Spring skiing doesn’t always get the love it deserves. By September, plenty of skiers have packed away their gear and moved on to warmer pursuits like mountain biking or surfing. But those who stick it out, or better yet, make the pilgrimage south, know that spring at Mt Buller offers some of the most relaxed, rewarding turns of the season.
This year, my mate Zach and I road tripped all the way from Brisbane to Buller. Two days in the car, a quick stop in Sydney, then a night in Mansfield at the Delatite Hotel, where the food was absolutely spot on after a long day behind the wheel. Mansfield’s a great launch pad, one last pitstop before the mountain, and the next morning we were winding up the alpine road, stoked to finally see some snow on the horizon.
Straight to the Slopes
First order of business: rentals from Buller Sports Central. Smooth and hassle free, and the gear had us sorted in no time. We checked into the ABOM, which sits literally on Bourke Street with the lifts right outside the door. From the moment we rolled into the village, we were on snow within two hours, not bad considering the 2 day drive there.
We spent that first afternoon lapping Bourke Street, Standard, Wombat, and Little Buller Spur. For spring, the snow was holding up really well with just the odd patch of grass showing through here and there, and with the sun on our backs, it felt like skiing in our own private resort. The day wrapped up with après beers at happy hour, exactly as it should.
Bluebird Mornings & Quiet Runs
Day two started strong. Blue skies, quiet slopes, and a cruisy vibe that spring skiing does best. We went straight up to Standard for an early run, then ducked into Harry Burns for a coffee once it had opened. The rest of the morning was spent exploring the same favourites plus a few laps off Summit. By midday, the clouds rolled in, but by two o’clock we were back out again, milking the day for all it was worth. Dinner was at the Kooroora Hotel, a Buller classic, with burgers, beers and pool to top off another full day.
A Surprise Powder Day
Saturday turned it on. We woke up to fresh snow, about 10-20 centimetres, and while the early runs were a little icy, the sun broke through to reveal some of the best spring conditions I’ve ever had. With empty slopes, fresh turns, and that perfect balance of soft snow and sunshine made it one of those days you don’t forget.
Why Mt Buller is great for Aussie spring skiing
So what makes Buller the pick for spring? First up, access, it’s the closest major resort to Melbourne, which makes sneaking in a late season trip easy. The village sits high on the mountain, so you’re staying right among the action with ski-in, ski-out options like ABOM that get you onto the runs within minutes. Buller also has the right mix of terrain: mellow groomers like Bourke Street that hold up well in softer spring snow, plus steeper runs off Summit and Standard when you want to push it. Add in the buzzing après scene at Kooroora, ABOM, and around the village, and you’ve got the complete package. For younger Aussies chasing quiet runs, warm sunshine, and the chance of a cheeky spring powder day, Buller is hard to beat.
