Mt Buller bids farewell to the Burnt Hut Triple Chairlift this year with planning already underway to replace it with a new electric powered fixed grip quad chair in readiness for the 2011 ski season.

The Burnt Hut chairlift was hit by a lightning strike during severe electrical storms on Sunday 28 February sparking a fire that destroyed the operator's hut and caused extensive damage to the lift drive and bottom station.

"The damage to Burnt Hut is too extensive to repair in time for winter 2010. It is extremely disappointing that this popular lift will not operate in 2010. Skiing and snowboarding will still be possible on the popular Burnt Hut Spur area but we need to form an operational plan when it is not possible to access the lift stations located at Chalet Creek. Despite the short term pain this is an opportunity for a long term gain by increasing the lifting capacity and the skier circulation in this very popular part of the resort" said BSL General Manager Laurie Blampied.

"We are already working on exciting new plans for a quad chair for 2011 featuring a new top station that provides better access to the Village and also provides access to a larger area for skiing and snowboarding"

"Our priority for this coming winter is to ensure we provide a great snow experience for visitors at Burnt Hut while the chairlift is out of action. We are already working on plans for how we can convert this area into a snow play zone and maintain a great beginner ski area for the upcoming ski season."

As part of the comprehensive annual lift inspection and maintenance program at Mt Buller this summer a recent examination of the Horse Hill Chairlift revealed the haul rope required replacement. The installation of a new haul rope will be carried out in the coming weeks in readiness for the opening of the ski season on the Queens Birthday in June.

For this reason the Horse Hill Chairlift is unavailable for mountain biking and sightseeing passengers during the Easter holiday, however the Holden Express Chairlift will be operating on both Easter Saturday and Sunday between 10am - 2pm to carry sightseers up and down the mountain.

Mt Buller maintains the largest lifting network in Victoria with 22 lifts across the resort including Australia's only 6-seater express chairlift.

For more information ahead of the 2010 ski season check back here for news and updates or sign up for snow alerts here.

Media enquiries: Please call Rhylla Morgan on 03 5777 7822 or email rhylla.morgan@skibuller.com.au