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[VIC] 1/2 Price Entry ($24) + Free Bourke St Lift Pass (Usually $66) @ Mt Buller (Sat 1/6)

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[VIC] 1/2 Price Entry ($24) + Free Bourke St Lift Pass (Usually $66) @ Mt Buller (Sat 1/6)
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YZYgold on 29/05/2019 - 13:52 mtbuller.com.au (1466 clicks)
Last edited 29/05/2019 - 23:38 by 2 other users

29 May 2019: Today Mt Buller announced the resort is opening early on Saturday 1 June to mark the first day of winter with a free day skiing and boarding on Bourke Street riding the new Bourke Street Express chairlift.

The resort has been blanketed with over 35cms fresh snow so far this week and we couldn’t wait until the Queen’s Birthday Weekend to roll the new 6-seater lift.

Buller Ski Lifts’ owners Rino and Diana Grollo will officially open the Bourke Street Express at 10am on Saturday morning before inviting snowlovers to enjoy free rides for the day to celebrate the first day of the snow season – a week earlier than scheduled!

Sports & Outdoors Instagrampost Skiing

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mtbuller.com.au
mtbuller.com.au

closed Comments

  • AssociatedChewman @ mtbuller.com.au on 29/05/2019 - 22:28
    +2

    There will not be any busses running between Mansfield and Mt Buller this weekend. MMBL and other operators will likely have regular bus services running from Sat 8th June.
    As such driving is basically the only option for this weekend. Check the 'Snow Chain Declaration' on the Mt Buller website in the morning so you know if you will need to hire snow chains in Mansfield before you come up. All 2WD vehicles will be able to get to the carpark so long as chains are fitted as required.
    Resort entry pricing is available online but listed under "Mt Buller Parking" - select 1 day and this will include your resort entry
    @ibuy has a really good sample itinerary above but please note official opening of the new chairlift will be at 10am so skiing will be difficult at 9am.
    Source: local

    • AssociatedChewman @ mtbuller.com.au on 31/05/2019 - 15:46

      MMBL will now be running a limited service to Mt Buller from Mansfield beginning Saturday 01 June.
      Busses will run Sat 01 to Fri 07 departing Mansfield at: 8AM, 9:30AM, 12:12PM, & 3:30PM.
      The full bus schedule will run (7 busses a day) will be available from the 8th of June

  • elf888 on 29/05/2019 - 14:06
    +1

    So sad i live in NSW………Mt Buller always be nice to the skier.

    • Bryanalves on 29/05/2019 - 15:38

      https://www.mtbuller.com.au/Winter/lift-passes-rental-retail…

      Anyone know which place is best/cheapest? Or all same?

      • ibuy on 29/05/2019 - 18:52
        +3

        Try Black Mountain Equipment. A few reasons:

        • Their gear is always waxed and properly tuned before you get it and they often give it a quick belt wax after fitting before you take them out - we hired from buller central and one of the kids skis were not even waxed so they couldn’t move well - the instructor sent them back to Buller central to get another pair of skis!!
        • The gear they provide is good quality so you will enjoy the day.
        • Free helmets for kids
        • It’s right next door to the bus stop from the car park so no need to cart your gear on the bus or take it back to the carpark
        • if you need a tune up or adjustment they’re on mountain so no problems getting things fixed.
        • it’s in the cow camp plaza so you can dine relatively cheaply at Uncle Pats upstairs (it used to be a la porchetta restaurant but they still keep a similar menu with no too crazy prices)
        • lockers are available for your stuff whilst you ski
        • there is a day seating/sheltered area next to the shop so for those who are not skiing/boarding there is a place to rest, grab a drink or use the bathroom (a water fountain is in the day shelter area)
        • they are not the cheapest but not the most expensive either - remember you want to have a good day and having decent equipment is part of the way you get enjoyment from the snow. If somewhere is a bit cheaper you can ask if they can match it and if the other store’s gear is the same quality they will do their best to match it. However if it is a busy day and everyone has run out of snowboards or skis then they may not come down which is understandable as they have to make a living too.
  • iShibby on 29/05/2019 - 14:08

    This suitable to take toddlers for a bit of a sledge action and casual play?

