Mt Buller Resort | Mountain Review | Australia
Located in the stunning Victorian Alps, Mt Buller is one of Australia's most popular ski resorts. With its beautiful alpine scenery, a quaint snow covered mountain village, wide range of skiing and snowboarding for every ski level, and vibrant après-ski scene, it's no wonder that Mt Buller attracts thousands of visitors every winter.
In this video we will go through a complete overview of Mt Buller and cover everything from the history, the resort zones, the lift and terrain, lift ticket pricing, lodging options, après scene and location. If you have visited Mt Buller let us know your thoughts in the comments and if you want to learn more keep watching or check out Mt Buller along with plenty of other ski resorts on our website SnowStash.com
History: The history of Mt Buller ski resort dates back to the early 20th century. The area was first explored by skiers in the 1920s, and in 1923, a group of enthusiasts established the Mount Buller Ski Club, making it the first ski club in Australia. In the following years, the construction of ski lodges began, and the resort started to attract more visitors. The first rope tow was installed in 1939, providing easier access to the slopes. However, the development of the resort was interrupted during World War II. After the war, Mt Buller experienced significant growth in the 1950s and 1960s as ski lifts were installed, and additional lodges were built to accommodate the increasing number of skiers. In 1954, the first chairlift was installed, marking a major milestone for the resort. Throughout the years, Mt Buller continued to expand its facilities and improve its infrastructure. More lifts, including high-speed and express options, were added to the resort. The village area saw developments in terms of accommodations, restaurants, and shops, catering to the needs of visitors. Today, Mt Buller is the most popular ski resort in Victoria, offering a wide range of ski slopes, terrain parks, and winter activities.
Resort Size & Terrain Breakdown: The ski resort is located near the summit of the Mt Buller and due to its locations the resort is split into two distinct areas being the Northside and the South side of the mountain. The village is located in a central zone with the majority of the beginner terrain being located just above the village. The resort is home to an extremely diverse footprint when it comes to the skiable terrain. Home to over 740 acres of terrain Mt Buller is the perfect place to either learn how to ride or progress your skills, either skiing or snowboarding.
Beginner: Mt Buller is the perfect place to learn how to ski or snowboard and we would recommend taking lessons from the ski school as they will have you perfecting turns and unloading from chairlifts on your first day. If you are to simply look at the trail map and head for the green zones you will likely find yourself stuck on Bourke Street which is one of the busiest ski trails in Australia, a daunting experience for anyone who is trying to learn.
Intermediate: The resort really comes alive for anyone who can confidently take on an intermediate blue trail with 45% of the 85 marked trails being graded intermediate. Located on both sides of the resort riders will find perfectly groomed trails where you can perfect your turns. Our top picks are Little Buller Spur and Wombats run, two of the longest trails at the resort and for riders looking to test their skills we recommend Summit slide which typically isn’t groomed and could be your first introduction to moguls.
Advanced & Expert: 35% of the 85 trails at Mt Buller are graded for advanced through to expert and the benefit to this is that they are located all over the resort. Looking for long mogul runs then head to Lydia’s Lift. Wanting to take on more technical terrain then the whole south face zone has plenty of trails which are all advanced as well as 3 lifts servicing the terrain. Those looking for the extra challenge can get onto the summit lift then take the short 10 minute hike to the summit of Mt Buller, from here you can hit moguls, chutes, cliffs and steeps. Expert riders can take on the Mt Buller chutes however this terrain is outside of the ski boundary and is not managed by patrol, enter at your own risk.
Lift System: With 20 lifts, Mt Buller proudly houses the newest and largest lift network in Victoria. Among these are two high-speed six-packs, an express quad, and a variety of fixed-grip quads, triples, doubles, t-bars, and magic carpets. While the number of trails at the mountain resort may not fully utilize this extensive lift system, the advantage lies in ensuring riders are evenly distributed throughout the mountain. The only areas where we have witnessed queues forming are at the base of the Wombat lift and the Bourke Street Express. However, it is to be expected, as the latter is the sole lift which takes riders out of the village, and the situation has certainly improved since the upgrade to the new six-pack express.
