The much-loved ski resort has announced today it won’t open for winter 2020 due to the extent of fire damage. Photo: Supplied.
The owner of the Selwyn Snow Resort in NSW has announced it will not be opening for the 2020 snow season due to damage sustained in the bushfires earlier this year.
An initial assessment of critical resort infrastructure has identified extensive damage to buildings, power, water, sewerage and snowmaking. The resort has been advised that restoration of power alone will take several months, due to the damage of several kilometres of power poles leading to the resort.
“We are incredibly saddened by the impact this fire has had, not only on our resort but on the wider community as well. We have considered a range of options to try and resume operations for this coming winter; however, the damage to critical infrastructure is simply too extensive to make this possible,” said Kevin James Blyton, Chairman of the resort’s owner, Blyton Group.
As well as buildings, many maintenance machines were burnt in the fire. Photo: Supplied.
Preparations for the clean-up of the site are underway with demolition of all buildings required, as well as the removal of destroyed resort machinery such as groomers, skidoos and snow clearers, with a detailed assessment of lifting and snowmaking infrastructure to be undertaken as soon as practical.
“We recognise the impact these fires have had on local operators, not only for this summer period but for the peak winter season ahead,” Mr Blyton said.
“We are actively discussing this situation with government at all levels to try and ensure that support is made available for these communities. Have no doubt, my team and I are totally focused on the rebuild of Selwyn Snow Resort and we look forward to welcoming guests back to an even better Selwyn.”
The rebuild will take time but the owner said it will come back better than ever. Photo: Supplied.
Discussions are ongoing with the New South Wales Government regarding the rebuild process, including engagement with the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Selwyn Snow Resort 2020 season pass holders will be offered the ability to transfer their passes to the Blyton Group’s other snow resort Charlotte Pass Snow Resort at no additional cost, or receive a full refund of payments made to date.
Seasonal employees who had been offered jobs at the resort for the upcoming season will be offered work at Charlotte Pass Snow Resort for Winter 2020.
Regular updates on the rebuild process will be made available at www.selwynsnow.com.au.
Original Article published by Elka Wood on About Regional.
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