    • Super_Dre on 29/05/2019 - 14:24
      +2

      Yeah, theres separate toboggan areas with pretty tame slopes.
      https://www.mtbuller.com.au/Winter/events-activities/activit…

    • Bryanalves on 29/05/2019 - 14:24
      +1

      Yes

    • davesgnl05 on 29/05/2019 - 14:36
      +2

      There's a toboggan area up there with indoor public areas to sit and have lunch. I'd recommend bringing food with you though! Can be pretty pricey to eat up there. Also if it's your first time, check out the info for driving up there.

      • iShibby on 29/05/2019 - 14:46

        Thanks! Yes first time. Need to get some waterproof clothes for the kids. Didn't really want to shell out for the ALDI snow gear if it's only a once off.

        • davesgnl05 on 29/05/2019 - 15:27
          +1

          You can hire stuff up there, but it's usually crap gear. Borrowing off friends would be the best bet if you're not keen on Aldi gear.

          • iShibby on 29/05/2019 - 15:29
            +1

            @davesgnl05: Only worry with Aldi gear is they'd use it once and then grow out of it lol I'll see if I can borrow some, thanks for the advice!

        • ibuy on 29/05/2019 - 19:22
          +15

          You can also look at eBay for some cheap second hand gear. Also try Aussie disposals. You can also resell the Aldi gear on eBay if they don’t want to go again.

          First timers recommendations:

          • pick the right day - critical - make sure the forecast is for a nice day and not one that is stormy and snowing. It can put them off for life!! They will be crying and screaming and you’ll all hate the day.
          • Go early so you can get the most out of the day. If you go too late then you may end up in a car park that is not the day car park, or worse still denied access because the mountain is overloaded. There have been times last year where the carparks were all full at Buller and you had to park at Mansfield and take a bus. Also leave early to avoid the long car trains that result when everyone is leaving at the same time. Otherwise have dinner on the mountain and leave late to avoid traffic. It will also be a less stressful drive home.
          • dress in layers. This mean if the kids get hot from too much activity you can peel off a layer and put it back on if they get cold
          • the first layers should be moisture wicking - it should enable the sweat to be drawn away from the skin otherwise they will be wet and uncomfortable and you’ll spend the day wiping them down. Polypropylene or nylon top and bottom thermals are the best and are good even away from the snow as it keeps them warm and not having to wear too many thick layers. Second layer can be a fleece such as those found at Katmandu and the third layer a jacket you should hire as this is normally the most expensive layer and if they don’t like the snow even though an Aldi jacket is cheap it means just another piece of clothing gathering dust. There are a few decent places to hire on mountain you just need to check their gear.
          • essential for you and the kids will be a pair of ski goggles. The uv rays from the sun can cause snow blindness or long term retinal damage from strong sunlight so the minimum is a proper pair of sunglasses (but these often don’t protect the eyes enough) and the best is a good pair of goggles. Even on a foggy day the UV rays can be strong. Most places don’t hire these due to health reasons so you will need to buy.
          • sunscreen is another essential as damage to young (and old) people’s skin won’t be fully felt until many years later. So an ounce of prevention now helps keep the skin safe and avoid skin cancer
          • good socks are essential as well - if they’re going to go on a pair of skis they should be thin and reach the height of just under the knee. A cheap (but not long lasting alternative) is using a pair of ladies’ stockings. It’s not going to be as warm but it will resist chafing the skin when the foot is in the boot.
          • gloves are also essential and not hired out due to hygiene. You can buy a reasonable pair for about $20. This stops the fingers from freezing when touching the snow. Mittens aren’t as good as gloves with fingers as kids can’t co-ordinate their hands as well with mittens. (It may look cute but it will frustrate them!)
          • bring lots of dry snacks such as muesli bars, up and go and fruits to keep their energy up during the day. Some hot food will need to be purchased so carb foods such as chips and pasta help to fill them up. Free water is available at Buller in cow camp plaza and in the Abom restaurant. If possible have each kid carry their own water bottle in a back pack so if they get thirsty there is something to drink. Dehydration can be a real problem. At the end of the day going home they will be hungry again in the car before dropping off to sleep so have a bag of chips, some bananas and some cookies, water or other cold drink to help tide them over until you get home or stop by a restaurant on the way home (although if it is their first time they’ll probably be too tired to eat much more!! We had some of the kids sleeping and eating in the restaurant before we got home, well, more sleeping!!)

          Hope this helps!

          • nekro on 29/05/2019 - 19:31
            +2

            @ibuy: Excellent Post!!

