Events
Torch lit descent celebrates 100 years of skiing and promises to light up the mountain

JOIN the Ski Club of Victoria (SCV) and the Mt Buller community in celebrating the 100th anniversary of skiing on Mt Buller at this year's torch lit descent on Saturday, July 6.

"SCV members are honoured to be able to pay tribute to the club’s pioneer members who 100 years ago, laid the first tracks on this beautiful mountain," SCV general manager Pamela Durnin said.

"We look forward to marking this historic day with an amazing event for the entire Mount Buller community to enjoy," she said.

The first turns on skis were made on the mountain on July 6 1924 by a small group from the newly formed SCV.

The torchlit descent will feature at least 100 skiers carrying brightly lit torches down Bourke Street ski run with the majority of them current members of SCV.

"This will be a special Saturday night to remember and one our whole community will want to be a part of," said Buller Ski Lifts general manager Noel Landry.

"We are delighted to offer a free twilight session on Bourke Street for the evening and look forward to taking some laps to embrace the spirit of this 100 year celebration of skiing."

Prepare to be awed by an incredible spectacle as Bourke Street is illuminated with a torch-lit descent and fireworks display to mark this momentous occasion with Mt Buller Ski and Snowboard instructors leading the 'snake' of torches in a curving sweep down the run.

“The instructor team are honoured to participate and lead the torchlit descent to mark 100 years of skiing," said Ski & Snowboard School manager Ross Taylor.

"It’s a long-held tradition in ski resorts around the world to celebrate special occasions with torch runs and I can’t wait to see the lights and faces on the night,” said Mr Taylor.

The torch-lit descent will be staged during the twilight session on Bourke Street between 5pm and 8.30pm culminating with a spectacular fireworks display from the top of Bourke Street.

Twilight skiing and boarding will be free on the evening to celebrate the occasion, with public skiing and snowboarding paused as the ceremonial torch bearers descend the Bourke Street run.

Everyone is invited to join in twilight skiing and be part of the festivities.

The torchlit descent will be a fantastic experience for skiers and spectators alike with popular viewing areas along the run including Arlberg House, Le Roof, Harry Burns, ABOM and Cattleman’s Café.

Patrons will be able to spill out of the venues onto the ski run to take in the view while keeping warm with hot chocolates and cosy jackets, clapping as the skiers pass.

In resort guests are encouraged to enter into the spirit by waving glow sticks and donning head torches to add to the family-friendly experience.

Mt Buller offers free shuttle services within the village until 10pm and to the car parks until 9pm.

Dinner bookings in the resort are recommended.