By STEVE BELLI,

Mt Hotham Chamber of Commerce president

THIS 2021 season has been a ride!

We don't know when we are on or off, lockdown or not, and who can come and when.

As I wrote this in mid–August we were able to have our regional guests coming but unable to have our Melbourne friends join us because of the latest COVID lockdown

The mountains are hugely social and having major gaps in our owner market, seasonal market and restrictions for Melbourne continues to be a source of stress and disappointment for our community up here.

We are a unique market where most of our operators rely on making their living on three to four months of the year.

With lockdowns, we are again faced with an uncertain future.

We appreciate we are not the only ones but do highlight our ability to trade in a short amount of the year as compared to other industries.

The merry–go–round of opening and closing has taken its toll on staff with some leaving and others being temporarily paused and then given a short amount of time to gear up before opening again.

The good news is we are open, we have lifts spinning, we have hire/retail and food and beverage going to look after you, our valued guests.

Here’s to rest of the season, whatever that maybe, and we look forward to seeing you here when you are able.

NB: Steve runs a number of businesses at Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain during the ski season.