Published by the Alpine Resorts Co-ordinating Council, March 2013. An electronic copy of this document is also available on www.arcc.vic.gov.au. For further information on this contact the Alpine Resorts Co-ordinating Council, Phone: (03) 9637 9642. © The State of Victoria, Alpine Resorts Co-ordinating Council 2013. This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Authorised by Victorian Government, Melbourne.
ISSN 1839-0404 (online)
Acknowledgements: Photo Credit: Mount Buller and Mount Stirling Alpine Resort Management Board.
Report: Drafted by Alex Shilton, Alpine Resorts Co-ordinating Council
Disclaimer: This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and the Alpine Resorts Co-ordinating Council do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes a nd therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Winter 2012 End of Season Report
Chairperson’s
Foreword
This is the seventh End of Season Report produced by Council. It provides a wealth of information that will be of interest to a wide range of alpine stakeholders. It contains information on visitation and snow depth, as well as summary information on economic significance and visitor satisfaction.
The 2012 snow season produced some of the best snow for the decade. This resulted in sufficient snow enabling very good visitation during the critical June/July school holidays and the continuation of good snow cover for the remainder of the season for most Victorian Alpine Resorts. This led to almost the best visitation for the decade and above or near record visitation at some resorts. However, not all resorts had an abundance of natural snow. In those cases the importance of snow-making in achieving good visitation was clearly evident. I would like to record the gratitude of Council to Boards and ski lift companies and their teams for their assistance in conducting the surveys and providing the data necessary to enable this report to be prepared. I trust that you find the extensive statistics, graphs and other data useful in understanding the 2012 snow season.
Des Powell
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Winter 2012 End of Season Report
Whiteonwhite
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Winter 2012 End of Season Report
Executive summary
During the 2012 snow season Victorian Alpine Resorts The results also show that the holders of All Resorts received 771,000 visitors and 1,502,000 visitor days, Passes generated a greater number of visitor days and representing a 14 per cent increase in both visitors and vehicle days compared to the holders of resort- visitor days compared to the 10 year average from specific passes. This result differs from the results 2002 to 2011 and near record visitation levels. found in previous years. The results also show that Visitation was up by 20 per cent compared to 2011. the average number of people per vehicle and visits However, the results were not uniform across all are higher for the holders of All Resorts Passes and Alpine Resorts. the numbers of visitor nights is lower, consistent with the results in previous years. The 2012 snow season produced some of the best snow for the decade with sufficient snow resulting in Based on the results of its extensive study of the very good visitation during the critical June/July winter economic contribution of the Australian Alpine school holidays and the continuation of good snow Resorts during the 2011 winter season and updated for cover for the remainder of the season for most the 2012 season, the National Institute for Economic Victorian Alpine Resorts, with extensive deep snow and Industry Research (NIEIR), NIEIR has also cover at Falls Creek and Mount Hotham until season estimated that the gross state product contribution of end. Notwithstanding, not all resorts had an the 2012 winter season is $647 million. This level of abundance of natural snow and as a consequence the expenditure would result in a contribution to total importance of snow-making in achieving good Victorian employment in annual equivalent terms of visitation was, once again, clearly evident. almost 6,000 jobs. A comparison of annual visitation and snow depth In partnership with ski lift companies and Boards, from 1998 shows that visitor numbers have remained Council also conducted surveys of visitor satisfaction. solid since the provision of broad-scale snow-making The surveys showed that there is a high level of visitor over the last few years has enabled resorts to provide satisfaction across the sector. The surveys also a reasonable snow cover for an extended part of the showed that in 2012 slightly more males than females snow season, resulting in a ‘smoothing’ of visitation, visited resorts, that the highest proportion of visitors particularly evident over the last five or six years. was in the 30-39 age group and that there is wide variation in ethnicity between resorts. Downhill skiing Comparison of the annual visitor days and the number was the predominant snowsports activity at Falls of skier days at those resorts that have lifting facilities Creek, Mount Buller and Mount Hotham. shows a strong correlation between visitor and skier Tobogganing, snowplay and sightseeing are days, with skier days remaining relatively constant at increasingly important, particularly at Lake Mountain approximately 70 per cent of visitor days. and Mount Baw Baw. The survey also shows that the Analysis of weekly visitation continues to show a highest proportion of snowsports participants strong correlation between high visitation levels and classified themselves as of ‘Intermediate’ skill level, the June/July school holidays, a peak particularly being nearly half of the visitors, and that across evident at the resorts within the range of day trips resorts the highest proportion of visitors was in the from Melbourne, Lake Mountain, Mount Baw Baw and ‘every year’ category, being the committed Alpine Mount Buller. All resorts, with the exception of Mount Resort visitors, whilst the ‘First timers’ segment is also Stirling, recorded their highest weekly visitations at significant. that time.
iii Winter 2012 End of Season Report
Contents
Chairperson’s Foreword ...... i
Executive Summary ...... iii
1. Background ...... 1
2. Annual Visitation ...... 2
3. Weekly Visitation ...... 8
4. All Resorts Pass ...... 10
5. Snow Depth ...... 12
6. Comparison of Visitation to Snow Depth ...... 14
7. Economic Contribution ...... 17
8. Visitor Satisfaction ...... 18
APPENDIX 1: Historical Visitation Numbers ...... 22
APPENDIX 2: Vistor Survey Methodology ...... 24
APPENDIX 3: Snow Depth Measurement ...... 25
APPENDIX 4: Sources ...... 25
iv Winter 2012 End of Season Report
1. Background
