Opening of NSW ski season backed by COVIDSafe hygiene measures

June 22, 2020

Recreation / Safety / Sport / Tourism /

Rapid testing for COVID-19 will be made available in the Snowy Mountains region from today helping safeguard skiers, boarders and snow enthusiasts enjoying the opening of NSW’s winter holiday resorts.

Announcing that the ski season is officially open, but urging visitors to maintain COVIDSafe behaviours while away, NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro stated “COVID-19 has presented many challenges to communities like the Snowy Mountains, who have had one of the toughest years on record with bushfires and drought.

“Thankfully in NSW we are now at a point where we can safely return to our favourite winter holiday destination.

“Communities in the Snowy Mountains and those on major roads in and out depend heavily on tourism dollars and I know they will be very appreciative of the business brought in by visitors to the region, but it is imperative that we remember to be COVID safe.

“While our regional communities are ready to welcome you with open arms, the message remains clear - if you are sick, get tested and don’t travel.”

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said rapid-testing for high-risk patients will be conducted at NSW Health Pathology’s Cooma Lab to enable early management of any suspected cases.

Minister Hazzard added “fast, accurate testing to confirm COVID and thorough contact tracing is the most effective way to keep community transmission at bay and prevent further outbreaks.

“Expanding NSW Health Pathology’s rapid testing to the ski region will provide greater protection for resort workers and holidaymakers but only if people come forward for testing.”

NSW Health Pathology’s Bega laboratory will support Cooma by conducting non-urgent tests.

More than 725,000 COVID-19 tests have been conducted in NSW since the start of the pandemic and in recent weeks, the majority of positive cases have been in return travellers.

With ski resorts having their own COVIDSafe requirements visitors are advised to familiarise themselves with these once they arrive.

Image: NSW ski resort Thredbo is welcoming early season snow falls.

15th June 2020 - Perisher Resort to stagger online sales of lift tickets, lessons and rentals to avoid loading website

11th June 2020 - Vail Resorts to implement COVID-19 Safe Operating Plan and expand 2020 Epic Australia Pass to include Epic Coverage

4th June 2020 - Mt Hotham’s 2020 snow season focus is on keeping visitors safe

29th May 2020 - 2020 snow season for Perisher, Hotham and Falls Creek to open on 24th June

26th May 2020 - Vail Resorts to offer refunds for Epic Australia Pass and New Pass Options

25th May 2020 - Announcement of 2020 snow season welcomed by Mt Hotham

24th May 2020 - Victorian Government announces opening of gyms and ski fields from 22nd June

11th May 2020 - Australian Ski Resorts launch Keep Our Season Safe Campaign

14th April 2020 - Construction advances on Thredbo’s new gondola

6th February 2020 - Extensive bushfire damage prevents Selwyn Snow Resort opening for 2020 season

16th December 2019 - NSW Planning and Environment Department hit with $200,00 for polluting waterway at Perisher ski resort

23rd November 2018 - Thredbo awarded Australia’s Best Ski Resort for 2018

31st May 2018 - Thredbo ski resort bans tobogganing and ‘snow play’

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