Minister launches 2012 ski season at Mt Hotham

Icy weather and good early snowfalls have set the scene for a bumper snow season according to Victorian Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith.

Speaking at the season opening at Mount Hotham today, Minister Smith said he hoped the early snowfalls were a sign of many more good falls to come.

Minister Smith stated "Victoria's six alpine resorts make a substantial contribution to their local regions and Victoria's economy as a whole. They were visited by more than 1.2 million people in 2011 and with some good snowfalls already this year, we're hopeful of a great season and even more visitors coming to enjoy the slopes in 2012."

According to research by the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research, the resorts added $610 million and 6,200 jobs to the Victorian economy last winter.

Minister Smith added that the Victorian "Government is committed to making the resorts vibrant, growing and sustainable places, providing high quality recreational and tourism experiences that are available to all."

Minister Smith said many of the resorts have undertaken improvements over the summer 'green' season, stating "Mt Hotham has two new walking trails and the snowplay area at Wire Plain has been upgraded so I encourage people to visit our alpine resorts and enjoy all the resorts have to offer. This year looks like being a fantastic ski season and a great time to experience these places first hand. "

The new snow season sees the Merlin Entertainments Group as the new owner of Hotham Alpine Resort.

While Merlin is new to ski resorts, Divisional Director Edward Fuller sees the Group as bringing "vigour and enthusiasm" to the resort.

While conceding that Merlin is new to ski resorts and has much to learn, Fuller adds "we are strivinge to learn everyday and to do things 'The Merlin Way' by caring for our guests, and creating an overall wonderful experience."

Mt. Hotham Skiing Company (MHSC) General Manager Belinda Trembath was thrilled that four lifts were turning over the opening weekend, stating "this is the best opening Hotham has had in over a decade.

"The year 2000 was a fantastic winter in terms of snowfall so fingers crossed for spectacular snow this year."

Minister Smith also announced the installation of more than 50 new recycling stations across Falls Creek, Mt Buller and Mt Hotham, stating that "the recycling stations will make it easy for visitors to divert recyclable materials from landfill, making these resorts even better places for 'good, clean fun'."

The recycling project is run by NevRwaste, with more than $100,000 in funding from Sustainability Victoria and the North East Regional Water Management Group.

It has also been announced that Victoria's Alpine Resorts Coordinating Council is conducting a review of its Alpine Resorts 2020 strategy, setting out a framework for the promotion, development and management of the six resorts.

The May/June 2012 issue of Australasian Leisure Management features an exclusive interview with Merlin's Ed Fuller.

To view or provide feedback on the ARCC's review go to www.arcc.vic.gov.au

Image: Mount Hotham

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