permit holder visitation is based on estimates. Since 1.1 The Alpine Resorts Co-ordinating Council 2006 a season permit holder survey has been (the Council) is a statutory body established under the conducted at all Alpine Resorts. This has enabled a Alpine Resorts (Management) Act 1997. It reports to much more accurate estimate of the number of The Hon. Ryan Smith MP, Minister for Environment and visitors using the annual season permits than occurred Climate Change. It performs a co-ordinating function pre-2006. across Alpine Resorts, focused on: strategic planning, research, attraction of investment and overall 1.6 The figures from the final week of the winter promotion of resorts. season (week 18) are adjusted following analysis of the returns from the season permit holder survey to 1.2 Information on numbers of visitors to Alpine produce the ‘End-of-Season’ results shown in Table 1, Resorts is important for a wide range of planning below. purposes. Ski lift companies, accommodation providers, retailers, suppliers, Alpine Resort 1.7 An overview of the visitor survey Management Boards (‘Boards’), as well as various methodology used is contained in Appendix 2. service providers and government agencies, all require 1.8 Snow depth information is collected by this information. Boards and distributed by the Victorian Snow 1.3 This document presents information about Reporting Service as part of its daily ‘Official Victorian the 2012 snow season, as well as past seasons, and Snow Report’. These records are collated and attempts to place the 2012 season within an historical archived by the Council. An overview of the snow context. Historical visitation numbers are shown in depth recording methodology is contained in Appendix 1. Appendix 3. 1.4 Since the commencement of the 2005 snow 1.9 Estimates of the economic contribution have season, the Council has undertaken the collation and been provided by the National Institute of Economic dissemination of weekly visitor entry statistics and Industry Research, based on the results of a major recorded by individual Boards. study of the 2011 season. 1.5 Weekly visitation numbers comprise two 1.10 Commencing during the 2009 winter season, elements, namely daily and season pass holder all ski lift companies, Boards and Council agreed to visitation. Daily visitation numbers are either conduct visitor satisfaction surveys on a consistent determined from information collected at the entry basis. The key findings of the 2012 visitor satisfaction gates or, following the recent introduction of on-line surveys are reported in this document or ticketless systems, some daily visitation numbers are based on estimates. Season
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Winter 2012 End of Season Report
2. Annual Visitation
2.4 During the 2012 snow season Victorian 2.1 End of Season results for snow season 2012 Alpine Resorts received 771,000 visitors and 1,502,000 and the previous 10 years are shown in Table 2.1, visitor days. This level of visitation represents a 14 per below. Both the number of ‘visitors’ as well as the cent increase in both visitors and visitor days number of ‘visitor days’ (ie. visitors X length of stay) compared to the 10 year average from 2002 to 2011. are recorded. Visitors were up by 24 per cent compared to 2011, 2.2 Historically visitation to Victorian Alpine whilst visitor days increased by 20 per cent, compared Resorts has generally been in the range of 600,000 to to the 2011 winter season. 800,000 visitors and 1,100,000 to 1,300,000 visitor 2.5 The results, however, were not uniform days. Peaks of up to 910,000 visitors and up to across all Alpine Resorts. Compared to 2011, visitation 1,510,000 visitor days have occurred during very good (measured by visitor days) varied from a 7 per cent seasons (see Appendix 1). Since the 1980s visitation increase at Mount Buller to a 43 per cent increase at numbers have been characterised by seasonal peaks both Mount Baw Baw and Mount Hotham. and troughs, which appear to be related to the quantity and timing of snow during the snow season. 2.6 Compared to the 10 year average, visitation (measured by visitor days) varied from a 2 per cent 2.3 This year the four Alpine Resorts (Falls Creek, increase at both Mount Stirling and Mount Buller to a Lake Mountain, Mount Buller and Mount Hotham) 47% increase at Mount Baw Baw. recorded over 100,000 visitors, with Mount Buller recording 272,000 visitors.
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Winter 2012 End of Season Report
Table 2.1: End of Season Visitors and Visitor Days (000s): 2002 – 2012
MOUNT LAKE MOUNT MOUNT FALLS MOUNT VISITORS BAW BAW MOUNTAIN STIRLING HOTHAM CREEK BULLER ALL RESORTS
2012 54,213 105,668 5,153 173,314 160,156 272,049 770,573
2011 37,097 84,400 4.476 122,563 132,772 240, 633 621,941
2010 52,823 133,075 8,101 150,416 140,442 298,084 782,941 2009 39,075 61,312 4,684 157,242 135,271 286,983 684,567
2008 44,616 118,847 6,032 121,425 125,685 274,231 690,836 2007 50,657 110,807 3,323 138,222 134,535 284,149 725,693
2006 15,403 33,303 1,196 96,017 104,851 156,523 407,293
2005 27,040 72,145 5,271 160,070 222,470* 209,100 696,096
2004 47,173 146,420 8,603 164,733 213,732 * 260,455 841,116
2003 39,009 15,467 6,810 133,452 140,482 245,452 680,673 2002 33,951 105,576 7,793 130,074 123,495 208,741 609,630
% CHANGE 2011 TO 2012 46% 25% 15% 41% 21% 13% 24%
10 YR PREVIOUS AVERAGE 38,684 98,135 5,629 137,421 147,774 246,435 674,079
% CHANGE 10 YR AVERAGE 40% 8% -8% 26% 8% 10% 14%
MOUNT LAKE MOUNT MOUNT FALLS MOUNT VISITOR BAW BAW MOUNTAIN STIRLING HOTHAM CREEK BULLER ALL RESORTS DAYS 2012 74,793 105,688 7,025 455,154 386,510 472,575 1,501,745 2011 52,347 84,400 5,493 318,311 344,067 442,604 1,247,222 2010 67,068 133,075 8,985 376,483 340,190 515,497 1,441,298 2009 52,952 61,312 5,472 384,390 377,405 508,360 1,389,891 2008 64,285 118,847 6,068 334,787 359,051 488,187 1,371,225 2007 68,259 110,807 3,487 349,031 345,239 504,858 1,381,681 2006 20,028 33,303 1,190 310,496 309,677 309,569 984,263 2005 35,349 72,145 7,125 349,839 441,226 * 378,666 1,284,350
2004 57,810 146,420 12,361 352,320 425,325 * 517,274 1,511, 510
2003 49,447 115,467 8,444 343,845 323,542 534,514 1,375,259
2002 42,527 105,576 10,153 294,894 269,746 449,375 1,172,271
% CHANGE 2011 TO 2012 43% 25% 28% 43% 12% 7% 20% 10 YR PREVIOUS AVERAGE 51,007 98,135 6,878 341,440 353,547 464,890 1,315,897
% CHANGE 10 YR AVERAGE 47% 8% 2% 33% 9% 2% 14%
Notes The YTD totals for 2006 and following years have been adjusted to include the data from the season permit holders’ survey conducted in those years. * Discontinuous series - visitation to Falls Creek may have been over-estimated during these years because of significant changes in the pricing policy for season entry passes.
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Winter 2012 End of Season Report
2.8 Whilst the figures demonstrate that seasonal 2.7 Figures 2.1 to 2.7, below, show annual variations are marked, the long-term trends for most visitation to each of the six Victorian Alpine Resorts resorts, for both visitors and visitor days, remain and combined visitation to All Resorts since 1980, relatively stable, whilst visitation to Mount Buller and taken from historical records. The dotted lines on the Mount Hotham has risen and visitation to Mount graphs show the average visitation (both visitors and Stirling has fallen significantly. visitor days) over the 10 years prior to 2012, (ie the period 2002-2011).
