75 Years on the slopes

As we savour the final spring weeks of the 2025 season let’s take a moment to celebrate a milestone achieved by a special group of people: 75 years of continuous service by the Mt Buller Ski Patrol.

They are not a group to trumpet their achievements, but they are the longest-running ski patrol in Australia, and an important part of the safe operation of the ski area every season.

It’s a legacy that began humbly in 1949, when Maurice Selle, manager of the Ski Club of Victoria’s Ivor Whittaker Lodge, brought together a handful of volunteers to watch over skiers on the slopes of Mt Buller, which were becoming increasingly popular with Victorians embracing the sport of alpine skiing. By the following year, with support from the Red Cross, the Victorian Ski Patrol Corps was officially formed at Mt Buller. Their mission was simple – to ski strongly, know their first aid, and be ready to help at a moment’s notice.

Since then, generations of patrollers in distinctive jackets have taken up the call. They’ve swapped wooden skis for modern carving edges, rope tows for high-speed chairs, and the old “Chook Shed” base for today’s purpose-built ski patrol base, named in memory of Sandy Jeffcoat, a long time manager of the resort and great support of the ski patrol and alpine safety. They’ve introduced Akja sleds, radios, helicopters, and even snowboards into their toolkit – all while holding firm to the heart of the role: bringing people to safety when things don’t go to plan.

From the first female patroller in 1966 to international patrol exchanges, from midweek volunteers to today’s highly trained full-time team, the Mt Buller Ski Patrol has continually evolved and is still changing and improving today. Across 75 years, they’ve rescued more than 40,000 guests, including extensive searches for missing and injured people and rope rescues from the summit

As we wrap up the 2025 snow season and 75 years of ski patrol operations on Mt Buller, we salute the dedication, courage, and community spirit of the Mt Buller Ski Patrol. Their red jackets are a symbol to our community of safety and care – a reassuring presence that has watched over this mountain for three-quarters of a century and will continue to do for years to come.

Thank you to all who have been part of the ski patrol over the last 75 years and to the 2025 ski patrol team, including the newest trainee – Chilli the therapy dog!