MOUNT Buller resort management has announced that starting from this season, they are moving to a "pay–to–slide" model for tobogganing.
There will now be a fee of $15 per person to access the two toboggan parks, and guests will no longer be able to hire or bring their own toboggans, but will be provided one with their paid entry.
Management said this model is being adopted after a consultation period and careful consideration by the Resort Management Board (RMB) and see it being similar to a water park, where the toboggans are provided right where they are used.
"Interest in snow among the growing Melbourne population has generated issues in recent years that impact the safety and enjoyment of people coming to enjoy a snow holiday," resort chief executive officer Mark Bennetts said.
"Despite the many warning signs, an increasing number of people have been tobogganing in the ski area where they risk serious injury.
"Overcrowding in the toboggan parks can also impact safety and the guest experience."
He also said that rather than following Thredbo in banning toboggans altogether, RMB is taking a different approach, building on the approach taken at resorts such as Mt Baw Baw and Courchevel in France.
"Rather than hiring toboggans for up to $20 each, there will be a fee of $15 per person, with free access for kids under 100cm when accompanied by a paying adult," said Mr Bennetts.
"This will provide unlimited access to both parks, subject to capacity limits of 125–150 people per park at any one time to avoid overcrowding and safety issues
"On days when the parks are likely to be particularly busy such as Saturdays during school holidays, visitors will have the opportunity to book a specific session at one park when they will have guaranteed usage.
"Their ticket will also allow them to use both parks before and after that session, subject to park capacity limits."
Visitors will be able to purchase toboggan park tickets online or at a number of on–mountain outlets close to the toboggan parks and a small number of off–mountain outlets are also expected to be involved.
People with a valid Mt Buller lift pass will also be able to use the toboggan parks free of charge, subject to park capacity limits.
Tobogganing will continue to be banned outside the two toboggan parks, and visitors will not be able to carry toboggans on any form of resort transport.
Though there was consultation with the community, early feedback has been mixed, with several retailers unhappy with the changes, some also claiming that safety isn't the true reason for changes.
"We're not happy," said a Mansfield industry insider, who asked not to be named.
"We were requested our opinion on this 12 months ago and we voiced that it was wrong, but it has happened anyway.
"It's going to get a hell of a lot more expensive for parents and grandparents taking their kids to the snow.
"Because no one goes as a whole family or group and hire a toboggan for every single person – they get one or two to share and spend the time together, whether everyone is sliding down or not.
"And now they've just told us – you can't hire toboggans anymore.
"It's just wrong.
"I'm not just upset about the money – but that is more significant than what you may think.
"We have 50 toboggans here and there are days when they are all hired out at $15 each.
"But then there's the knock on effect from that – while they're here to get them, they will also grab other stuff.
"I'm sure there are rare safety concerns, but overall I think it's a financial move."
Mr Bennetts said that the board is conscious that the changes could impact retail outlets on and off–mountain.
"Changes like this are not easy for anyone, and we're trying to minimise the impact where possible," he said.
"For example, we're working on a toboggan 'buy back' scheme where we might acquire and recycle toboggans from hire outlets."
There are no changes to the tobogganing arrangements at Mt Stirling.