Figure 2.1: Mount Baw Baw Figure 2.2: Lake Mountain
Mount Baw Baw Annual Visitation ('000s) Lake Mountain Annual Visitation ('000s)
100 300
80 250 200 60 150 40 100
20 50
0 0 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012
Visitor Days Visitors Visitor Days (previous 10yrs av) Visitors (previous 10yrs av) Visitor Days Visitor Days (previous 10yrs av)
Figure 2.3: Mount Stirling Figure 2.4: Mount Hotham
Mount Stirling Annual Visitation ('000s) Mount Hotham Annual Visitation ('000s)
100 600
500 80 400 60 300 40 200
20 100
0 0 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012
Visitor Days Visitors Visitor Days (previous 10yrs av) Visitors (previous 10yrs av) Visitor Days Visitors Visitor Days (previous 10yrs av) Visitors (previous 10yrs av)
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Winter 2012 End of Season Report
Figure 2.5: Falls Creek Figure 2.6: Mount Buller
Falls Creek Annual Visitation ('000s) Mount Buller Annual Visitation ('000s)
600 600
500 500
400 400
300 300
200 200
100 100
0 0 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012
Visitor Days Visitors Visitor Days (previous 10yrs av) Visitors (previous 10yrs av) Visitor Days Visitors Visitor Days (previous 10yrs av) Visitors (previous 10yrs av)
Figure 2.7: All Resorts
All Alpine Resorts Annual Visitation ('000s)
1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012
Visitor Days Visitors Visitor Days (previous 10yrs av) Visitors (previous 10yrs av)
2.9 Figure 2.8, below, compares the long-term 2.10 Some caution needs to be applied in trend (from the 1980s) with the trend for the past interpreting the shorter term, decade-long trends as decade across all Victorian Alpine Resorts. The long- the impact of seasonal variability causes significant term trend for visitor days has shown a modest fluctuations in rates of increase and decrease. For increase of 0.7 per cent per annum, compared to an example, whilst the long-term growth rate for All increase of 0.6 per cent over the last decade. In the Resorts has altered little from 2010 to 2011 to 2012 case of numbers of visitors, there has been a 0.4 per (from 0.68% to 0.65% to 0.75%), the decade long rate cent per annum increase in the long term, although for visitor days has fallen from 2.6% for the decade there has been a 2.5 per cent per annum increase over ending 2010 to 0.6% for the decades ending 2011 and the last decade. These results equate to per annum 2012. increases in visitor days of approximately 8,000 visitor days or 3,000 visitors over the last decade.
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Winter 2012 End of Season Report
2.11 There is also considerable variation in trends below, shows that growth in visitation has remained at Resort level. In the case of Lake Mountain and positive in the long-term (1.1% pa increase in visitor Mount Stirling the long-term trends have been days and 0.4% pa increase in visitors), with growth in downwards, in the case of Falls Creek and Mount Baw the last decade increasing at a lesser rate for visitor Baw the long-term trends are stable, whilst there have days but increasing at a greater rate for visitors (0.5% been increases at both Mount Buller and Mount pa increase in visitor days and 2.4% pa increase in Hotham. In the case of Mount Buller, Figure 2.9, visitors).
Figure 2.8: All Resorts Annual Visitation 1980-2012
Trends - All Alpine Resorts Annual Visitation ('000s)
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012
Long-term (Visitor Days) Long-term (Visitors) 10 Year (Visitor Days) 10 Year (Visitors)
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Winter 2012 End of Season Report
Figure 2.9: Mount Buller Annual Visitation 1980-2012
Trends - Mount Buller Annual Visitation ('000s)
600
500
400
300
200
100
0 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012
Long‐term (Visitor Days) Long‐term (Visitors) 10 Year (Visitor Days) 10 Year (Visitors)
2.12 Figure 2.10, below, shows annual visitation 2.13 The results also show that for approximately (measured as visitor days) to those Victorian Alpine 30 per cent of visitor days, visitors are engaged in Resorts that have lifting facilities, compared to the activities that do not utilise the lifting systems, thus number of skier days (published by the Australian Ski demonstrating the importance of providing a range of Areas Association). The figures show that there is a activities to meet the needs of such visitors. strong correlation between visitor and skier days, with skier days remaining relatively constant at approximately 70 per cent of visitor days.
Figure 2.10: Visitor Days Vs Skier Days 2000-2012
Visitor Days vs Skier Days - Victorian Lifted Resorts 1,600 200%
1,400 175%
1,200 150% 1,000 125% 800 100%
Days ('000s)Days 600 75%
400 50%
200 25%
0 0% 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Skier Days ('000s) Visitor Days ('000s) Skier/Visitor Days Proportion (%)
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Winter 2012 End of Season Report
3. Weekly Visitation
3.1 Weekly visitor day numbers for winter 3.3 Compared to the 10 year averages, visitation season 2012 for each of the six Victorian Alpine in both weeks of the June/July school holidays was Resorts are shown in Figures 3.1 to 3.6 below. The well above those averages, especially at Lake previous 10 year average weekly visitor days and the Mountain, Mount Baw Baw and Mount Hotham. 2012 Victorian school holidays are shown for 3.4 For the remainder of the season visitation comparison. continued at above average levels at Lake Mountain, 3.2 The graphs indicate a strong correlation Mount Baw Baw and Mount Buller and was closer to between high levels of visitation and the June/July average at Falls Creek and Mount Stirling. Lake school holidays, a peak particularly evident at the Mountain was above average during August and early resorts within the range of day trips from Melbourne, September and below average during the remainder Lake Mountain, Mount Baw Baw and Mount Buller. of the season. Whilst all resorts, with the exception of Mount Stirling 3.5 Winter operations ceased at Lake Mountain recorded their highest weekly visitations for the and Mount Baw Baw on 17 September after a 15 week season at that time, that trend was particularly evident season and at Falls Creek and Mount Hotham on 30 at both Lake Mountain and Mount Baw Baw, both of September after a 17 week season. Operations at which recorded approximately double the visitation Mount Buller and Mount Stirling continued until levels recorded outside of the June/July school Sunday, 7 October 2012, an 18 week season. holiday period.
