Mount Buller, Australia
Introduction
Mt. Buller is 850 hectares of riding pleasure, with 25 lifts that would, in a perfect world, whisk 40,000 snowboarders per hour up the 400m vertical rise so they could make the best of Victoria's largest trail system. 'Buller' as it is affectionately known is the closest major resort to Melbourne so weekend riding is not recommended, unless you enjoy lift lines and busy slopes. The terrain mix at Buller will keep all levels of rider amused for sometime, with an even spread between all levels.
New for season
2008: AU$6million on Australias first 6-seater chairlift. $500k spent on snowmaking.
2007 season Snowmaking
Mt Buller has invested $3.4 million on an ultra filtration water recycling plant. The resort will become the worlds first ski resort to use recycled water for snowmaking, by improving the quality of effluent to drinking water standards.
Buller Ski Lifts has also invested $250,000 in the installation of a snowmaking system that runs the length of the Summit Chairlift. Automation and computerization of snowmaking infrastructure, combined with the commissioning of more efficient snow guns is expected to increase efficiency by up to 30% in 2007
2006: $4 million spent on improvements including $1million on snowmaking system. Expansion and new layout of park, purchase of Park Bully groomer.
2005: $2million spent on new quad-chairlift.
2004: earth-shaped FIS spec 100m halfpipe, and $750k of new snow cannons
Resort Statistics
Resort Type:
Alpine
Winter: June to October
Summer: None
Lifts
Total Lifts: 25
Chair lifts: 14
Drag lifts: 8
Other lifts: 3 Magic carpets
Max people per hour: 40,000
Board Leashes required: No
Mountain
Total pistes/trails: 19
Total ride area: 50miles (80km)
Longest run: 1.6miles (2.5km)
Top lift: 1790m
Vertical drop: 400m
First lift: 1390m
Piste suitability
Green runs: 25%
Red runs: 45%
Black runs: 30%
Lift Passes
Lift Passes:
Day pass $88 or $140 inc board hire
3 Day pass - $242
5 Day pass - $388
Season pass $1230
Lift times:8.30am to 5.00pm
Snowfall
Average annual snowfall: 1.5m
Artificial snowmaking coverage: 15%
Facilities
Night Riding: :
Bourke Street on Wednesdays and Saturdays
from 7pm until 10pm. $16
Snowboard Schools:
3hr lesson & day pass $124
5 days lift pass + 3x2hr lessons $499
55min private lesson $103, full day $539
Heliboarding: :
Not available
Snowmobiles:
Not available
