Climate change

The impacts of climate change are already being experienced across Australia. With continued changes in the frequency, severity and intensity of climaterelated hazards and events, alpine regions are projected to experience climate-driven losses in ecosystems, landscapes and culture.

In accordance with our legislative obligations, ARV recognises the need for a proactive approach to adapting to evolving climatic conditions to maintain the alpine region’s recreational, economic and ecological integrity.

ARV is committed to driving resilience and building on the adaptability that has long defined alpine resorts, providing a forward-looking framework for guiding adaptation across the resorts over the next 10 years.

In the face of rising temperatures, declines in rainfall and natural snow falls, more extreme and frequent climatic events and increased number of extreme fire weather days, it has never been more important to work with industry partners and innovators to identify and capitalise on opportunities, new technologies and diversification of offerings.

Key to this is unified effort to future-proof energy and water systems, support world-leading snow management, tap into the growing demand for sustainable tourism, build climate resilient infrastructure and promote the sector as a whole.

Financial sustainability

The resorts’ income reduced significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and cash reserves have not been able to be replenished. As such, the resorts continue to operate in deficit, exacerbated by the long-term deficits at Lake Mountain and Mt Baw Baw, and poor snow seasons in 2023 and 2024.

Ongoing support from the Victorian State Government through a Treasury Letter of Comfort arrangement, conditional on limiting expenditure to essential operating items, has enabled ARV to meet its financial obligations and ensured continued operations while it develops a pathway to financial sustainability.

This includes maintaining operations at Lake Mountain and Mt Baw Baw, which have operated in deficit for more than 20 years while subsidised by Government. ARV has implemented significant operational changes to increase revenue and reduce operating costs, but the resorts continue to need financial support.

As the private sector may be better placed to operate these resorts and generate tourism offerings that benefit the local and regional economies, ARV has tested the market through an Expression of Interest. The results will be known in 2025.

Aboriginal self-determination

The alpine country within Victoria is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape. This includes the traditional country of three Registered Aboriginal Parties:

  • Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation
  • Taungurung Land and Waters Council and
  • Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.

There are other First Nations groups that also have connection to and assert interest and rights in alpine country, particularly the lands on which Falls Creek Alpine Resort operates.

ARV is committed to supporting self-determination and an integral part of our strategy is partnering with Traditional Owners in the management of the resorts, and in matters of policy development, planning and decision-making where and when the Traditional Owners determine that aligns with their objectives and priorities.

Page last updated: 21/04/26