Giving the Mountain a Spring Clean

A busy winter leaves its mark on the mountain, so every spring our crew heads out to clear it. It’s a job we take seriously, and one of the most important days on our calendar.

On Thursday 17 September, around 70 staff from Buller Ski Lifts and Alpine Resorts Victoria (ARV) linked arms for the annual post-season clean up, held a little earlier than usual this year. Together they removed 90 bags of litter weighing 350kg, not everything in those bags was what you’d expect.

The reason it matters most is the mountain itself. Mt Buller's alpine environment is a delicate one, and the plants and animals that live here depend on it staying that way.

"The unique alpine environment has a lot of fragile ecosystems, and the flora and fauna that are endemic to the mountains need a little helping hand protecting their home. Giving back to the mountain that gives so much to us is something our team is proud to do," said Kylan Verdonk, Safety and Environmental Officer.

Litter that sits under the snow all winter doesn't stay out of the way once it melts, so getting it out early is part of looking after the place we love.

Hosting thousands of guests each winter is the best part of our year. Cleaning up after the season is the part we never skip. And yes, the lost property department would like a word.

Among the skis, rubber matting and chimney flutes, the crew turned up two street signs, a fridge drawer, a scattering of Lego and a TV antenna. If your lodge lost reception this winter, we may have found the culprit. Then there’s the gloves. Always one, never a pair. Our crew’s unofficial matchmaking service reports another disappointing season: plenty of singles, no couples. If you’re missing the other one, we’d love to reunite you, though it may be a long shot.

For everyone who got out there and stuck into it, thankyou. Your mountain looks better for it. If you’re visiting us this green season, spare us the lonely glove. If you spot rubbish, pop it in the bin and give the mountain., and everything that calls it home a hand.