AS the snow season gets into full gear, religious services on the mountain are back up on Mt Buller.

It’s been 30 years since the Alpine Chapel opened, allowing visitors, workers and locals to attend religious services without going down the mountain.

The chapel was constructed over a period of more than 18 months with support from many sectors of the Mt Buller, Mansfield and Melbourne communities.

Significant support came from the Alpini Association – an organisation of Italian ex-servicemen who played a major role in building the chapel.

Catholic Parish Priest of Box Hill Very Reverend Father Tony Kerin said he remembered ARC Manager at Mt Buller Sandie Jeffcoat saying the chapel turned Mt Buller resort into a village.

“The chapel serves a really import purpose in the village,” Fr Tony said.

“It’s been a refuge for many people for a lot of times.

“There have been many art shows and music concerts there too.

“The biggest use of the Chapel has been when we had tragedies.”

Catholic services started last week for the 2023 snow season, with a memorial service held for skiers who passed away in the past 12 months, allowing people to remember those they did not get to remember.

Fr Tony has a significant connection to the area, as his parents lived in Mansfield for over 25 years.

“I’ve been the chaplain at the chapel since it opened in 1993,” he said.

A variety of priests will be making the journey from Melbourne and surrounds for the regular 6:30pm Catholic service on a Saturday evening.

“I find it very relaxing driving out of Melbourne,” Fr Tony said.

“I just listen to podcasts in the car.

“It’s nice to take your time [going up the mountain].”

Fr Tony also explained that, while there were no scheduled services, prayer rooms are available for people of other faiths.

“The chapel is multi-denominational now; it’s got a prayer space for Muslim people and is open to all,” he said.

“The chapel is the soul of the village.”