Thredbo ski resort reopening in June with new social distancing rules

Skiers and boarders can prepare to hit the slopes this winter as the season is set to begin on June 22.

Thredbo and Charlotte Pass resorts welcomed the announcement from NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro, but said the season will be very different.

Thredbo Resort general manager Stuart Diver said the resort would reopen from June 22 and daily capacity would be reduced up to 50 per cent to allow for physical distancing and sanitation measures.

A 1.5 metre "ski tip to tail" rule would apply in lift queues and there would be a limit of two people per chairlift and one per T-bar. Only private lessons could go ahead and restaurants and bars would operate in alignment with government restrictions.

"Our revised operating model is necessary for us to operate within the NSW government's social distancing restrictions and capacity restraints, to allow us to open," Mr Diver said.

"We would really appreciate if guests could exercise patience as we navigate through the season and play their part in respecting social distancing requirements. We'll be communicating all safety messages to our guests prior to arrival and remind guests they should not visit the resort if they are unwell."

The announcement comes as regional non-essential travel will be allowed in NSW from Monday.

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Due to the capacity limits Mr Diver said guests would need to purchase passes before arriving at the ski fields.

Season pass holders would be offered the choice of a refund or credit for their pre-purchased passes and be provided with access to discounted day passes. Thredbo would be communicating with all season pass holders by June 4 in relation to their options.

Charlotte Pass Snow Resort said accommodation would be open from June 25 and expected mountain operations to begin on June 26.

Perisher Resort has not made an announcement yet.

Mr Barilaro said while many people were eager to return to the slopes, it was important visitors could enjoy themselves safely and responsibly.

Mr Barilaro said NSW Health and NSW Police were working with ski field operators, businesses, suppliers and industry associations to ensure safety measures were in place when the season began.

"These measures will mean that fewer people will be able to visit and stay at resorts this season, so it is essential that people book and confirm their travel arrangements and accommodation before they travel," he said.

Mr Barilaro said new measures would include maintaining physical distancing at resorts, limits to the number of people on ski areas, controlled access to ski lifts, increased cleaning of all facilities and no snowplay.

Australian Ski Areas Association chief executive officer Colin Hackworth said resorts were "disappointed to miss the traditional opening of the snow season on the June long weekend, but operators are looking forward to the season ahead and are busily preparing for the safe opening of the resorts from June 22".

• with Murray Trembath