Terrain Parks: Mt Buller boasts an impressive terrain park setup, complete with its own t-bar that enables uninterrupted park laps. The Skyline Park offers a range of medium to large features, challenging even the most experienced park riders. Beginners, on the other hand, can enjoy the Kofflers terrain park, designed with small rollers, jumps, boxes, and rails. In the spring season, when sufficient natural snowfall permits, Mt Buller usually constructs the summit terrain park, although in recent years, it has consisted of a single big air jump.
Lift Tickets: A lift ticket at Mt Buller provides complete access to all lifts and trails, with prices typically ranging from $130AUD to $195AUD, depending on the day of the week or month within the season. Child lift tickets range from approximately $69AUD to $119AUD. The pricing for Mt Buller lift tickets is subject to variability, and the ski resort's website is the best source for real-time pricing. During peak seasons and holiday weekends, daily rates can reach close to $200AUD. Mt Buller is also accessible with the IKON pass, allowing pass holders to visit the mountain up to 7 times per season before receiving a 50% discount on additional days. It's worth noting that these days are shared between Mt Buller and Thredbo Resort in New South Wales.
Seasons: Snowfall in Australia typically begins in mid-May, aligning with ideal temperatures for snowmaking. Thanks to its exceptional snowmaking system, Mt Buller guarantees riding during the opening weekend in June. The pinnacle of the season occurs during the July school holidays, while the best winter conditions are found in August and early September. Subsequently, the resort transitions into spring operations during the final weeks of September and early October.
On Mountain Amenities: While exploring the mountain, there are numerous opportunities to pause and enjoy a hot drink, snack, or a delightful lunch. One of our top recommendations is the Tyrol Mountain House, known for its European atmosphere and breathtaking views. For a perfect spot to unwind with a drink and snack, Kofflers Hutt with its spacious balcony and stunning resort summit views is highly recommended. Additionally, riders can find a buffet-style restaurant at Spurs, located at the summit of the Northside Express. If you're seeking a quick drink or snack, there are convenient kiosk-style huts situated at central junctions throughout the resort.
Lodging: Boasting one of the most charming mountain villages in the country, Mt Buller offers an impressive selection of ski-in ski-out accommodations. Visitors to the resort have a range of options, including shared ski lodges, private hotel rooms, and multi-room apartments that can comfortably accommodate entire families or groups of friends. While on snow accommodation tends to be on the expensive side, with an average nightly cost well above $600, the advantage is being the first in line for the lifts. Those seeking more budget-friendly alternatives can choose to stay off the mountain in Merrijig or Mansfield, where larger homes are available, along with access to more cost-effective amenities.
Après Scene: When the lifts stop turning at Mt Buller, the village springs to life as the sun begins to set. The bars and restaurants become vibrant hubs of activity, ensuring the fun doesn't end. One of our top recommendations is the Kooroora Hotel, which recently underwent a multimillion-dollar refurbishment and offers fantastic pub-style food. After a day on the slopes, there's nothing better than indulging in some après-ski activities. Mt Buller features a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and bars where you can relax and recharge. Whether you prefer a cozy fireside dinner or a lively night of drinks and dancing, Mt Buller has something to suit everyone's taste.
Location: Located just 3 hours from Melbourne, Mt Buller is the most accessible major ski resort in the country and is a perfect ski area for a day trip to the snow. The drive from Melbourne is a lovely country drive until the base of the resort where you will start to climb into mountains. Visitors from Sydney will be looking at an 8 hour drive to get to Mt Buller which is a little too far considering you will go past all the other best resorts to get to Mt Buller, those coming in from Adelaide will be up for a 9.5 hour drive which is quite a trip, the folks we have come across from Adelaide at Mt Buller were there for over a week to justify the long trip.
Conclusion: Mt Buller's tagline, "Melbourne's winter playground," resonates with us completely. With its convenient accessibility, outstanding ski school, fantastic terrain that encourages skill progression, and a charming mountain village exuding a European ambiance, Mt Buller is the ideal destination for experiencing snow for the first time or honing your skills on Australia's impeccably groomed intermediate trails. The only drawback to Mt Buller is its tendency to become extremely busy during weekends and holidays, but this is expected given its proximity to a major Australian city. What are your thoughts on Mt Buller Resort? Have you had the opportunity to visit? Is it on your skiing bucket list? Share your thoughts in the comments, and be sure to explore all the other ski resorts in Australia on our website, SnowStash.com.
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