Figure 3.1: Mount Baw Baw Figure 3.2: Lake Mountain
Mount Baw Baw Weekly Visitor Days Lake Mountain Weekly Visitor Days
10,000 20,000 9,000 17,500 8,000 15,000 7,000 12,500 6,000 10,000 5,000 4,000 7,500 Visitor Days Visitor
Visitor Days 3,000 5,000 2,000 2,500 1,000 0 0 01-Jul-12 08-Jul-12 15-Jul-12 22-Jul-12 29-Jul-12 10-Jun-12 17-Jun-12 24-Jun-12 07-Oct-12 05-Aug-12 12-Aug-12 19-Aug-12 26-Aug-12 02-Sep-12 09-Sep-12 16-Sep-12 23-Sep-12 30-Sep-12 01-Jul-12 08-Jul-12 15-Jul-12 22-Jul-12 29-Jul-12 07-Oct-12 10-Jun-12 17-Jun-12 24-Jun-12 05-Aug-12 12-Aug-12 19-Aug-12 26-Aug-12 02-Sep-12 09-Sep-12 16-Sep-12 23-Sep-12 30-Sep-12
Victorian School Holidays in 2012 Victorian School Holidays in 2012
Visitor Days / Week in 2012 Visitor Days / Week in 2012
Previous 10 Years Average Visitor Days / Week Previous 10 Years Average Visitor Days / Week
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Winter 2012 End of Season Report
Figure 3.3: Mount Stirling Figure 3.4: Mount Hotham
Mount Stirling Weekly Visitor Days Mount Hotham Weekly Visitor Days
5,000 60,000
50,000 4,000 40,000 3,000 30,000 2,000
Visitor Days Visitor 20,000 Visitor Days Visitor
1,000 10,000
0 0 01-Jul-12 08-Jul-12 15-Jul-12 22-Jul-12 29-Jul-12 01-Jul-12 08-Jul-12 15-Jul-12 22-Jul-12 29-Jul-12 07-Oct-12 07-Oct-12 10-Jun-12 17-Jun-12 24-Jun-12 10-Jun-12 17-Jun-12 24-Jun-12 05-Aug-12 12-Aug-12 19-Aug-12 26-Aug-12 05-Aug-12 12-Aug-12 19-Aug-12 26-Aug-12 02-Sep-12 09-Sep-12 16-Sep-12 23-Sep-12 30-Sep-12 02-Sep-12 09-Sep-12 16-Sep-12 23-Sep-12 30-Sep-12
Victorian School Holidays in 2012 Victorian School Holidays in 2012
Visitor Days / Week in 2012 Visitor Days / Week in 2012
Previous 10 Years Average Visitor Days / Week Previous 10 Years Average Visitor Days / Week
Figure 3.5: Falls Creek Figure 3.6: Mount Buller
Mount Buller Weekly Visitor Days Falls Creek Weekly Visitor Days
60,000 60,000 50,000 50,000
40,000 40,000
30,000 30,000 Visitor Days Visitor
Visitor Days Visitor 20,000 20,000
10,000 10,000
0 0 01-Jul-12 08-Jul-12 15-Jul-12 22-Jul-12 29-Jul-12 01-Jul-12 08-Jul-12 15-Jul-12 22-Jul-12 29-Jul-12 10-Jun-12 17-Jun-12 24-Jun-12 07-Oct-12 02-Sep-12 09-Sep-12 16-Sep-12 23-Sep-12 30-Sep-12 05-Aug-12 12-Aug-12 19-Aug-12 26-Aug-12 10-Jun-12 17-Jun-12 24-Jun-12 07-Oct-12 05-Aug-12 12-Aug-12 19-Aug-12 26-Aug-12 02-Sep-12 09-Sep-12 16-Sep-12 23-Sep-12 30-Sep-12 Victorian School Holidays in 2012 Victorian School Holidays in 2012 Visitor Days / Week in 2012 Visitor Days / Week in 2012 Previous 10 Years Average Visitor Days / Week Previous 10 Years Average Visitor Days / Week
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Winter 2012 End of Season Report
4. All Resorts Pass
4.1 The All Resorts Season Entry Pass (‘All The weekly visitor and visitor day figures were then Resorts Pass’) was introduced following a successful adjusted accordingly to create the final End of Season trial in the 2008 winter season. The pass is priced at figures. Details of the methodology are contained in 1.6 times the average season entry pass price for all Appendix 2. Victorian Alpine Resorts. In total 425 All Resorts 4.3 The Council’s analysis (see Table 4.1, below) Passes were sold, approximately 9.5 per cent of all shows that in 2012 holders of All Resorts Passes Season Entry Passes sold in 2012. This represents a generated a greater number of visitor days and significant increase in terms of both the number of All vehicle days compared to the holders of resort- Resorts Passes sold and the proportion of all Season specific passes. This result differs from those found in Entry Passes sold in 2012, compared to 2010. previous years. The results also show that the average 4.2 As is the case with Resort-specific Season number of people per vehicle and visits are higher for Entry Passes offered by Boards, holders of All Resorts the holders of All Resorts Passes and the numbers of Passes were requested to complete survey cards, all of visitor nights is lower, consistent with the results in which were analysed at the end of the winter season. previous years.
Table 4.1: All Resort and Resort-Specific Comparisons 2009-2012
2009 2010 2011 2012
All Resorts Resort- All Resorts Resort- All Resorts Resort- Pass specific Pass specific Pass specific All Resorts Resort- Pass Pass Pass Pass Specific Pass
70.9 58.18 Average No of Visitor Days per Vehicle Season Pass 56.6 57.4 51.4 64.1 51.3 58.9
Average Number of Vehicle Days per Vehicle Season Pass 19.8 22.2 17.1 22.0 17.0 22.1 23.7 22.2
Average Number of People per Vehicle Season Pass 2.9 2.6 3.0 2.9 3.0 2.7 3.0 2.6
8.3 6.1 Average Number of Visits per Vehicle Season Pass 7.1 5.1 5.0 6.6 5.0 5.3
Average No of Visitor Nights per Vehicle Season Pass 29.5 46.4 42.7 52.5 42.5 45.2 39.0 44.1
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Winter 2012 End of Season Report
Table 4.2: % of All Resort Pass Holders Visitors to Resorts 2009-2012
No of Resorts Visited 1 2 3 4 5 % of All Resorts Pass Holders visiting 2012 11% 55% 30% 5% 0% 100%
2011 44% 34% 22% 0% 0% 100% 2010 5% 64% 23% 9% 0% 100%
2009 7% 53% 35% 5% 0% 100%
4.4 Table 4.2 (above) shows the number of any one resort as the holders of resort-specific Passes resorts visited by the holders of All Resorts Passes and for whom the convenience and flexibility of the All since 2009. It reveals that in 2012 visits to two resorts Resorts Pass acts as an incentive to increased comprises the largest group (55%) with visits to three visitation, are the key target group of the All Resorts resorts comprising the next largest group. In 2012 no Pass. All Resorts Pass Holders visited all Resorts. 4.7 The survey further reveals that 74 per cent of 4.5 The 2012 results more closely reflect All Resorts Pass Holder visitor days were spent at visitation patterns in 2009 and 2010, when over 80 Mount Hotham and 18 per cent were spent at Falls per cent of All Resorts Pass Holders visited either two Creek in 2012. In previous years, other than 2011, or three resorts, rather than very high visitation to one holders of All Resort Passes spent approximately 75- resort recorded during the 2011 season, with its lack of 80 per cent of visitor days at Falls Creek and Mount or low snow cover at Lake Mountain, Mount Baw Baw Hotham. It is possible that the very high proportion of and Mount Stirling. visitation by the holders of All Resorts Passes is related to the very good natural snow cover experienced at Falls Creek and Mount Hotham in 2012 4.6 The committed multi-resort users, who do (see Section 5, below). not necessarily have the same strong connections with
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Winter 2012 End of Season Report
5. Snow Depth
5.1 Figures 5.1 to 5.6 show daily snow depths at 5.3 The importance of snow-making was clearly Alpine Resorts for snow season 2012 for both natural evident. With below-average natural snow depths in snow and snowmaking areas. For comparison, the the first half of the season, most resorts were able to average natural snow depth, taken from records achieve close to average natural snow depths in areas compiled by the Victorian Snow Reporting Service covered by snow-making and, with the arrival of over the previous 10 years, is also graphed. Note that further natural snow in the latter part of August, were snow depth in snowmaking areas was not recorded able to exceed average natural snow depths in snow- until 2006 and is not included in the comparative making areas. In the case of the higher resorts of Falls averages. Creek, Mount Buller and Mount Hotham, snow depths in snow-making areas were up to 100 cm above 5.2 Whilst Falls Creek, Mount Baw Baw and natural snow depths. Lake Mountain and Mount Baw Mount Hotham all had some natural snow for Opening Baw were also able to maintain snow depths in areas Weekend, all resorts received natural snowfalls covered by snow-making at above-average natural towards the end of June, with Mount Hotham reaching snow depth. 80 cm by that time. Natural snow depth remained below average at all resorts for much of the remainder 5.4 Care needs to be taken in interpreting the of the season, although both Falls Creek and Mount snow depth graphs due to the limitations in data Hotham achieved above average natural snow depths collection, whereby the snow depth is not recorded in by mid-August, with all other resorts achieving detail where there is an abundance of snow nor after average or near-average natural snow depths by early the cessation of operations at any particular Resort September. Both Falls Creek and Mount Hotham (details of the methodology for snow depth recording maintained natural snow depths significantly above- are contained in Appendix 3). average for the remainder of the season.