          • iShibby on 29/05/2019 - 19:33

            @ibuy: you sir are a legend! Thanks so much for taking your time and giving fantastic advice. It’s people like you that make this place great.

            • ibuy on 29/05/2019 - 19:42
              +2

              @iShibby: Thanks for your feedback. I have also put up a basic itinerary a bit further down the page below bryanalves request.

            • ibuy on 30/05/2019 - 05:13
              +1

              @iShibby: @iShibby I also forgot to mention toddlers can become cranky easily in the car over a three hour journey. Best to bring a portable DVD player with you to keep their minds off being in the car for so long. (Wallace and Grommit worked a treat as it’s not too lively and the voices were soothing so early in the morning!) Otherwise they can be screaming after a while!! There is a toboggan run near the car park, however you’re probably better being at the one near the cow camp plaza because if it becomes too cold for them or they are tired you can let them rest in the day shelter. The car park one has no room/area apart from a small cafe to get away from the cold.

    • cornbeef on 29/05/2019 - 17:42
      +3

      Bit unfair to sledge toddlers. They try their best.

  • nekro on 29/05/2019 - 14:30

    Yep.. get in while goings good and before the crowds

    • dm01 on 29/05/2019 - 18:49
      +1

      You'll be in a crowd of crowd-beaters!

  • Bryanalves on 29/05/2019 - 14:34

    How to book the half price entry? June 1st not showing up

  • peanutbutter123 on 29/05/2019 - 14:41

    do we need to prebook for 1st June?

    • Bryanalves on 29/05/2019 - 14:45

      Nah you can rock up and its half price. Im trying to book online but system dont have june 1 avaliable

      • peanutbutter123 on 29/05/2019 - 14:49

        it says free, isn't it? is there any entry fee? sorry I'm never been there before.

        • Bryanalves on 29/05/2019 - 14:52

          The lift is free then entry is half price. I never been there before.

          Can someone walkthrough the process / activities for a day trip?

          • aj-007 on 29/05/2019 - 15:44

            @Bryanalves: Yea, this would be helpful.

          • ibuy on 29/05/2019 - 19:36
            +4

            @Bryanalves: Simple itinerary (also see my comments above about gear) to Buller

            Assuming weather is ok (because it is still expensive even if you get a free lift pass)

            Note: all times approximate depending on where you live.

            • 4:30 am start from your place to Buller
            • 6:30 am reach Mansfield - stop for a break, hire chains if needed - grab breakfast from one of the bakeries there such as Bertalli’s also ensure you have enough fuel in the car as there is no refuelling past Mirimbah (gate entry to Buller)
            • 7:00 am - leave for Buller
            • 8:00 am - reach car park. Unload everyone and gear and take bus to Village (the bus is free as there is no direct access to the village unless you have a permit)
            • 8:30 am - hire from shops ski/board/toboggan, clothes etc have someone arrange to collect lift passes whilst you are being kitted out. Also if you’re a first timer get a lesson. It will make a big difference to you enjoying the day.
            • 9:00 am - out on the snow
            • 10:30 am break at cafe
            • 11:30 am or 1:45pm early or late lunch to avoid crowds
            • 4:30 or 4:00 pm return gear to hire shop and take bus back to car park
            • 4:30 pm/5:00pm head home. If necessary stop at Mansfield to return chains and for a break (coffee) or dinner. Head home.

            Be aware that the road from Mansfield to Buller often has police monitoring speed as the speed between these towns varies from 50 to 70,80,100. If necessary use an app such as waze which monitors speeds and also crowd sources locations of police on the road. Be alert and watch the speed signs with care.

        • kathmandu-jeff on 29/05/2019 - 14:54

          There is a resort entry fee (half price at $24 when purchased online). It is free to go on the ski lift on Saturday.

  • charedblack on 29/05/2019 - 15:11
    +1

    Title a little misleading. Lift pass is free on saturday, however you still need to pay to get into the park. Entry fee is half price for the first week and a further 20% off if booked online.

    • Wolfy on 29/05/2019 - 15:22

      Yes, but how do you book online for the half price plus 20% discount on the 1st…it's not listed as an option.

      • Bryanalves on 29/05/2019 - 15:37

        Online not avaliable so just take the half price at the door.

    • jazzleg on 29/05/2019 - 17:02

      "free day skiing and boarding on Bourke Street"
      It sounds like it's free for the Bourke Street Lift ONLY, i.e. you have to BUY a lift pass if you want to use the other lifts. Correct me if I'm wrong…

      • sween64 on 29/05/2019 - 18:05

        Are the other lifts even open?

