MEDIA RELEASE 16 February 2015

For Immediate Release

BIKES DRIVE BAW BAW’S BUSY START TO THE YEAR

While ice cream and sunscreen sales may be down, the unseasonally mild start to the year has not been a problem for Mount Baw Baw, with record numbers visiting the Victorian mountain resort during January. Figures released this week show a 29% spike in visitor numbers at Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort compared to the previous January.

Since April 2014, Mount Baw Baw has been under the management of Belgravia Leisure, operators of over 80 leisure facilities throughout .

Resort Manager Alex Flint says the strong visitation numbers follow Belgravia Leisure’s commitment to strengthening the profile of Mount Baw Baw as well as the greater region.

“Since our appointment, we have worked hard to improve Mount Baw Baw’s commercial operations and to operate a more efficient alpine destination.

“The result has been an enormous increase in visitation and the doubling of accommodation booking. We’re thrilled that the resort is attracting more and more people to the area, which is ultimately of great benefit to the region,” said Flint.

Mount Baw Baw has further diversified its offering to ensure its viability as a year-round adventure destination. The development of a strong suite of products during the green season, such as January’s mountain bike events 7 Peaks Alpine Ascent and the Victorian Downhill Series, can partly be attributed to the increased visitation.

The remainder of the green season will see Mount Baw Baw continue to host adventure-based events, including the Trail Run Festival (7-9 March), Adventure Kids Festival (28-29 March), and the new Adventure Fitness Retreat (visit www.fitadventure.com.au for dates).

With preparations underway for the launch of Mount Baw Baw’s famed white season, Flint is expecting further growth and visitation to the mountain.

“In addition to new snow play areas and a tube park, we have a range of newly refurbished accommodation which will be available as part of progressive upgrades across the mountain,” said Flint.

-ENDS-

For more information, please contact Royce:

Yumeko Leung Matthew Mahon P: 03 8628 9319 P: 03 8628 9311 M: 0402 127 903 M: 0413 101 860 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

About Mt Baw Baw: Mt Baw Baw alpine village is ’s closest downhill ski resort and offers a fun, safe and affordable snow experience. Situated at the Southern boundary of the , Mt Baw Baw boasts over 30 hectares of downhill terrain, seven lifts, two terrain parks, 10km of cross country ski trails, three snow play areas and unlimited terrain amongst the snow gums to explore. One tank of petrol is all it takes to get there and back from Melbourne as it is located just a 2.5 hour drive from Melbourne, 1 hour from the heart of Gippsland, and just over 3 hours from the Mornington Peninsula. For more information, visit mountbawbaw.com.au

www.mountbawbaw.com.au www.trailrunfestival.com.au www.adventurekids.com.au www.fitadventure.com.au