Winter has arrived. Snow-magedon 1,2 and 3 have arrived with a flurry of happiness. The snow bunnies and bouncy boarders are screaming with joy at the exceptional snow season that Victoria, and Australia in general, has received. From atop the mountains we can hear ski resort operators sighing with relief. This year is a good year.
Mt Buller Village
In true THB style we’ve been out and about enjoying this natural wonder and really testing out all our gear from base layers to beanies!
At the time of writing the three major Victoria resorts, Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek, have all reached the magic 1 meter mark. Information provided by SnowWatch
Mt Buller has all 22 lifts running.
Mt Hotham has all lifts running.
Falls Creek has all 15 lifts running.
As snow-magedon 4.0 is currently in swing we are preparing for another Snowbunny Sunday session at Mt Buller. I’ve had a few questions recently on how between us we work full time monday-Saturday and manage to get in so much snow time.
Mt Buller ski lesson happening on Bourke St, Mt Buller
It’s easier then you think.
For a day trip we head out to Mt Buller. It’s an easy 3hr drive from Melbourne. Yes we do the 4.30am get up, get dressed get into car.
Entry to the mountain is currently $40. The resort fee covers entry to Mt Buller and neighboring Mt Stirling. This fee goes towards helping maintain the area. Including environmental concerns.
The resort gates open 7am-9pm Monday to Thursday. With extended hours to Midnight in Friday and 10pm Saturday and Sunday.
Car Parks: The Mt Buller day and overnight car parks are located approx 1.5 – 3 kms below the Mt Buller Village, an attendant who will guide you to a parking spot in one of the day or overnight car parks. As the Mt Buller Village is located above the snow line, only authorized vehicles are able to drive into the Village.
Day Visitors: Once you have parked your car in the day car park, you can jump on a free shuttle bus that will take you up into the Village centre. Shuttle buses operate from 8am-6pm daily (and until 8pm on Saturdays).
Overnight Visitors: Once you have parked your car in an overnight car park, you can catch a 4WD taxi to your accommodation in the Mt Buller Village. Taxis operate 7am-midnight Sunday to Thursday, 7am-3am Friday and 7am-2am Saturday.
Bourke St, Mt Buller
Lift passes–
Most of the big resorts now offer tags instead of printed lift tickets. The lift gates operate the same as those at train stations.
The 2014 lift prices start at $113 for an adult. Mt Buller offers a discovery pass, giving you an introduction lesson and access to the 7 Green (easy) runs. Great value for first timers.
I’m a professional amateur skier. I don’t like being wet or cold, so I have all the appropriate gear and look as if I know what I’m doing. Basic ski pants and jacket can be hired from most gear stores.
Gondawana base layers-pants and top
Ski pants
Ski jacket
Gloves
A good quality beanie-googles stay in better with a good thick beanie!
Googles
Tee shirt
Ski socks
Gear- to hire or buy?
I have all my own gear thanks to a few good people from Ebay. In total my skis, bindings and boots cost under $200. Ski poles were a birthday gift and cost around $60.
It’s quite easy to buy skis online via ebay or similar website. I’d recommend trying boots before you buy as ski/snowboard boots are strange creatures and sizes vary greatly.
Hiring gear is easy and on average around $70 a day. You can hire on or off the mountain. Just remember to ask what time the store closes and what time you need to return gear.
If you decide to snowboard I can give you only one good piece if advice- hire the helmet and wrist guards! I was (am?) terrible at snowboarding and fell a lot. Worse then the average beginner. I’ve watched a lot of lessons while relaxing on chairlifts and you see a lot of people fall over on snowboards. For the extra $20 you might just save yourself a broken wrists two!
Learning the moves. Slow & steady wins the race
This year I was beyond excited to discover and meet the most wonderful Anton Grimus, of Grimus Grind fame. Anton has done the impossible and bought Melbourne coffee to the mountain. I don’t lie, he and his coffee is wonderful. