WHILE it’s been a very disappointing year for natural snow, the combination of four snow factories working throughout the season, plus the snowguns cranking on every night possible and the snow groomers doing their magic, has helped the resort have a surprisingly strong snow season.
“Arrival patterns vary enormously from year to year, with visitors coming later in 2019 after heavy snow through the middle of the season, and coming early in 2022 with the massive early season dumps,” Chief Operations Officer Mt Buller, Mark Bennetts said.
“Visitation was very strong at the start of the 2023 season, and the cumulative visitation this year has actually been higher than 2019 all the way through until now.
“As a result, businesses have had quite a successful season despite the low natural snowfall.
“And if we end up with an estimated 330,000 visitors for the season, it will actually be the equal sixth highest result in the past 40 years,” Mark said.
“What does that tell us?
“People love snow.
“So we’ll still save (snow) what we can after the lifts stop turning, and stockpile it for people to come back and enjoy in summer.
“We’ve also already started clearing trees and leaves from the mountain bike and walking trails, so we really look forward to people coming back and enjoying all the resort has to offer during the green season.
General Manager for Buller Ski Lifts (BSL) Noel Landry said: “The numbers about a season only tell part of the story, what our guests and our people take away from each winter are memories and experiences.
"With less snow on the ground than usual this season the team here in resort has worked that bit harder than ever to deliver great experiences day after day.
"As we head into Spring the Ski & Snowboard School is humming, the park is in superb shape, the snow factories are cranking and we’ll continue to deliver fun on the slopes for as long as the conditions allow," Noel said.
Marketing and Communications officer for BSL Rhylla Morgan said: “This is a great time for families and beginners to learn to ski.
“Bourke Street and Summit runs are still operating and with fewer numbers on the slopes it is the best time to relax and take in some quiet lessons.
“The spring snow (and the snow factories are still churning out the white stuff) makes it ideal for those who may be a little hesitant to take to the skis when there are crowds around.
“Twilight skiing is continuing on Wednesday and Saturday nights through to end of Season and you don’t need to purchase any further tickets if you have been skiing during the day,” Rhylla said.
For those dedicated snow lovers who come to Mt Buller each and every year and still have time to get to the slopes before October 1 they have an added bonus presently offered – everything on the mountain is 40 percent off.
That includes lift passes, but at this time does not include gate entry. A decision on discounted gate entry is yet to be made by Alpine Resorts Victoria (ARV.
“Spring skiing this time of year is quieter and with nice sunny days and discounted and specials on everything it makes the mountain more affordable for families wanting snow play and beginners,” Rhylla said.
Tobogganing will also continue on the Village Toboggan Park with a dedicated snow factory still working hard.
Kid’s Week may be a little dicey as far as good snow coverage but there will be additional activities planned to keep those littlies entertained if you have planned to be on Buller.
And of course there is still the Gnome Roam for the whole family to take in – just pick up a guide at the Clock Tower and follow the pathways to find those tricky little gnomes and their hiding spots – always a great time for mums, dads and kids to discover new corners.
