Victoria’s Mt Buller advises of ongoing ski operations

July 16, 2020

Karen Sweaney

Victorian winter resort Mt Buller has advised of its ongoing operations ensuring access to its ski area and lessons for as long as conditions permit.

With Vail Resorts having last week suspend operations at Mt Hotham and Falls Creek due to latest COVID-19 outbreak, Mt Buller Resorts Chief Executive, Mark Bennetts and Buller Ski Lifts General Manager, Laurie Blampied have released a joint statement advising “this year has been incredibly tough on our community through fires and Coronavirus but we remain committed and determined in the face of this latest challenge to support the local people and those in our region who rely on tourism. The resort is maintaining a rigorous safety protocol and is ready to welcome regional Victorians to the mountains.

“We sincerely thank our valued guests from Melbourne and Mitchell Shire for their understanding as they stay home and we process refunds and changes. We look forward to when we can welcome everyone back once this challenge has passed.”

Blampied went on to advise “the decision to continue running ski lifts, lessons and snowmaking was reached with the well-being and livelihoods of our employees, the community and our guests in mind. Remaining open is not an easy decision however we believe it is in the best interests of our community and regional Victorians.

“Health and safety remains paramount as we carefully move forward in accordance with public health guidelines for the alpine industry, and to support our regional economy and the skiers and snowboarders of Victoria.

“The latest restrictions have impacted the number of visitors able to come to the resort in the next six weeks while the borders are closed and the lockdown is in place. Buller Ski Lifts acknowledges the support of the government as the alpine resorts have worked collaboratively to open safely during the pandemic for the benefit of residents and guests.”

Bennetts confirmed that the Mt Buller and Mt Stirling Resorts will remain open for visitors unless there is alternate direction from the Victorian Government, adding “we will continue to operate under our COVIDSafe Plan, providing the essential services that support the Mt Buller and Mt Stirling alpine community.

“We welcome the decision by Buller Ski Lifts to continue lift and snowmaking operations. While some businesses and lodges may not be able to continue operating through this next phase, we appreciate the commitment of those who decide to do so as we adapt to changes in visitation.”

Lift tickets for the remainder of the season are now available for purchase online while those people with season resort entry passes and season lift pass memberships can continue to use their passes if they are permitted to be within the resorts in accordance with the Coronavirus restrictions.

Bennetts and Blampied pointed out that people living in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire must follow the changed restrictions and stay home.

Those with bookings will be eligible for refunds and changes.

Images: Cold weather and clear skies has been ideal for snowmaking at Mt Buller this week with a cover of 21cms on the runs today and four lifts rolling for regional Victorian skiers and boarders. Images courtesy of Jordan Mountain.

About the author

Karen Sweaney

Editor, Australasian Leisure Management

Artist, geoscientist and specialist writer on the leisure industry, Karen Sweaney is Editor of Australasian Leisure Management. Based in Sydney, Australia, her specific areas of interest include the arts, entertainment, the environment, fitness, tourism and wellness.

She has degrees in Fine Arts from the University of Sydney and Geological Oceanography from UNSW.