THE best start to a ski season in over 20 years for Falls Creek and Mt Hotham alpine resorts has seen mountain visitation at its highest levels for more than a decade.
According to data provided by the Victorian Alpine Resort Management Boards, opening a week earlier than the traditional Queen's Birthday long weekend saw significant visitation for both resorts.
Mt Hotham had 6872 visitors for that first week until Sunday, June 12 while Falls Creek had 7455 visitors.
The fortunes were reversed in the second week of the season, up until Sunday, June 19, with Mt Hotham having 9804 visitors and Falls Creek attracting 5453 visitors.
Mt Hotham and Falls Creek's respective two week visitor totals of 16,776 and 12,908 were 384 per cent and 218 per cent up on their visitor averages for the past decade.
While the final two weeks of June visitation were unavailable at the time of going to press, anecdotal reports from mountain businesses suggest there has been no slowing down, with on–mountain accommodation booked solid through these July school holidays and into next month.
Both Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce president Lisa Logan, and Mt Hotham Chamber of Commerce president Steve Belli have said the busy start has been just what businesses needed after the COVID interruptions over the two previous season.
This season isn't without its own challenges however – particularly with staff recruitment and accommodation – but businesses are determined to deliver dream holiday experiences for their guests and customers, with a positive vibe on both mountains.
While Mother Nature's early season heavy dumps which saw average snow depths well over 80cms slowed in the second half of June, mountains' snowmaking crews have been working non–stop to maintain great skiable terrain – with fresh snowfalls forecast this first week of July.
Both Mt Hotham and Falls Creek have plenty of activities on in July, particularly the school holidays.
Authorities are reminding all visitors that every vehicles must carry chains, and fit when and where directed.
Guests planning a trip this year are encouraged to plan early and buy lift tickets, lessons and rentals online.
Check the Falls Creek and Hotham websites for the latest information.
