THE news in early June that Selwyn Snow Resort would not be able to open for the 2022 winter season shocked the snow industry as it appeared everything was on track for their scheduled July 2 opening.
THE unprecedented huge snowfall that everyone else welcomed with open arms proved to be Selwyn's nemesis, with Blyton Group general manager Lucy Blyton telling Sky News “we were devastated, it really is gutting”.
“The cruel irony of it all that our resort was wiped out by bushfire and now we can't open because of too much snow. It really is a cruel, cruel hand we've been dealt by mother nature,” said Lucy.
The resort was on track to open but with over a metre of snow and still key outside work to be completed it became an impossible task.
“We had two main items that needed to be completed in order to get the resort operational and that was the sewerage and wastewater system plant and also the main switchboard. So those are pretty critical things to get the resort open and you need a clear run of weather and clear ground to get them up and running as well. So unfortunately, we just couldn't get there. So unfortunately, we had to make that devastating call.”
As work progressed in the months leading up to winter the resort was so close to the finish line. Main building works were complete with final fit out in progress and stocking all under way.
“We promise it will be 100% open and the product we’ll be delivering will be world class. It will be the newest ski resort in the world.”
Selwyn's general manager Angela Murdoch was there through the bushfires and said thank you to the incredibly hard-working teams continuing to rebuild Selwyn and to our tight-knit community who continues to band together.
“After exploring all options and deciding that it’s not possible to open this season, I look forward to welcoming our guests back to enjoy Selwyn in 2023, knowing the hard work, sweat and tears we have poured into rebuilding," said Angela.
The statement on their Facebook page announcing the news said they were deeply saddened to find themselves in this situation which was only mirrored by the snow community who were all looking forward to welcoming Selwyn back this season.
The resort stated, "We understand that this announcement will impact our guests in different ways, and we appreciate your understanding and patience. All guests who have purchased products from Selwyn Snow Resort will be refunded in full”.