Alpine Resorts Victoria spotlight their contribution to the economy and wellbeing

With the temperature having plummeted  over the past week and with snow falling just in time for the school holidays, all six Victorian resorts are preparing to welcome thousands during the winter season.

Victoria’s alpine resorts have also spotlighted the confirmation of the industry’s massive annual contribution to the State’s economy and delivery of more than 12,000 jobs in regional economies.

The report into the Economic Contribution & Benefits of Victoria’s Alpine Resorts found the resorts – Mt Buller & Mt Stirling, Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw and Lake Mountain - collectively attract 1.38 million visitors a year - more than the Little Penguins, F1 Grand Prix and Melbourne Cup Carnival combined.

Measure for measure the industry contributes in a major way when compared with other major attractions and events including ARV’s $2.14 billion annual economic output. That’s double the output of the Australian Open, F1 Grand Prix and the Little Penguins of Phillip Island put together!

The industry also contributes in a big way to the social, health and environmental wellbeing of Victoria. People who head to mountains reap the health and social benefits of getting active in nature, especially enjoying those activities with friends and family.

Expressed in dollar terms, the social benefits are worth $820 million each year and improved health and wellbeing for visitors worth $137 million a year.

Image top: Sisters Indie and Zahlie Carson loving the conditions on Mt Buller with mum Caley. Credit Tony Harrington; images centre and below: Falls Creek. Credit: Aidan Haynes