Tobogganing is changing...

Toboggans are no longer permitted to be brought into the Mt Buller village in new changes to snowplay this season.  They will be provided for use within the toboggan parks only.  

Tobogganing is great fun for kids and families, especially those who are visiting the snow for the first time. Mt Buller has announced plans to make this much-loved winter activity as safe, fun and affordable as possible from the start of the 2022 snow season.

Resort CEO Mark Bennetts explains – “Interest in snow amongst the growing Melbourne population has generated issues in recent years that impact the safety and enjoyment of people coming to enjoy a snow holiday. Despite the many warning signs, an increasing number of people have been tobogganing in the ski area where they risk serious injury. Overcrowding in the toboggan parks can impact safety and the guest experience. And people visiting for the day have to lug their toboggans around with them, even when they’re wanting to enjoy other aspects of their trip to the snow”.

Rather than following Thredbo in banning toboggans altogether, the Resort Management Board is taking a different approach focused on making tobogganing as safe and fun as possible.

Building on the approach taken at resorts such as Mt Baw Baw and Courchevel in France, the resort is moving to a “pay-to-slide” model where complimentary toboggans are provided within the two toboggan parks, right where they can be used - just like in a water park. This model is being adopted after a lengthy consultation period with stakeholders and careful consideration by the Resort Management Board.

“Rather than hiring toboggans for up to $20 each or bringing one from home, there will be a fee of $15 per person, with free access for kids under 100cm when accompanied by a paying adult. This will provide unlimited access to both parks, subject to capacity limits to avoid overcrowding and safety issues.” said Mr Bennetts.

“Visitors will book a specific session for guaranteed usage. Their ticket will then allow them to return for further sessions at either park before or after that session, subject to park capacity limits”.

Mr Bennetts continued “Visitors will be able to purchase toboggan park tickets online or at a number of on-mountain outlets close to the toboggan parks including George's Ski Hire, Altitude Kooroora, Black Mountain, Buller Sports Central and Celia's Shop & Cafe, where they can also hire or buy clothing and other essentials. The venues in Mansfield include Alzburg Resort, Buller Sports Mansfield and Pullins Snowsports. A toboggan will be ready and waiting for visitors in the toboggan parks, which they simply leave in the park when they want a break to roam around the village or enjoy a hot chocolate.”

“People with a valid Mt Buller lift pass will be able to use the toboggan parks free of charge, subject to park capacity limits. Tobogganing will continue to be banned outside the two toboggan parks, and visitors will not be able to carry toboggans on any form of resort transport to further reduce the chances of issues in the ski area.”

While good news for visitors, Mr Bennetts said that the Board is conscious that the changes could impact retail outlets on and off-mountain who have previously been hiring toboggans - “Changes like this are not easy for anyone, and we’re trying to minimise the impact where possible. For example, we’re working on a toboggan “buy back” scheme where we might acquire and recycle toboggans from hire outlets from Mansfield to Mt Buller if they would like to dispose of their stock.”

There are no changes to the tobogganing arrangements at Mt Stirling.

Enquiries to Matt Elliott, Sales & Development Manager, RMB.