In response to calls for the release of a pass to allow access to all Victorian Alpine Resorts, Council in conjunction with the five Victorian Alpine Resort Management Boards developed a proposal for the release of an "All Resorts Season Entry Pass" during the 2008 winter season on a one-year trial basis. The Minister for Environment and Climate Change, the Hon Gavin Jennings MLC, supported the proposal. As a result, for the 2008 winter season all Victorian Alpine Resorts offered an "All Resorts Season Entry Pass", which, in combination with a season entry pass issued by a Board, allowed "hassle free" entry to Falls Creek, Lake Mountain, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Buller & Mt Stirling, and Mt Hotham, at a cost of 1.6 times the average season entry pass price for all Victorian Alpine Resorts. The Pass price was substantial discount compared to purchase of multiple resort season entry passes and was expected to be popular with snow sports competitors, cross-country skiers and other snow sports enthusiasts who wished to visit more than one Alpine Resort.

The proposal provided for Council, at the end of the winter season and in conjunction with Boards, to assess the trial, prior to making any recommendation to Boards and the Minister in relation to again offering the Pass for sale. Council undertook an assessment of the trial and found that there was a strong take up of the Pass and it was well accepted by visitors. Council also found that, compared to Resort-specific pass holders, the offer of the All Resorts Pass enhanced visitation, as the holders generally visited two or more resorts, made more visits and spent a similar number of visitor days (although fewer visitor nights) in Resorts. An electronic copy of the assessment report is now available.

The Minister has now approved the sale of the "All Resorts Season Entry Pass" for the 2009 winter season.

As in 2008, the 2009 "All Resorts Season Entry Pass" must be purchased concurrently with the purchase of a resort-specific season entry pass. Both must be displayed on the vehicle to gain entry to a resort. The new pass does not, however, allow entry to areas within alpine resorts that currently require purchase of special passes, for example entry to reserved parking or village areas. The "All Resorts Season Entry Pass" replaces all previous discounted second (and subsequent) resort season entry offers. In addition a special season permit holder survey card will again be circulated to all purchasers of the new pass. As is the case for all season permit holders, pass holders are asked to fill in the survey cards and return them at the end of the winter season to assist the Council compile accurate visitation statistics.

The new passes can be purchased from the Victorian Alpine Resort Management Boards.

© The State of Victoria, 2008