Update from Mount Hotham Alpine Resort Management Board | 6 August 2020 Update from Mount Hotham Alpine Resort Management Board6 August 2020Dear stakeholder, Stage 3 restrictions for regional Victoria came into effect at 11:59pm Wednesday 5 August. In addition to these restrictions, further directions have been provided by State Government specific to the Alpine Resorts: A person who owns, controls or operates a facility in an alpine resort must not operate that facility for the purposes of allowing the members of the public to visit that facility during the restricted activity period. Note: this clause applies to facilities such as accommodation facilities, food and drink facilities and retail facilities in alpine resorts. Further to this announcement, Mt Hotham must close to all visitors during the restricted activity period. Within this context, we have reviewed resort operations and wish to advise that the following changes will come into effect immediately: Summary of changes The resort will remain open to seasonal and year-round residents, for whom the Mount Hotham Resort Management Board (MHARMB) will continue to provide essential services. However, all visitor facing services will cease and any guests currently holidaying must return to their primary place of residence. Visitor services will cease operating Effective immediately, the Hotham toboggan park will be closed, and MHARMB will no longer manage or maintain the offering. Cross country trails will be closed to the public and will only be groomed for emergency access purposes. The downhill ski field area will remain closed. MHARMB will maintain a skeleton Ski Patrol service. The MHARMB office will remain open to provide key services to the community. Contact is requested via phone or email. MHARMB will not accept walk-ins and all visits must be pre-booked. As a result of the cessation of winter services, the Resort Entry fee will no longer be charged. However, the mandatory requirement to carry and fit diamond-pattern tyre chains if directed remains in place. This information also applies to residents of Dinner Plain if they are not working at Hotham. Dinner Plain residents should not visit Hotham for exercise and should exercise in their local area. Seasonal residents Those living in the village before the restrictions began may remain. Mountain staff who no longer have employment may also continue to live in the village if they already have appropriate accommodation. Please note that visitors on holiday who have an end date for their booking must leave now and return to their residence. Facilities and operations servicing the local community Mt Hotham hosts a year-round community, consisting of both seasonal and year-round residents. In accordance with the resort-specific directive, businesses will not be able to provide visitor facing services of any kind. However, resort businesses will still be able to service residents throughout the restricted activity period. These businesses must operate in alignment with standard Stage 3 operational guidelines provided by DHHS. Under the Stage 3 restrictions, residents can undertake outside exercise and sporting activities with one other person or their household members within the resort. However, the Alpine National Park that borders much of Mt Hotham is closed, so residents must take this into consideration when embarking on exercise. The public toilets in the Transit Station will remain open. We remind everyone that face coverings are now required for anyone over the age of 12 years whenever you leave your home, unless a lawful exception applies. For detailed information on face-covering requirements, please visit the Department of Health and Human Services website. MHARMB will maintain a skeleton Ski Patrol service, but we advise that for emergencies people contact 000. Snow clearing of car parks will continue and Vic Roads will continue clearing the Great Alpine Road for permitted through traffic. The mandatory requirement to carry and fit diamond-pattern tyre chains if directed remains in place for residents. We appreciate your support at this time. Help stop the spreadWe all need to play our part to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). By adhering to public health guidelines, we can help protect ourselves, our families and our communities. Please visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au for up-to-date health information. |