Figure 5.1: Mount Baw Baw Figure 5.2: Lake Mountain
MT Baw Baw Snow Depth 2012 Lake Mountain Snow Depth 2012
200 180 200 160 180 140 160 120 140 100 120 80 100 60 80 40 60 Snow Depth (cm) Depth Snow 20 40 0 (cm) Depth Snow 20 0 2 2 2 12 12 2 12 12 12 -1 -1 - - -1 - - - 2 2 2 Jul-12Jul-12Jul-12Jul-12Jul-12 -12 -12 ug ug ug ug ep-12 ep ep ep ep n-12 l l -1 -12 -12 -12 5- 2- u Ju Ju ug g ug-12 ep-12 ep ep-12 ep 10-Jun-1217-Jun-1224-Jun-1201- 08- 1 2 29- 07-Oct-1 J A S S 05-A 12-A 19-A 26-A 02-S 09-S 16-S 23-S 30-S 01-Jul-1208- 15-Jul-1222-Jul-1229- - 10- 17-Jun-124-Jun-1 05-Aug-1212-A 19-Au 26- 02 09-S 16-Sep-1223- 30-S 07-Oct-12 2012 Average depth in snow -making area (100 ha) 2012 Average depth in snow -making area (100 ha) 2012 Natural Snow Depth 2012 Natural Snow Depth 10 Year Average Natural Snow Depth 10 Year Average Natural Snow Depth
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Winter 2012 End of Season Report
Figure 5.3: Mount Stirling Figure 5.4: Mount Hotham
Mt Stirling Snow Depth 2012 Mt Hotham Snow Depth 2012
200 200 180 180 160 160 140 140 120 120 100 100 80 80 60 60 40 40 Snow Depth (cm) Depth Snow Snow Depth (cm) Depth Snow 20 20 0 0
2 2 2 2 1 12 -1 1 l- l- -12 -12 -12 n-12 n-12 n-12 ul-12 ul-12 ul-12 t- u u p Ju Ju Ju J J J Oc Jun-1 J J ug-12 ep-12 e Aug-12Aug-12Aug-12Aug-12Sep-12Sep-12Sep-12Sep-12Sep 9- Sep-12 0- 7- 4- 01-Jul-1208-Jul-1215- 22- 29- 7- 01-Jul-1208- 15-Jul-1222-Jul-122 1 1 2 05- 12- 19- 26- 02- 09- 16- 23- 30- 0 10- 17-Jun-1224-Jun-12 05-Aug-1212-A 19-Aug26-Aug-1202-S 09-Sep16-Sep-1223- 30-S 07-Oct-12 2012 Average depth in snow -making area (100 ha) 2012 Natural Snow Depth 10 Year Average Natural Snow Depth 2012 Natural Snow Depth 10 Year Average Natural Snow Depth
Figure 5.5: Falls Creek Figure 5.6: Mount Buller
Falls Creek Snow Depth 2012 Mt Buller Snow Depth 2012
200 200 180 180 160 160 140 140 120 120 100 100 80 80 60 60
Snow Depth Depth Snow (cm) 40
Snow Depth Snow Depth (cm) 40 20 20 0 0
2012 Average depth in snow-making area (100 ha) 2012 Average depth in snow-making area (100 ha) 10 Year Average Natural Snow Depth 10 Year Average Natural Snow Depth 2012 Natural Snow Depth 2012 Natural Snow Depth
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Winter 2012 End of Season Report
6. Comparison of Visitation to Snow Depth
6.1 Figures 6.1 to 6.6 show snow depth on a daily Lake Mountain, Mount Baw Baw and Mount Hotham, basis and visitor days on a weekly basis for snow there was a drop in visitation in July, after which season 2012, for each Alpine Resort. visitation rose again in August, coinciding with increases in snow depth. The fall in visitation in July 6.2 Once again the figures show that the widely was less marked at Falls Creek and Mount Buller. held view that there is strong correlation between good snow conditions (measured by snow depth) and 6.6 Lake Mountain and Mount Baw Baw healthy visitation does not always hold, certainly not maintained good visitation until lack of snow cessation on a weekly basis. There are clearly a number of of resort operations in mid-September. In the case of additional factors. Mount Stirling, visitation was strongest in August, although the greatest snow depth was not achieved 6.3 The figures appear to confirm that having until September. deep snow cover is not a pre-requisite for high visitor numbers during the June/July school holidays. 6.7 Despite there being up to 200 cm of natural snow at Mount Hotham and Falls Creek and up to 150 6.4 This is very evident in the case of the resorts cm of snow in snow-making areas at Mount Buller in within easy reach of greater Melbourne for a day visit, early September, with over 100 cm of natural snow viz. Lake Mountain, Mount Baw Baw and Mount Buller. and 80 cm of snow in snow-making areas remaining at The presence of even modest snow cover resulted in those resorts at the end of September, visitation fell high visitation at Lake Mountain and Mount Baw Baw. away consistent with past trends. 6.5 Following a strong peak in visitation during the June/July school holiday period, particularly at
Figure 6.1: Mount Baw Baw Figure 6.2: Lake Mountain
Mount Baw Baw Weekly Visitor Days & Snow Depth 2012 Lake Mountain Weekly Visitor Days & Snow Depth 2012
10,000 200 20,000 200 9,000 180 17,500 180 8,000 160 160 15,000 7,000 140 140 12,500 6,000 120 120 5,000 100 10,000 100 4,000 80 7,500 80 Visitor Days Visitor Visitor Days Visitor 3,000 60 60 Snow Depth (cm)
Snow Depth (cm) 5,000 2,000 40 40 2,500 1,000 20 20 0 0 0 0 01-Jul-12 08-Jul-12 15-Jul-12 22-Jul-12 29-Jul-12 10-Jun-12 17-Jun-12 24-Jun-12 07-Oct-12 01-Jul-12 08-Jul-12 15-Jul-12 22-Jul-12 29-Jul-12 02-Sep-12 09-Sep-12 16-Sep-12 23-Sep-12 30-Sep-12 05-Aug-12 12-Aug-12 19-Aug-12 26-Aug-12 10-Jun-12 17-Jun-12 24-Jun-12 07-Oct-12 02-Sep-12 09-Sep-12 16-Sep-12 23-Sep-12 30-Sep-12 05-Aug-12 12-Aug-12 19-Aug-12 26-Aug-12 Victorian School Holidays in 2012 Victorian School Holidays in 2012 2012 Average depth in snow-making area (100 ha) 2012 Average depth in snow-making area (100 ha) Visitor Days / Week in 2012 Visitor Days / Week in 2012 2012 Natural Snow Depth 2012 Natural Snow Depth
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Winter 2012 End of Season Report
Figure 6.3: Mount Stirling Figure 6.4: Mount Hotham
Mount Stirling Weekly Visitor Days & Snow Depth 2012 Mount Hotham Weekly Visitor Days & Snow Depth 2012
5,000 200 60,000 200 180 180 50,000 4,000 160 160 140 140 40,000 3,000 120 120 100 30,000 100 2,000 80 80 Visitor Days Visitor
