Alpine business owners aren't just hoping for a good 2021 snow season, they're desperate for it after operating for just four days of the 2020 season.
The Victorian government's snap-seven day lockdown is due to end nine days before the June 12 opening of the season, with residents and holidaymakers alike hoping the circuit-breaker action won't be extended.
Marketing manager of Vail Resorts Chelsea Rae said the company was confident the government and community would take the necessary action to bring the outbreak under control.
She said Vail Resorts, which owns Mt Hotham and Falls Creek ski lift operations, anticipates a successful COVID-safe 2021 winter season.
"It is obviously very disappointing that there has been a COVID-19 outbreak so close to the start of the 2021 snow season, as we are as excited as you are to get out and enjoy the snow," she said.
"We support the actions announced by the Victorian government... to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and we will promptly implement arrangements to comply with the requirements while continuing to prepare for the opening of the season at Falls Creek scheduled for 12 June."
A spokeswoman for Falls Creek Resort Management Board said the opening of the season was still being planned for June 12.
"Like all Victorians we will wait for further advice from the government," she said.
A spokeswoman for Mount Hotham said the current restrictions would be in place until June 3 and no new visitors could come to the resort until then "unless it's for one of the five authorised reasons to leave home, but accommodation providers can stay open to support guests already staying onsite."
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No new bookings can be made, unless for authorised work purposes and facemasks must be worn inside and outside the resorts.
It comes as Albury-Wodonga prepares for a cold spell with temperatures slated to drop below freezing on Monday and Tuesday.
The Bureau of Meteorology predicts early morning fog and frost at the start of the week, with temperature of between -3 degrees Celsius and 15 degrees Celsius expected on Monday.
On Tuesday a low of -1 and high of 15 degrees Celsius is expected.
Possible snow showers are forecast on Friday and Saturday in Falls Creek.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
