing of the Bogong High Plains Road until the ANARE Shed was redeveloped, and it could assess how the site should be optimally operated and accessed.
"Consistent with this determination, ARV has proceeded with securing a planning permit for the redevelopment with associated site works anticipated to commence in 2026," ARV said in a statement.
The Lakeside Precinct development has been part of the vision for the Falls Creek resort and in the pipeline for many years.
The Falls Creek Masterplan, developed in 2016, lists the Lakeside Development precinct as a key development node and the Victorian Alpine Resort Visitor Economy Development Plan has identified this precinct as a priority transformational project.
AVR hopes the developments will drive further demand for alpine experiences, with a demonstrated Victorian market size of one million potential visitors for the snow season alone over the next two years.
Other effects include the growth of the regional Victorian visitor economy at year-round venues and accommodation providers from interstate and international visitors, a climate change adaptation through sustainable investments and an upgrade of facilities that will be more centrally located to the 60km+ network of trails, to provide reduced walking time during low snow periods.
