Safety in the Snow

The alpine environment has unique risks and requirements for staying safe. Watch the video below before your trip!

Preparing for your trip

• Check the weather forecast here so you know what conditions you are travelling in and are travelling to, or if the weather is going to change.
• Have a good breakfast, pack high energy snacks and don’t skip meals.
• Pack a change of clothes and wear the right gear for everyone, especially children. To find out what you need, click here.
• Know the signs of hypothermia and how to deal with it.
• Pack helmets if you are skiing, snowboarding or tobogganing.
• Take a First Aid Kit and if you have asthma, diabetes or a heart condition, make sure you are prepared.
• Tell someone where you are going.
• Charge your mobile phone and turn on your location tracker.
• Download the Mt Buller Ski app and plan your activities.
• Plan your activities so that they are suitable for your level of health and fitness

Preparing your car

• Ensure you put antifreeze and use alpine diesel fuel.
• Check your lights are working and your tyres are in good shape.
• Make sure you know you have snow chains, or where to get them and that you know how to put them on.

For more information and videos to help you prepare your car click here. 

Driving here

• Be aware of the conditions you will be driving in and how to drive in them.
• Don’t drive if you are tired, and allow enough time for travel and take breaks.

Further information and videos to help you drive safely are available here.

Being aware when here

• Watch the ‘RU Snowsafe’ video so you know how to stay safe while you have fun.
• Watch this video so you know what to do if you get lost.
• Keep an eye out for icy and slippery surfaces and walk carefully.
• Be aware of others on the ski slopes and make sure you know where the appropriate areas are for your activities.
• Be aware of changing weather conditions hazards such as falling branches, poor visibility, or wet conditions, and how to stay safe.
• Visit the Snowsafe website and watch their videos as it has all you need to know to make sure you are prepared and aware for a great trip away. 

USE YOUR HEAD - WEAR A HELMET

The Australian Ski Areas Association (ASAA) recommends the wearing of helmets by Australian skiers and snowboarders. Mt Buller supports this recommendation and encourages all skiers and snowboarders to wear a helmet and to educate themselves on the benefits and limitations of helmet usage.

All ski and snowboard rental packages from various rental outlets, including  Buller Sports, Black Mountain Equipment, George’s Ski Hire, Grimus Ski Centre and the Duck Inn include complimentary helmet hire as part of an ongoing commitment to safety for all guests.

All ski and snowboard instructors, race coaches and other seasonal program partner instructors are also required to wear an accredited helmet while on snow and providing instruction.

For more information on the Australian Ski Areas Association guidance on helmet use click here.

‘LIDS ON KIDS'

Helmets are compulsory for all children participating in any Ski & Snowboard School lesson or seasonal program. Children not wearing an accredited helmet will not be able to participate in skiing or snowboarding lessons, race training or coaching.

ALPINE RESPONSIBILITY CODE

The alpine environment is a beautiful destination for winter or summer holidays and a venue for many challenging and exciting activities including skiing and bushwalking. The alpine regions however, can be hazardous if visitors are careless or irresponsible. Download a copy of the Alpine Responsibility Code here.

This SnowSafe website has been published to provide essential information on how to enjoy the alpine environment in safety and comfort. Planning and preparation are the keys to having a safe and enjoyable experience and these concepts are reinforced throughout this website.