THIRTY years ago I bought my first season’s pass having waited until August for more snow to arrive to justify the outlay only to ski five days because the snow was an insipid shade of brown.
This year I have clocked up about 30 days which is testament to being a local who will ski anything and know that you have to make the most of what you have.
The notable differences between the two seasons are a natural base that reached nearly one metre this year as well as the advancements in snowmaking and management of the snow.
The outlook for the rest of 2023 does not look like breaking records and we have to be realistic about what skiing is going to look like by the end of September.
I was questioned this week about how much people spend on a ski trip and how it is viewed as an elitist sport, and a dying one at that.
Yet there are ways to make it attainable, and it does mean being committed to it by planning and booking early.
Also, considering what I paid this year for a full season’s pass is the same value as the one I bought in 1993 that was only valid for two months, while the wages I would have been earning have increased about three times.
When compared to the average spend on a beachside holiday in one of our neighbouring countries it might look costly but there are many components that are unique to the snow experience.
The amount of investment into infrastructure and the costs that go into operating the four-month season, along with the level of staffing and wages required to create the customer experience, is significant.
Admittedly, the industry did struggle for a long-time post 1993 and we saw visitation stagnate, but looking over the statistics published by Alpine Resorts Victoria visitor numbers this year to date show growth collectively over the resorts of nearly 40 per cent above the 10-year average.
It just takes a walk through the carparks and see the signs saying they are full or read the emails from Falls Creek Alpine Resort stating no more car parks available early on Saturday or Sunday morning to know that there is definitely life left in this industry yet.
A trip to the snow is a substantial undertaking, and it is why I appreciated seeing so many familiar faces this week, returning for their 10th, 20th or 29th trip.
These are people committed to their annual snow holiday.
It wasn’t all about the time in the snow.
They were all creating new memories by exploring the ever-changing village, sampling the food, going out for a drink, watching the fireworks or just sitting and watching others sliding by on the snow.
It was time with family or friends, taking time out from the ordinary, enjoying something unique and memorable; and running into the old friends they made along the way.