Visitor Days Visitor 20,000 60 60 Snow Depth (cm) Snow Depth (cm) 40 1,000 40 10,000 20 20 0 0 0 0 01-Jul-12 08-Jul-12 15-Jul-12 22-Jul-12 29-Jul-12 01-Jul-12 08-Jul-12 15-Jul-12 22-Jul-12 29-Jul-12 10-Jun-12 17-Jun-12 24-Jun-12 07-Oct-12 10-Jun-12 17-Jun-12 24-Jun-12 07-Oct-12 02-Sep-12 09-Sep-12 16-Sep-12 23-Sep-12 30-Sep-12 05-Aug-12 12-Aug-12 19-Aug-12 26-Aug-12 02-Sep-12 09-Sep-12 16-Sep-12 23-Sep-12 30-Sep-12 05-Aug-12 12-Aug-12 19-Aug-12 26-Aug-12
Victorian School Holidays in 2012 Victorian School Holidays in 2012 2012 Average depth in snow-making area (100 ha) Visitor Days / Week in 2012 Visitor Days / Week in 2012 2012 Natural Snow Depth 2012 Natural Snow Depth
Figure 6.5: Falls Creek Figure 6.6: Mount Buller
Falls Creek Weekly Visitor Days & Snow Depth 2012 Mount Buller Weekly Visitor Days & Snow Depth 2012
60,000 200 60,000 200 180 180 50,000 160 50,000 160 140 40,000 40,000 140 120 120 30,000 100 30,000 100 80 80
Visitor Days Visitor 20,000 Days Visitor 60 20,000 60 Snow Depth (cm) Snow Depth (cm) 40 40 10,000 10,000 20 20 0 0 0 0 01-Jul-12 08-Jul-12 15-Jul-12 22-Jul-12 29-Jul-12 01-Jul-12 08-Jul-12 15-Jul-12 22-Jul-12 29-Jul-12 07-Oct-12 10-Jun-12 17-Jun-12 24-Jun-12 07-Oct-12 10-Jun-12 17-Jun-12 24-Jun-12 02-Sep-12 09-Sep-12 16-Sep-12 23-Sep-12 30-Sep-12 02-Sep-12 09-Sep-12 16-Sep-12 23-Sep-12 30-Sep-12 05-Aug-12 12-Aug-12 19-Aug-12 26-Aug-12 05-Aug-12 12-Aug-12 19-Aug-12 26-Aug-12 Victorian School Holidays in 2012 Victorian School Holidays in 2012 2012 Average depth in snow-making area (100 ha) 2012 Average depth in snow-making area (100 ha) Visitor Days / Week in 2012 Visitor Days / Week in 2012 2012 Natural Snow Depth 2012 Natural Snow Depth
6.8 A longer-term perspective on visitation and 6.9 The positive impact of snow-making is snow depth is shown in Figures 6.7 to 6.12. Those particularly evident in the ‘smoothing’ of visitation at figures compare indexed visitor days from 1998 and the higher resorts of Falls Creek, Mount Buller and annual average snow depth, in both natural snow and Mount Hotham over the last five years, but is also snow-making areas. These figures illustrate how evident at Lake Mountain and Mount Baw Baw. By visitor numbers have remained solid since the way of comparison, Mount Stirling, which has similar provision of broad-scale snow-making over the last variability in natural snowfall as its close neighbour, few years has enabled resorts to provide a reasonable Mount Buller, has no snow-making and has had the snow cover for an extended part of the snow season. greatest variability in visitation of any Resort.
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Winter 2012 End of Season Report
Figure 6.7: Mount Baw Baw Figure 6.8: Lake Mountain
Mountt Baw Baw Lake Mountain
200 200 200 200
150 150 150 150
100 100 100 100 Snow Depth (cm) Snow Depth (cm) Depth Snow
50 50 50 50 Indexed Visitor Days (Ref 1998 value) Indexed VisitorDays (Ref 1998value)
0 0 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 0 0 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Data s ourc ed f rom ARCC Data sourced from ARCC . . Natural Snow Depth Snow Making Indexed Visitor Days Natural Snow Depth Snow Making Indexed Visitor Days
Figure 6.9: Mount Stirling Figure 6.10: Mount Hotham
Mount Stirling Mount Hotham
200 200 200 200
150 150 150 150
100 100 100 100 Snow Depth (cm) Snow Depth (cm) Depth Snow
50 50 50 50 Indexed Visitor Daysvalue) Indexed (Ref Visitor 1998 Indexed Visitor Days (Refvalue) 1998
0 0 0 0 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Data sourced from ARCC Data sourced from ARCC . . Natural Snow Depth Indexed Visitor Days Natural Snow Depth Snow Making Indexed Visitor Days
Figure 6.11: Falls Creek Figure 6.12: Mount Buller
Falls Creek Mount Buller
200 200 200 200
150 150 150 150
100 100 100 100 ` Snow Depth (cm) Snow Depth (cm)
50 50 50 50 Indexed Visitor Days(Ref 1998 value) Indexed Visitor Days (Ref 1998 value)
0 0 0 0 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Data sourced from ARCC Data sourced from ARCC . . Natural Snow Depth Snow Making Indexed Visitor Days Natural Snow Depth Snow Making Indexed Visitor Days
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Winter 2012 End of Season Report
7. Economic Contribution
7.1 In the extensive study undertaken for the Table 7.1: The economic significance of the 2011 winter season1 for the Council and a range of New 2012 winter season on the Victorian South Wales, Tasmanian and Victorian government economy and industry partners, the National Institute of Industry and Economic Research (‘NIEIR’) derived 2005 2012 detailed expenditures per visitor day for each resort in both Victoria and New South Wales, to arrive at State Gross State Product ($2012 448 647 and national figures. The study was based on million) extensive field surveys and built upon a similar study conducted by NIEIR during the 2005 winter season. Employment Annual 5,192 5,997 7.2 NIEIR has also estimated the economic Equivalent (number) contribution of the 2012 winter season, taking into account that season’s visitation and changes in economic conditions. As shown in Table 7.1 the gross state product contribution of the 2012 winter season is estimated at $647 million. This level of expenditure would result in a contribution to total Victorian employment in annual equivalent terms of almost 6,000 jobs.
1 National Institute of Economic and Industry Research, The Economic Significance of the Australian Alpine Resorts Winter Season 2011. Report for the Alpine Resorts Co-ordinating Council, Victoria, December 2012.
