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How far is Mt Buller from Melbourne?
Mt Buller is approximately three hours from Melbourne by car, via Mansfield. It is the closest major ski resort to an international airport.
There are quite a few ways you can get to Mansfield from Melbourne, including via Whittlesea and Yea from Plenty Rd; along the Hume Hwy to Tallarook and then to Yea; along the Hume Hwy to the Benalla/Mansfield turnoff; or along the Melba Hwy through Yarra Glen to Yea and then on to Mansfield.
Why do I have to pay a resort entry fee?
A gate entry fee is levied on winter visitors to the resort in order to pay for resort infrastructure, the upkeep of the Village, carparking, clearing snow from the roads and the free Village shuttle bus.
Do I need to carry wheel chains for my car?
Yes, by law, chains must be carried at designated times in alpine areas. They can be hired in Mansfield, Merrijig and Mirimbah (at the base of the mountain just before you come through the resort's entry gate). You'll rarely need to use your chains but it is a good idea to ask how to fit them. Although fitting chains is quick and easy, Mt Buller also has qualified chain fitters on site who, are located at Chainbay 1 to assist guests with their chains.
I'm planning to visit on August 6, how much snow will there be?
It is impossible for us to predict exactly how much snow will be on the ground on a specific day, but history shows the peak snow pack is usually at the end of July and early August.
How many skiers can you handle in a day?
Mt Buller’s lift system can carry up to 40,000 skiers per hour, which is eight times the number of workers in the Rialto Towers. The resort can handle up to 10,000 skiers or boarders on any given day.
How many skiers visit Mt Buller in a season?
Last year, Mt Buller had more than 500,000 visitor days.
What do I do if I want to take a ski or snowboard lesson?
It's easy to book in for a lesson at the Ski & Snowboard School where you can get some great advice from the team on the right level and lesson for you. You can also pre-purchase your lesson with your lift ticket - just ask at any ticket counter.
Mt Buller has a FREE 2 hour Discover lesson included with a 1 Day liftpass which is ideal for beginner skiers and boarders. Find out more here.
There are also many options for group lessons and private tuition - chat to an instructor and find the lesson for you!
How do I get to the Ski & Snowboard School?
The Ski & Snowboard School is located halfway up Bourke Street on the left side of the Blue Bullet Chairlift.
Once you have purchased a lift ticket or collected hire equipment, first timers or those who are not yet confident to ride the lift can take the free Village shuttle (red route) to the Ski & Snowboard School. The shuttle picks up every few minutes and there is a bus stop located in the Village, next to Cow Camp, outside the Kooroora. You can also follow the signs at the base of the Blue Bullet Chairlift and walk through the Magic Forest, entering through the Magic Forest entrance.
Bluff View is located opposite the Blue Bullet Chairlift. Take the free Village shuttle (blue route) to the Arlberg Hotel and walk across Bourke Street to the meeting place.
How much accommodation is available on the mountain?
Mt Buller has more than 7000 on-mountain beds - more than any other Victorian resort. With options from simple hostel accommodation right through to luxury hotel suites there is something for everyone. Step out your front door and onto the slopes without wasting a moment!
How much snow can you make?
When running at full capacity Mt Buller's snowmaking system can make enough snow to fill two 44 gallon drums every second. That's 120 drums per minute and 7200 drums per hour. The snowmaking system covers an area 36 times larger than the MCG arena.
How much water do you use to make snow?
Our snowmaking system can pump 220 litres of water per second, which creates 440 litres of snow. In the right conditions and temperatures the Mount Buller system can convert 720,000 litres of water to snow every hour.
Is snowmaking bad for the environment?
No. Our snowmaking system is totally natural, using air and water to make snow. On occasion we add a nucleating agent called Snowmax to the water which helps the crystals form but it is a naturally occurring enzyme. All the water used in snowmaking is returned to the environment when the snow melts at the end of the season. Back in 2005, Mt Buller replaced its diesel compressors with electric models, which are more efficient, cleaner and quieter.
Will we still be able to ski in 10 years due to global warming?
Absolutely. Research conducted by the CSIRO and contained in the State Government’s 20/20 strategy shows that Australia’s higher altitude ski resorts such as Mt Buller will still be operating in 20 years. There may be an increasing reliance on manmade show in the coming years but Mt Buller has invested heavily in its snowmaking system to ensure we will still be able to continue to produce snow if natural falls decline.
Is Buller just a mountain for beginners?
Absolutely not. Mt Buller has a wide mix of terrain to appeal to all skiers and boarders, from beginners to experts. Our terrain mix is 25% advanced, 45 % intermediate and beginner 30% with everything from groomed runs to steeps, moguls and off-piste thrills.
Do I have to buy a ticket if I want to use the terrain park and not ride the lift?
Yes. The cost of a lift ticket does not only go towards lift operations but also snowmaking and grooming which are used in the terrain park, Ski Patrol, insurance and the purchase of rails and park features.
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