Dear Gunuma Members,

Issues in relation to COVID and the impact on Gunuma change on a daily basis.

The Committee is monitoring the situation and has established a sub-committee to establish an approved COVID safe plan which is a prerequisite to opening.  

The situation keeps changing and requirements on Gunuma are not clear, however as we know more and get clarity we will keep you informed.
Keep your eye on the Gunuma Website and Facebook Page for breaking news.

What we know: 
Perisher will open on 24 June in accordance with its approved COVID safe plan. Note that their plan has not yet been approved by NSW Health.

Skiers and snowboarders will only be able to access the resorts with a pre-purchased pass or lift tickets; on-the-day lift ticket purchases will not be available.

Social distancing will be carefully managed at each resort, based on the amount of terrain and lifts open. Note Gunuma may open and you may get accommodation, however you may not be able to purchase a lift ticket.

Gunuma will be required to develop a COVID safe plan and obtain its approval from NSW Health and potentially NSW Police.

SLOPES is developing a COVID safe plan checklist to assist lodges in developing their plans. Noting that this has not been released.

We will need to change the booking rulesto support our COVID safe plan. Copies of the latest advice from SLOPES and NPWS are included at the end of this email.

What we do NOT know:
Perisher social distancing requirements and how these may impact Gunuma.

Requirements for a COVID safe plan applicable to Gunuma. 

What we assume based on various NSW Health and Worksafe websites and general scuttlebutt:
The majority of information on COVID safe plans is not applicable to lodges like Gunuma with shared facilities. There have been media statements that accommodation with shared facilities may not be able to open this season. Noting that this is unofficial and maybe unreliable.

We will struggle with the 4 square metres per person rule in the communal areas and may have to reduce numbers.

There is an increased risk of catching COVID by skiing. Perisher COVID safe plan will reduce the risk, however there will be contact with a wide variety of people from all over Australia. This may bring COVID into Gunuma irrespective of our COVID safe plan.There is an increased risk of catching COVID by using Gunuma.

The Gunuma COVID safe plan will reduce the risk, but it will not eliminate the risk. Members thinking of using Gunuma need to consider their individual risk factors and commit to complying with the Gunuma COVID safe plan.

A number of lodges have made the decision not to open for the season including Imbac and Ski Rider Hotel.

Gunuma may not be able to develop a realistic COVID safe plan as our shared facilities will be an issue.Vail announcement re Perisher opening 24 June
A. Perisher will open for skiing and snowboarding on 24 June for the 2020 snow season.

B. Skiers and snowboarders will only be able to access the resorts with a pre-purchased pass or lift tickets; on-the-day lift ticket purchases will not be available.

C. Social distancing will be carefully managed at each resort, based on the amount of terrain and lifts open.

D. Details about resort operations will be announced in the coming weeks.The full text of the website notice is available here.

NPWS email – Ski Season Opening – update
The resort opening date for Perisher  is 24 June but:

A. This is subject to NSW Health confirming that it is satisfied with the COVIDSafe Operating Plan for the NSW Snowy Mountains resorts. NSW Government agencies and industry groups are continuing to work closely to ensure COVIDSafe measures are in place when the season commences.

B. It will not be possible to visit the ski resort and alpine areas over the June long weekend (5 – 8 June 2020) for the purposes of recreation and leisure. This includes Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte Pass. Accommodation and other services will not be open for public access until 22 June 2020. Road closures will be in place at Kosciuszko Road and the Alpine Way to restrict access over the long weekend. 

C. During this period access for essential works to leased premises will be permitted for resident managers/caretakers, essential employees, lessees and trades persons with proof of purpose for access. This may include authorisation on letterhead or email confirming that access is essential. Access will be strictly limited to the specified lease area, there is no access permitted within the ski resort or alpine areas for the purpose of recreation.

D. Snow play and tobogganing will not be permitted in ski resort areas or within Kosciuszko National Park during the 2020 ski season.