End of Season Reports

Information on the number of visitors to Alpine Resorts is important for a wide range of planning purposes in resorts. Ski lift companies, accommodation providers, retailers, suppliers, Alpine Resort Management Boards, as well as various service providers and government agencies, all require this information.

Statistics on winter visitation and snow depths at Victorian Alpine Resorts have been collected for many years. Records of such data have been collated and archived by the Council, but other than the weekly figures released during the snow season, they are difficult to access.

Council's 'End of Season Report' is new initiative that brings together the weekly visitor entry statistics and weekly snow depth for the Resorts into a readily available single document with commentary. The project involves the recording and collation of the annual data, comparison with historic data, and analysis. The 2006 End of Season Report is the first of what the Council plans to be an annual report.

The second report, the Winter 2007 End of Season Report, as well as including visitor number and snow depth statistics, also includes an estimate of the economic contribution of the season. Amongst other things, the report shows that in 2007 the Victorian Alpine Resorts experienced the third highest number of visitors and visitor days for the decade. Well above average natural snow depths were recorded in June and July, with snow-making systems again enabling a substantial base to maintained throughout the season. Direct expenditures were estimated at $410 million, with annual equivalent jobs approaching 5000.

The latest of the reports is now available. The Winter 2008 End of Season Report shows that Victorian Alpine Resorts experienced some of the best snow of the decade in 2008. The report also highlights visitation levels that were 12% above the 10 year average, offers commentary on the season and includes extensive historical information on visitation and snow depth. The report also includes an estimate of the economic contribution of the Victorian Alpine Resorts, prepared by consultants, the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research ("NIEIR") which shows that Victorian direct expenditure was $436 million and employment (in annual equivalent terms) was approximately 5,000 jobs.