Good news for skiers in Australia today as the New South Wales (NSW) state government have announced the planned lifting of regional travel restrictions from 1 June, as well as their intention to ensure a ski season this year (Mt Hotham pictured above on May 1st).
In a press release posted on Twitter (below), the NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said:
“I’m very pleased to share that this means we will have a ski season this year, however holidaymakers should be aware that ski resorts will likely need time to put COVID plans into place and you should contact before visiting.”
Travel for holidays and recreational purposes has been encouraged by the government from 1 June, though those hoping to get their ski fix should expect resort operations to look significantly different to before.
In terms of a prospective opening date for ski areas, Barilaro went on to state that “we are still working with the resorts, the ski season most likely won’t open by the long weekend but, working with the resorts, we are confident we can put into place the protocols and measures to protect people so they can enjoy a winter holiday in the mountains.”
Resorts in Australia have been hoping to open in early June, but this has not been confirmed and it may be late June or July.
Though the likelihood of any international travel or tourism being possible is extremely slim, those skiers local to the region will be happy to know they will be able to enjoy the slopes this winter.
At Easter I said I look forward to seeing you in regional NSW for a beer around Christmas.
Christmas has come early.
June 1 is the day we’re opening regional NSW for travel. #nswpol pic.twitter.com/Ca6KwHK79C
— John Barilaro MP (@JohnBarilaroMP) May 19, 2020
