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Buller on a roll for 2020

snow action team 02.06.2020

Buller is on a roll for 2020 with plenty of positive news virus or no virus!

Headline on snow is the snowmaking upgrade as the storage reservoir is virtually finished. Fencing is being installed, and power will be connected to the two new pump stations on 18 June. Further finishing works will occur next summer. The project has been 10 years in the making and is a game-changer for Mt Buller.

Following right along from investment in two snow factories, it allows Buller to be as assured as it’s possible to be these days of having skiable snow over a longer season. While all us legends-in-our-own-ski-mind might not think Buller kosher till the Summit Chutes kick in, for the 5 million practically on the doorstep in Melbourne who just want to have fun it’s a huge boon knowing they can.

Night snowmaking at Mt Buller
More of this on tap this season © Andrew Railton / Mt Buller

The 100 megalitre reservoir boosts capacity for Buller’s ever growing snowmaking network, plus supplies water for the village and firefighting if required. You can take a look at the reservoir anytime from the Boggy Creek Snocam.

Over summer snowmaking was installed on Standard Run, and on the lower section of Men’s Downhill, ready to be activated when the time is right.

ABOM 6 seat express lift at Buller
Silver lining dept: COVID restrictions will see less people on the slopes © Andrew Railton / Mt Buller

A new ski trail – the Boggy Creek Traverse – is also complete.

Enhancing the flow around the ski area with a cruisy link between the bottom of Summit Slide and the Grimus chairlift across to the base of the Bonza chairlift, skiers and boarders can anticipate an easier slide over to the Little Buller and Wombat runs, and less effort to access the summit area following improvements associated with the new reservoir.

Buller CEO Laurie Blampied explains, “We’ve taken the opportunity to use fill from the reservoir within the construction footprint to re-contour the terrain and make getting to your favourite runs easier. The new skiways will deliver a smoother flow for skiers and boarders to traverse with less skating and effort.”

This gentle connecting trail meanders through the snow gums offering stunning views to the north and will be popular with intermediates wishing to loop between the summit area and northern slopes. The new trail makes the traverse to the northside a breeze, and will help keep more skiers and boarders on the move. The construction and landscaping on the traverse is completed ready for winter including revegetation with native plants and soil preserving techniques.

Well that’s a bit fancy .. © Mt Buller

The Village Square has been transformed by the Kooroora redevelopment, finished over summer. This sees new apartments, retail spaces and a walkway through to The Avenue.

New Boggy Creek Travers trail at Mt Buller
New Boggy Creek Traverse trail, just add snow..© Mt Buller

Latest advice heading to Buller for LWE:

Resort entry: All vehicles entering the resorts from midday Friday 5 June are required to have a resort entry permit. The up-hill lane on Mt Buller Road will be closed from 5 June and all vehicles (including those with village or season permits), must stop at resort entry. This will help us manage capacity in accordance with the Victorian Governments’ public health measures. 
Day visitor vehicle numbers may be capped on a daily basis through the season to help us manage capacity. These caps may vary based on the weather and factors such as the expected demand for access to indoor public space. 
From 5 to 22 June, the maximum number of day vehicle permits has been set at 200 for Mt Buller and 30 for Mt Stirling, and will be revised thereafter. The number of day vehicle permits available at any point in time can be seen when booking online here. 
Wheel chains: All vehicles staying overnight from Friday 5 June are required to carry wheel chains. Day visitors will be advised via the wheel chain declaration
Village 4WD & AWD access: Vehicles must have a valid permit to access the village from midday 5 June. Village permit invoices have been sent along with information on where to get snow tyres checked (which includes resort entry). Tradespeople working in the resorts will be able to continue accessing the resort and village free of charge until 22 June, as long as they have a 4WD or AWD vehicle.
On-mountain transport: Ride share (formerly known as taxi) transfers from the overnight car parks will commence on Friday 5 June, and car park shuttles will commence on Saturday 6 June. The Village shuttle will not be operating this season. 
Skiing, snowboarding & tobogganing: The ski area and snowplay parks are closed, and these activities are not permitted until further notice.
Food & beverage, retail & accommodation: You can keep up to date on venues that are open via the website here.
Snow clearing: The Mt Buller Rd and village roads will be cleared as required between 6am-6pm until 22 June, with full clearing services commencing from 22 June

More on the Buller Family & Buller Terrain

Australia’s only family owned ski resort, Buller’s staff are pretty much family too. Our series on Buller’s Village People recognised some of them a few years back – like Nick Reeves & George Aivatoglou

There’s a rumour been spread in these parts Buller has Australia’s best terrain too.

powder skiing at Buller
Some say Buller has Australia’s best resort terrain © Andrew Railton