A skier taking advantage of glorious conditions at Perisher. The natural snow depth this year is the best in more than 20 years. Photo: Supplied.
Despite the deepest natural snow cover in more than 20 years, Snowy Mountains businesses are crying out for visitors as lockdowns and travel restrictions take their toll.
Measurements taken by Snowy Hydro at Spencer’s Creek on 29 July show a natural snow depth of 186.3 cm – the highest level recorded since the bumper snow year of 2000.
The resorts of Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte Pass are currently in great condition for skiing and snowboarding, with experts expecting more snow to fall this week – but visitor numbers are well down on normal.
Nic Kennedy, owner and operator of The Guthega Inn, said the Sydney lockdown was proving particularly problematic.
“Despite some of the best snow conditions in recent memory, our bookings are roughly 70 per cent down on what was held prior to the lockdown announcement,” he said.
A boarder enjoying the powder at Perisher Resort. Photo: Supplied.
“We absolutely welcome guests from regional NSW and the ACT. Those who are able to visit will no doubt enjoy the abundance of space on the slopes and the excellent snowfalls.”
Fen Bannister, who owns Eastlake Travellers Lodge in East Jindabyne, said her business was struggling to fill rooms.
“The Sydney lockdown has been the toughest hit yet for our little business – worse than last year and the bushfires,” she said.
“Winter is usually the time where we make our bread and butter and it’s extremely worrying to think about our future.
“We are practically begging people to stay and still struggling to fill our beds.”
Keen powder hounds from regional NSW and the ACT may be able to capitalise on the fantastic snow cover with fewer people than normal on the slopes.
Those who can visit the Snowy Mountains are being urged to check with accommodation providers in the region to take up some great deals on a last-minute snow holiday.
The resorts of Thredbo and Perisher are also offering discounted lift and accommodation packages until the end of the month with Charlotte Pass offering budget friendly skiing and snowboarding all season.
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