Thredbo e-store snowed under

Snowed under ... Thredbo's online store

Thredbo Resort’s e-commerce site got more than it bargained on the eve of the official opening to the ski season, as customer demand drove its web servers to breaking point.

The resort promoted a 50 per cent discount sale on lift tickets via social media channels on the Friday before the opening weekend. That, combined with good snowfalls and a music festival at neighbouring resort Perisher, resulted in a spike in website traffic that sent the systems into meltdown.

Customers, many of whom could not buy discount tickets, have flooded Facebook and Twitter to voice their displeasure, reporting waiting times of up to 45 minutes for a transaction. One Facebook post included a photo of a Commodore Vic-20 with the caption ‘Thredbo server’.

“Woah that was one amazing response, you certainly gave our eStore a workout — it's now very tired and emotional and having a rest,” the resort reported via its Facebook page. “We don't want any of you to miss out on this great deal so we will be letting you know how you can all get yours in the next couple of hours. Thanks for your patience.”

While some customers were left wondering whether the sale was a hoax, others came to the resort’s defence. When the problems continued throughout the day, the resort promised to extend the discount offer, which was due to run for just 12 hours.

“Hey guys, just letting you know the offer will be extended — will be back with more soon.”

The resort has updated its website with a Post-it message.

“eStore is current experiencing a bumpy run,” it reads. “We will be back on course soon.”