Victorian ski slopes to open from 24 June

Just yesterday snow bunnies in NSW rejoiced at the news that slopes would reopen from 22 June, but now Victorian slope operators are joining in on the action.

Hotham and Falls Creek will be open from 24 June for skiing and snowboarding following approval from the Victorian Government.

Accommodation operator Vali Resorts says its resorts will be open with COVIDsafe principles enforced including social distancing measures and enhanced cleaning protocols.

Skiers and snowboarders will only be able to access the resorts with a pre-purchased pass or lift tickets; on-the-day lift tickets will not be available.

"We are grateful for the opportunity to open our resorts for the 2020 snow season, especially given the difficult year endured by our mountain communities, and we take seriously the responsibility we have to keep our employees, guests and communities safe in this new environment," says Pete Brulisauer, senior vice president and chief operating officer for Vail Resorts, Perisher and Australia.

"Delaying our traditional opening from the June Long Weekend to 24 June is intentional to ensure our entire team has the time to fully understand and embrace our new COVID-19 Safe Operating Plan so that we can deliver a safe experience for our guests.

"We thank our guests in advance for their patience, understanding and cooperation as we all adapt to the new social distancing measures required to allow us to enjoy skiing and snowboarding this season."

Yesterday the NSW Government announced that its alpine region will be open for business next month, with work underway to ensure COVIDsafe measures are in place at Thredbo, Charlotte Pass and Perisher.

Thredbo says it will be operational from 22 June, while Charlotte Pass Snow Resort says it will have commenced company operated accommodation from Thursday 25 June with an expected commencement of Mountain operations from 26 June.

Perisher will be operational from 24 June.

Updated at 12:24pm AEST on 29 May 2020.