Ski Resorts in Australia Close as Pandemic Spreads
15th August 2021
Last modified on August 18th, 2021
New South Wales has imposed a state-wide lockdown meaning resorts such as Perisher and Thredbo have shut. Previously they had been open to locals. Ski resorts in Victoria remain open, but only for local skiers and snowboarders.
The authorities have announced that the entire state of New South Wales will go into immediate lockdown after 466 new Covid-19 and four deaths were recorded.
The previous day was a high of 399 cases.
The new restrictions will last in the first instance for 7-days.
The leader of New South Wales, Gladys Berejiklian, has said this is “the worst situation Australia’s been in” since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This is literally a war, and we’ve known we’ve been in a war for some time, but never to this extent,” said Ms Berejiklian.
She added that September and October would be “very difficult”.
Ski resorts have reacted with sadness but understanding.
“This means that unfortunately Perisher’s operations will close until it is safely possible to reopen,” said the main resort of Perisher.
“Following the NSW Government announcement on 14 August 2021, Thredbo will pause its winter season until we are able to open again,” said the neighbouring main resor of Thredbo.
“Anyone who lives, works or has been in the locations that stay-at-home orders apply to cannot travel for non-essential reasons. If you are required to follow the stay-at-home orders, we ask you to stay at home (or return home) to help ensure the safety of our guests, staff and the wider community.”
“We know that this is difficult news for our guests, employees and local communities, and want you to know that we share this sadness with you.”
Sydney has been in lockdown for the past nine weeks and people from the city have been unable to visit the ski areas.
Officials had hoped to lift the city’s restrictions on 28th August, but that is now looking increasingly unlikely.
People are now restricted to staying within 5km of their home for shopping, exercise or outdoor recreation, with exemptions in place for social bubbles.
Those breaking the travel rules could be fined AU$3,000.
In the ski state of Victoria the resorts remain open but for locals only with travel restrictions in place.
The resorts include Falls Creek, Mount Buller, Mt Hotham and other
Here at PlanetSKI we will be updating this article as the situation develops.