        • BobLim on 29/05/2019 - 22:34
          +2

          Not a chance

  • jazzleg on 29/05/2019 - 15:32

    Is it free for the Bourke St lift ONLY???

    • F-22 on 29/05/2019 - 17:44
      +4

      It's unlikely that they will have any other lifts open this early in the season.

    • ibuy on 29/05/2019 - 22:05
      +1

      I just got word from a contact that it’s likely to be Bourke St only. At the moment not really enough for the other runs.

  • [Deactivated] on 29/05/2019 - 16:29

    Nice posting. I have been missed riding snowboarding. BTW how does it cost to rent snow board gears like Board/Boots/Clothes?

    • Bryanalves on 29/05/2019 - 17:27
      +1

      You pay per day

    • wittyusername on 29/05/2019 - 18:06
      +1

      May work out cheaper to hit Aldi for clothes

  • sween64 on 29/05/2019 - 18:06

    Is it normally $66 just for Bourke St or $66 for the whole resort lift pass?

    • ibuy on 29/05/2019 - 22:10
      +1

      Early on it is unlikely you will get the whole resort. Most accommodation places at Buller from opening weekend have a snow guarantee that guarantees between three to five lifts running. This normally means wombat/little buller spur, skyline, and possibly burnt hut or shakey knees runs in addition to Bourke St being open. These are all green (beginner) or blue (intermediate) runs being open. It’s when the rates go up to peak prices (between $100 to $150 per day) that the whole resort opens up. The $66 rate normally follows the snow guarantee which are the runs mentioned above.

  • kehuehue on 29/05/2019 - 18:07

    Is it possible to drive upto Mansfield and then take a bus? Or drive towards the bottom of the mountain and not drive upwards with chains on wheels?

    • nekro on 29/05/2019 - 19:13

      Dont think you can park your car to the point where you need to fit chains as there would be no place to park.. as for taking the bus contact http://www.mmbl.com.au/winter_service.php#Fares however their 2019 timetable isnt up yet

    • ibuy on 29/05/2019 - 22:19
      +1

      A few options

      1) take bus from the city (melbourne)
      2) drive to mansfield and catch mmbl bus. But I don’t know where you can park. It would have to be far off the main street as there are parking restrictions everywhere in and around the main street.
      3) hire an AWD/4WD car for the day. However the rental companies will charge an excess for driving up the snow line. (It is rare AWD/4WD cars need to use chains)

      Be aware that the bus timetables may not match the time you arrive at mansfield and you would probably need to ensure you arrive at least half an hour before the bus departs.

      There is no Official parking at the gate to Mt Buller (Mirimbah is the last stop before Buller). However if the car parks all fill up you could actually end up there.

      If you’ve never driven on chains the trick is to make sure the chains are properly fitted and then go slowly - up to about 40km/hr unless you’ve handled snow driving before, it’s easy to slip or run across black ice depending on the amount of snow and ice on the road. If it’s your first time there are often chain fitters in the chain bay and then it is probably worth paying them to fit your chains so you’re not wasting too much time. Poorly fitted chains can also damage your wheels and suspension.

