Mt. Buller & Mt. Baw Baw Close Early: Victorian Ski Season Starts Wrapping Up

Mt. Buller & Mt. Baw Baw Close Early: Victorian Ski Season Ends Abruptly The 2024 ski season in Victoria, Australia, has been disappointing, and the decision to close early has surprised many skiers. On August 29, both Mt. Buller and Mt. Baw Baw announced that their lifts would stop running after Sunday, September 1, ending the snow season prematurely.This outcome was not entirely unexpected for those closely following resort updates. Last week, Mt. Buller canceled the FIS ABOM Moguls competition due to insufficient snow, which usually attracts international skiers. Some teams, like those from China and Japan, had planned to compete but had to settle for a smaller event at Perisher, which was shortened due to weather concerns.

A view of the main Mt Baw Baw trail showing mostly dirt, some skiers are still trying to make the most of it. Credit: Mt Baw Baw Resort Mt. Buller Ski Lifts explained that despite the mountain operations team's best efforts to make and move snow, the season would end at 5 pm on Sunday. As a result, resort entry and parking fees have been reduced to AUD 44 (USD 30) for the season's final days. Similarly, Mt. Baw Baw has lowered lift pass prices to AUD 44 and is offering free access to the toboggan park until Sunday. Those with pre-purchased passes for dates after September 1 can request refunds through the resort's website.Starting Friday, August 30, vehicles can enter the Mt. Buller Village without charge, and the requirement to carry wheel chains has been lifted. At Mt. Baw Baw, entry fees will be waived from September 2, though snow chains may still be required if conditions change.Currently, only a few areas remain operational: Bourke Street and Gliders carpet area at Buller, and Hut Run and the toboggan park at Baw Baw, depending on the weather. Unfortunately, the small amount of snow that fell during the last storm was not enough to extend the season. Despite two challenging seasons in a row, the resort teams have worked tirelessly to keep the slopes open as long as possible.

The runs at Mt Buller looking as bare as they do in late Spring or early Autumn. Credit: Mt Buller Webcams Looking ahead, Mt. Buller Resort Manager Alan Arthur expressed pride in his team's efforts and reflected on the season's challenges. Although the lack of snow was disappointing, especially during the resort's 100th year of skiing, the celebrations were memorable. The resort now shifts its focus to preparing for the 2025 winter season.This is the second consecutive year of below-average snowfall for Australian ski resorts. While climate change is a significant concern, the unfavourable weather patterns and warm winds this season were the main factors leading to the early closures. A recent heatwave further eroded the thin snow cover, marking the end of the Victorian ski season. Meanwhile, Perisher in New South Wales will close Guthega and Smiggins from September 1, though skiing will continue at Blue Cow and Perisher for the time being.In Australia, La Niña events typically bring more precipitation, but not always more snow, as warmer temperatures during these years can lead to rain even at higher elevations. Over the past few decades, most La Niña years have seen below-average snow depths, a trend likely exacerbated by climate change.