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Winter 2012 End of Season Report
8. Visitor Satisfaction
8.1 For the 2012 winter season all ski lift Visitor Satisfaction companies and Boards again agreed to conduct visitor satisfaction surveys on a consistent basis. The 8.4 There is a high level of visitor satisfaction at research was carried out at Falls Creek, Lake Mountain, all resorts. Variations between resorts and between Mount Baw Baw, Mount Buller and Mount Hotham 2012 and 2011 are mostly minor. There has been a Alpine Resorts using a self-completion methodology. slight rise in the overall experience rating compared to No surveys are conducted at Mount Stirling. Hard 2011. copy survey forms were distributed to Resort visitors 8.5 Figure 8.1 below shows a number of on a random basis at a range of locations. In addition, indicators of visitor satisfaction as mean summary visitors at some resorts were given an option to scores (out of 5) for overall experience, overall value complete surveys online. The consultants collated the for price paid, overall customer service and overall data and conducted resort-specific analysis. Council skiing/snowboarding experience. A score of 1 staff have undertaken further analysis and prepared an corresponds to ‘Expectations not met’ or ‘Extremely overview report. The surveys collected information on dissatisfied’ and a score of 5 corresponds to visitor satisfaction, visitor demographic profile and ‘Expectations completely exceeded’ or ‘Extremely visitor trip characteristics. satisfied’. 8.2 Analysis of these surveys assists in 8.6 Rating of snow conditions by survey measuring progress in achieving the aims for Alpine respondents is shown in Figure 8.2, below. Resorts as set out in the Alpine Resorts (Management) Respondents rated snow conditions better in 2012 Act 1997 and the Alpine Resorts Strategic Plan 2012. compared to 2011 at all resorts, except Mount Buller The key findings from the 2012 visitor satisfaction where respondents rated snow conditions slightly surveys are presented below. worse. In the case of Falls Creek and Mount Hotham, 8.3 There are some differences in the results ratings were very much better, whilst the increases in obtained using the hard copy survey methodology ratings of snow conditions at the lower elevation compared to the online survey methodology. This resorts of Lake Mountain and Mount Baw Baw were may account for some of differences between the less. 2012 results and those obtained between 2009 and 8.7 Variations in the periods in which surveys 2011. The results presented below are the combined were conducted across resorts may also have affected results. visitor ratings of snow conditions and thus overall satisfaction ratings shown in Figure 8.1, below.
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Winter 2012 End of Season Report
Figure 8.1: Indicators of Visitor Satisfaction 2012
3.8 3.9 3.5 Overall Experience 3.6 3.7 3.6 3.1 All Resorts 3.2 3.2 Mt Buller Overall value for price paid 3.0 Mt Baw Baw 3.1 3.1 Mt Hotham 3.8 Falls Creek 3.9 3.6 Lake Mountain Overall customer service 3.8 3.8
3.7
3.9 4.1 3.9 Overall skiing/snowboarding 4.1
experience 4.2
3.3
Mean Summary Score out of 5
Figure 8.2: Rating of Snow Conditions 2012
8.3 8
6.8 6.5 Visitor Demog6.1raphic
5.1
Mean Score Out of 10
All Resorts Mt Buller Mt Baw Mt Hotham Falls Creek Lake Baw Mountain
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Winter 2012 End of Season Report
Visitor Demographic Profile ethnically-diverse visitor profile, more so than the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ estimates for the 8.8 The survey asked a broad range of questions, Australian population. The proportion of visitors including questions about gender, age, income and describing themselves as’ White/Caucasian’ was ethnicity. The survey also asked questions about lowest at the resorts closest to Melbourne, consistent activities, experience and origin of visitors. Analysis with other anecdotal evidence of high visitation by showed that visitors comprise a diverse group of other than White/Caucasian visitors for day visits to people that taken as a sector are being catered for by resorts, particularly to Lake Mountain. The largest resorts, albeit that no single resort provides all numbers of other than White/Caucasian visitors services for all visitors. described themselves as Asian, consistent with 8.9 The 2012 survey results show that slightly findings from other surveys. more males are visiting resorts compared to the results obtained from surveys between 2009 and 2011. Visitor Trip Characteristics The 2012 results are consistent with surveys 8.13 The 2012 survey shows that Victorians conducted in the 1990s. One possible explanation is continue to be the predominant visitor group at the changed methodology used in 2012 compared to resorts and that there is also a small, but significant, 2009-2011. The proportions of males were higher at proportion of overseas visitors. There are large the three largest resorts, Falls Creek, Mount Buller and variations in individual resort profiles. Mount Hotham, whilst there were higher proportions of females at Lake Mountain and Mount Baw Baw. 8.14 The survey also indicated that there are significant differences across resorts in activities 8.10 In 2012 the highest proportion of visitors was undertaken. Downhill skiing was the predominant in the 30-39 age group, although there was significant snowsports activity at Falls Creek, Mount Buller and variation between resorts, with Lake Mountain Mount Hotham although snowboarding is also very recording double the proportion in this age group signficant. At Mount Baw Baw, downhill skiing and compared to Falls Creek. Mount Buller recorded the snowboarding are equally popular, although the highest proportions of visitors in the 18-24 age group, proportions engaged in those two activities are lower consistent with that resort also recording the highest than at the large resorts. Cross-country skiing was the proportion of tertiary students. Mount Baw also only snowsports activity provided for at Lake recorded high proportions of both 18-24 age group Mountain. Tobogganing, snowplay and sightseeing visitors and tertiary students. are increasingly important, particularly at Lake 8.11 The survey shows that the highest proportion Mountain and Mount Baw Baw. of visitors had household incomes in the $36,000 - 8.15 Across resorts the highest proportion of $69,999 range, although there were wide variations in snowsports participants classified themselves as of household income distributions between resorts, with ‘Intermediate’ skill level, being nearly half of the Mount Hotham recording the highest proportion of visitors. The highest proportion of ‘advanced’ skill visitors with household incomes in the +$150,000 level visitors was at Mount Hotham, closely followed range, closely followed by Falls Creek and Mount by Falls Creek, whilst the highest proportion of ‘first Buller. Mount Baw Baw recorded the highest timer’ and ‘beginner’ skill level visitors was at Lake proportion of visitors with household incomes in the Mountain. up to $35,999 range, with Mount Buller also having a high proportion of visitors in that range, possibly 8.16 The prior visits results show that across related to its high proportion of tertiary students. resorts the highest proportion of visitors was in the NIEIR has previously shown that the aggregate ‘every year’ category, being the committed Alpine distribution of household income at resorts Resort visitors, whilst the ‘First timers’ segment is also approximates the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ significant. At Falls Creek, Mount Buller and Mount estimates for the Australian population although the Hotham about three quarters of the visitors were in resorts have slightly greater proportions in the ‘above the ‘every year’ category whist at Lake Mountain and $100,000’ range. Mount Baw Baw only one quarter of visitors were in that category. 8.12 There is wide variation in ethnicity between resorts, with Lake Mountain having the most
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Winter 2012 Visitor Satisfaction Repor
Appendices
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Winter 2012 Visitor Satisfaction Repor
Appendix 1: Historical Visitation Numbers
WINTER VISITORS TO VICTORIAN ALPINE RESORTS (000s) MOUNT LAKE MOUNT MOUNT FALLS MOUNT VISITORS BAW BAW MOUNTAIN STIRLING HOTHAM CREEK BULLER ALL RESORTS
1980 38 87 n/a 74 155 233 587 1981 33 115 17 80 164 210 619 1982 28 70 n/a 68 126 150 442 1983 27 90 19 76 180 210 602 1984 45 110 23 70 162 214 624 1985 40 138 33 83 208 291 793 1986 40 145 23 81 209 309 807 1987 40 136 22 105 211 297 811 1988 4 62 15 118 233 122 554 1989 54 183 24 140 207 302 910 1990 39 200 24 118 178 340 899 1991 36 170 14 101 154 288 763 1992 36 151 17 106 156 308 774 1993 14 35 3 76 119 88 335 1994 30 124 10 109 149 210 632 1995 38 160 14 107 167 228 714 1996 21 81 10 123 161 262 658 1997 26 99 7 102 131 243 608 1998 45 95 5 95 134 207 581 1999 14 63 6 106 134 208 531 2000 44 123 9 140 181 331 828 2001 20 57 4 96 119 166 462 2002 34 106 8 130 123 209 610 2003 39 115 7 133 140 245 679 2004 47 146 9 165 214 260 841 2005 27 72 5 160 222 209 695 2006 15 33 1 96 105 157 407 2007 51 111 3 138 139 284 726 2008 45 119 6 121 126 274 691 2009 39 61 5 157 135 287 685 2010 53 133 8 150 140 298 783 2011 37 84 4 123 133 241 622 2012 54 106 5 173 160 272 771
Data Source: ARC and predecessors 1980 - 1997; ARMBs 1998 - 2004; ARCC 2005 onwards. Note: This table updates, and makes minor corrections to, the data published in Appendix 2 of the Alpine Resorts 2020 Strategy (June 2004) - for the All Resorts total for 2002 (cf p46).
