New border bubble restrictions imposed by the Victorian government have excluded alpine resorts from sports and recreation exemptions, cutting the snow fields off from NSW patrons.
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This comes after just last week snowfields in Victoria were allowed to recommence operations and allow patrons to return if a negative COVID test could be provided.
But it is not quite panic stations for ski resorts and accommodation providers who see it as a way to save the ski season from a complete shut down.
Michaele Boemo at Dinner Plains Accommodation said that they would lose bookings but things could be worse.
"Ultimately it's annoying and yes it can be frustrating," she said.
"But if it's going to save the season from being shut down like it was last year it's going to save a lot of small businesses," she said.
"Cut off the hand to keep the arm.
"At the end of the day they've got to make calls that keep each state as safe as possible
"If it means losing a few bookings for the sake of being able to be open for the rest of the season, then that's unfortunately what has to be done."
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Under the new restrictions individuals may cross the border for sports activities, but alpine resorts are explicitly excluded.
Sarah Watt, director of marketing and communications with Falls Creek Ski Resort, said it was disappointing to lose out on NSW patrons but that it was a necessary step.
"Hopefully it's not for the rest of the season but we just don't know," she said.
"It's disappointing but we understand that it's about keeping our community safe and keeping our season open.
"We're sad not to have our NSW residents join us but it is for the safety of our community."
Albury mayor Kevin Mack said the changes to the bubble meant a large group of customers would be cut-off from the alpine region.
"I feel really sorry for the hard-working people up in the snow...the door's been shut on a significant population crossing and using the snowfields," he said.
"That was their last opportunity to get some numbers up there, but there you go."
Chief executive of Tourism North East Bess Nolan-Cook said that though the Border changes would come with uncertainty, they were important for community safety.
"Obviously from a visitation perspective it's a really tricky one because at the end of the day we are operating under unusual circumstances and it is a pandemic," she said.
"It's just one of those things that I think we need to adapt with as we learn to cope with the complexities of the operating environment.
"Tourism doesn't work if the community isn't working properly, so it's really important that we all continue to follow the rules and keep our community safe.
"The current restrictions and requirements to get a COVID test 72 hours before your arrival does place some challenges on the day market, but it's certainly better than being shut down."
