Thredbo Website Struggles To Cope As Oz Ski Resort Opens Up For Bookings

11th June 2020

Last modified on May 14th, 2021

The Australian ski resort is the first in the country to open up its bookings for the winter. It’s reporting unprecedented demand among skiers and snowboarders as all the major ski fields prepare for a season like no other.

Thredbo in New South Wales will open on 22nd June this year.

Like all the Australian resorts, they’re running a few weeks behind their usual schedule and it won’t be business as usual.

The Covid-19 pandemic has forced restrictions on all the country’s snow fields.

One of the big changes is that snowsports fans will not be able to simply turn up, buy a lift pass and hit the slopes.

It will be strictly pre-booking only.

Thredbo is looking to reduce numbers by 50% and is restricting the number of tickets on sale.

On Thursday 11th June, it opened up its booking system.

It was soon inundated.

“We have been overwhelmed by demand for the first release of the 2020 lift passes – at one point we had as many as 25,000 visiting our Online Store to purchase lift passes, the largest volume we’ve ever experienced on our store ?” the resort said on Facebook.

“We’re operating in unusual times; we’ve experienced an unprecedented amount of traffic showing that we’re all ready to get back skiing and snowboarding again this season ❄️⛷??

“We are working hard to ensure everyone is able to purchase their passes and we appreciate your patience as we accommodate everyone under the new Government restrictions.

“Thanks again for hanging in there ?”

Many people reported waiting for hours in an online queue.

Others said they eventually got to the front of the queue but were unable to buy passes.

The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age spoke said they spoke to several people who had tried unsuccessfully to purchase lift tickets.

Daniel Wypler told the media he joined the virtual queue at 11.12am and about 7,000 people were already ahead of him.

By 4pm he was still 5,827th in line.

“It’s disheartening more than anything else, especially with the possibility of the Tasman bubble opening up.

“Do you want to take your chances with this or go to New Zealand where the mountains are higher and the snow is better?”

New Zealand has received a huge boost to its ski season this week with the Covid-19 alert level reduced to 1.

It means ski areas will be able to operate without the same restrictions as those imposed in Australia.

Mt Hutt is due to open on Friday, 12th June, initially five days a week.

We’ll bring you more on the latest in New Zealand soon.

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Mt Buller in Victoria has also announced that it will opening on 22nd June.

Tickets will be released from next Wednesday, 17th June.

Snowmaking has begun and more details of the season ahead have been released, including a pre-booking system.

• Resort entry must be booked on the website and there is a cap on the number of day passes
• Lift tickets are capped, excluding Season Memberships
• Initially only multi-day tickets will be available. Single-day tickets may be released near the day if capacity is available.
• Rental will be available
• No tobogganing until further notice
• Practice good hygiene and distancing

The ski areas in the Vail Resorts stable – Perisher, Falls Creek and Mt Hotham – are all opening on 24th June with tickets available from next Monday, 15th June.

They’ve been releasing more information about how skiing and snowboarding will happen.

They are also planning to reduce to capacity by 50%.

Perisher, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham – open 24th June

“We are incredibly excited to welcome you back for skiing and snowboarding from 24 June.

“Skiing and snowboarding at our resorts will be different this season, but we feel confident we’ll provide a great guest experience.

“If we see further easing of physical distancing rules, we will adjust our operations to expand services while continuing to prioritise safety.

“Thank you again for your patience as our season plans evolve in relation to the impact of COVID-19 on operations.

The health and safety of our guests, employees and communities is our top priority.

“COVID-19 presents us with an unprecedented situation, and we want to share our enhanced safety protocols with you.

“In accordance with government guidance, current restrictions and the latest safety advice, we have implemented the following measures that will help ensure the health and safety of our guests and staff.”

2020 opening rules for Perisher, Australia

How to ski in Perisher, Falls Creek & Mt Hotham in 2020

The three resorts add that skiers and snowboarders will need to take the following into account:

Pre-purchase pass or lift tickets – Due to resort capacity limits, guests must pre-purchase season passes or lift tickets online well in advance. Same-day lift ticket sales will not be available. Lift tickets will go on sale on 15 June with multiday tickets available initially, followed by single day tickets.
Maintain physical distancing – Guests will be requested to maintain 1.5m physical distance from other people at all times in the resort. Guests who live together will be allowed to ride lifts together while others will need to physically distance. Guests will be requested to refrain from congregating in large groups. We will be limiting the number of people in rental, retail and ticket outlets as well as using signage to indicate safe distancing indoors. All our premises will be cashless this season.
Download the resort app – Stay informed with the most up-to-date resort information.
Food & drink – Food and beverage operations and indoor seating will be limited. We encourage you to pack your own snacks and lunch.
Stay home if unwell – Please stay home if you are sick or are considered high risk
Respect the rules – You may respectfully be asked to leave the resort if you do not follow all hygiene and physical distancing guidelines.
Download the CovidSafe app

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