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Winter 2012 Visitor Satisfaction Repor
WINTER VISITORS DAYS TO VICTORIAN ALPINE RESORTS (000s) MOUNT LAKE MOUNT MOUNT FALLS MOUNT VISITORS ALL RESORTS BAW BAW MOUNTAIN STIRLING HOTHAM CREEK BULLER DAYS 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 59 133 33 206 361 393 1,185 1986 59 145 25 196 375 438 1,238 1987 57 135 22 225 380 427 1,246 1988 15 62 15 237 397 239 965 1989 71 183 24 233 307 422 1,240 1990 51 200 27 272 383 510 1,443 1991 50 170 15 224 338 410 1,207 1992 51 151 19 233 347 452 1,253 1993 22 35 3 154 265 136 615 1994 41 124 11 219 326 317 1,038 1995 54 160 17 287 376 401 1,295 1996 31 81 10 302 364 411 1,199 1997 36 99 7 256 305 429 1,132 1998 57 95 5 241 294 369 1,061 1999 22 63 8 260 292 372 1,017 2000 57 123 10 348 371 578 1,487 2001 26 57 5 274 276 324 962 2002 43 106 10 295 270 440 1,173 2003 49 115 8 344 324 535 1,375 2004 58 146 12 352 425 517 1,510 2005 35 72 7 350 441 379 1,284 2006 20 33 1 310 310 310 984 2007 68 111 3 349 345 505 1,381 2008 64 119 6 335 359 488 1,371 2009 53 61 5 384 377 508 1,390 2010 67 133 9 376 340 515 1,441 2011 52 84 5 318 344 443 1,247 2012 75 106 7 455 386 473 1,502
Data Source: ARC and predecessors 1985 - 1997; ARMBs 1998 - 2004; ARCC 2005 onwards. Note: This table updates, and makes minor corrections to, the data published in Appendix 2 of the Alpine Resorts 2020 Strategy (June 2004) - for Mt Hotham 2003 and the All Resorts total for 2002 and 2003 (cf p47).
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Winter 2012 Visitor Satisfaction Repor
Appendix 2: Visitor Survey Methodology
Each Board forwards information to the Council on At the end of the winter season, following analysis of visitor numbers on a weekly basis. Traditionally, in the the returns from the season permit holder survey case of vehicles entering resorts using single or (commencing in 2008 the season permit holder survey multiple day entry passes (including cars, 4WDs and included the newly-introduced All Resorts Pass), buses), Boards recorded the number of visitors Council adjusted the figures from the final week of the travelling in the vehicle and its length of stay at the winter season (week 18) to produce the ‘End-of- resort entry points. More recently, with the Season’ results shown in Table 1, above. In the case of introduction of on-line and ticketless systems, some visitation to Mount Baw Baw, no adjustment is day entry visitation is based on estimates. necessary as since 2006, all vehicles entering that Alpine Resort, including vehicles displaying a season In the case of vehicles entering resorts using a season permit, were required to stop at the resort entry point permit, such vehicles are normally able to proceed to enable the length of visit and number of occupants through the resort entry points without stopping. To to be recorded. provide weekly figures, Boards provide a weekly estimate of the number of visitors and length of stay, Since 2004 Mount Buller and Mount Stirling Alpine based on previous surveys. Resorts have been under the management of a single Board with a single entry gate servicing both The visitation numbers published weekly by Council mountains. The Board’s season entry pass provides during the winter season are based on day visitor access to both mountains. The Board, however, offers numbers collected or estimated at resort entry points separate single- and multiple-day entry passes. In or on-line, plus estimates of season permit holder analysing the returns from the season permit holder visitation. survey, season entry visitation to each mountain was Commencing in 2006, the Council and Boards allocated on the same ratio that pertains to day entry conducted a consistent survey of visitation by season to the two mountains. permit holders at all resorts. Each season permit holder was sent a survey card and asked to fill in details of their visits and return their survey cards to the Boards.
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Winter 2012 Visitor Satisfaction Repor
Appendix 3: Snow Depth Measurement
Snow data is sourced from the reports produced and In addition, during the season, when there is an disseminated by the Victorian Snow Reporting abundance of natural snow, accurate snow depth Service, using data collected each morning by on- measurements in snow-making areas may not have mountain staff. been recorded. Rather, snow depth in snow-making areas may have been assumed to be equal to natural The measuring of natural snow depths is done at up to snow depth or may have been recorded as exceeding four gauge locations (snow plots) at the resorts. From the reported snow depth (e.g. 146cm+). This means these locations an average overall depth is that recorded snow depths in snow-making areas, as ascertained, as well as an average 24hr snowfall. The shown on graphs in Sections 5 and 6, may be less than average depth in snow-making areas is calculated the actual snow depths in snow-making areas. from depths taken from probing the areas where snow-making occurs. In addition the snow reporting service ceases when resort operations cease, be that before or at the Notwithstanding that all Victorian Alpine Resorts official end of the snow season. As a consequence, no routinely make snow during the season when the snow depths are reported subsequently, conditions are suitable, snow depth in snow-making notwithstanding that significant snow depth may areas may not be reported in cases where only limited remain. ski lift accessible terrain is open, particularly early or late in the season.
Appendix 4: Sources
Alpine Resorts Co-ordinating Council, Winter Visitor Official Victorian Snow Report, Counting Survey,
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