      • kehuehue on 30/05/2019 - 01:20

        Welp, I have a Camry and have never driven in snowly or icy conditions

        • ibuy on 30/05/2019 - 11:20
          +2

          Almost any car is fine provided

          -1 you ensure your car has been properly serviced as cold weather can make it difficult for your car to operate
          -2 check your battery to ensure it’s not about to fail
          -3 ensure there is antifreeze in your coolant
          -4 when driving up the mountain on snow if you haven’t done it before go slow. That said if there are a heap of cars building up behind you it will put more pressure on you to go faster so pull over and let them pass. There is no prize for being first car in the car park!!
          -5 if you feel the car slipping on the road don’t immediately jam on the brakes. It may make everything lock up for a split second even if you have anti lock brakes and then you lose control of the car. If you feel a bit of slipping ease off the accelerator and try to continue to steer the car where you want to go, then slowly apply the brake if that is not working. This will avoid locking up the brakes and give the tyres and chains a chance to grip the toad again. The worst thing you can do is any knee jerk reaction. Easier said than done but you need to remain calm.
          -6 Black ice is ice that is not easily seen on the road. This means you will only notice it when it is too late. So go slow. There is very little if any grip on the road with ice and black ice just makes it worse.
          -7 Going up the mountain the road is generally a reasonably straight upward line followed by a bend. When going around bends make sure not to take over the other side of the road as you can’t always see what is infront of you around a bend.
          -8 Bring a bottle of water or two (2x1.25/1.5 litres of water filled with tap water, a plastic shovel, a ground sheet of plastic and if you have one an ice scraper). The water is to pour on your windshield (one front one back) if snow has built up on it during the day in the car park. The plastic shovel and ice scraper is for scraping the snow off the windows and also if on the roof and front and back. It is illegal to drive with snow on your car as the snow could fly off the car and hit the person behind you and block their vision. The ground sheet is in case you need to sit on the ground to remove the chains or when taking kid’s shoes off and putting regular shoes on they don’t mess up the car.
          -9 When parked if it’s really cold do not apply the handbrake. It could freeze up and then you can’t go home.
          -10 if it is snowing or likely to snow during the day lift the front and rear windshield wipers off the windows to avoid them sticking to the glass when you return. It is easy for the rubber to freeze onto the glass in very cold, heavy snowfall weather.
          -11 Drive with headlights on even if it is not that dark both going up and coming down. It will make it easier for people to see you but please don’t use the high beam - you want them to see you, not blind them.
          -12 remember to have an app like waze running. If visibility is low you can look both at the road as well as waze so you know where the turns are. Also it will alert you to any police around the area that another waze user may have seen or encountered.
          -13 Most of all be patient and courteous. Everyone wants to have a fun and safe day so being a little more friendly makes it great for everyone!

          • kehuehue on 30/05/2019 - 11:24

            @ibuy: thanks heaps, this is just the kinda help i was looking for.

            my anti-freeze is below low, but i was able to drive to and back (Melb - Syd) on it, wasnt really cold and was during easter. my car is due for service 4000kms away from the 60,000km, thinking is should be alright.

            a friend of my mine said when he drove to mt buller in 2017, there was free parking at the base of the mountain where a free shuttle bus could be take - thereby avoiding the need to drive up with chained tyres, is that still an option? the buses from Mansfield are pretty expensive

            • rasserie on 31/05/2019 - 16:41

              @kehuehue: if you are referring to Mirimbah, i heard that the free car park is now fenced off.
              correct me if i am wrong.

  • rasserie on 29/05/2019 - 22:07

    if i take a bus from mansfield how is the pricing like? half price as well?

  • 2ndeffort on 30/05/2019 - 00:10
    +1

    A day doing laps of Bourke St? Nice sentiment but sounds horrific!! Also I heard that MMBL lost the Buller contract to another provider.

  • 2ndeffort on 30/05/2019 - 00:19
    +2

    For folks that havent been to Mt Buller before, Bourke St is the lowest run on the mountain, right into the village. It is a 'Green' beginner level run. The Mountain has installed a new chairlift over summer and it's opening is what is being celebrated by the freebie. They wont allow folks to toboggan, make snowmen or throw snowballs on the actual ski run but there are other areas set aside for this kind of activity. I don't know how many will head up for the freebie but Bourke St fills up fast on most days. Bourke st is a beginner run and normally full of beginners and ski classes. Even for a free lift ride I dont recommend Bourke St for anybody that can actually ski. 1 or 2 laps dodging all of the beginners will drive you nuts!

    • rasserie on 31/05/2019 - 16:35

      do u need to have ski gear to actually hop onto the ski lift?

      • ibuy on 31/05/2019 - 17:00
        +1

        For the old blue bullet lift you did not need to be on skis or a board. However with the new lift I am not sure whether that will still be a tourist lift. I think the Horse Hill lift that goes from the car park to the burnt hit run is also for tourists. Err. It’s now called Northside Express (Showing my age. Haha)

        That said it is possible to take the bus up to the Arlberg Hotel and walk on the snow up to the Mercedes Benz hut (free water and it is heated inside) to get a great view of Bourke st.

        If you’re a bit more adventurous and fitter you can hike to the top of Summit. I’d recommend having snow shoes and poles to help you get up there!

  • Bryanalves on 30/05/2019 - 11:01

    I can book june 1 now but how come no 20% discount?

  • Ernvil on 31/05/2019 - 09:26

    Anyone planning to do a day trip tomorrow from Melbourne? Wouldn't mind splitting the cost for fuel and entry fee!

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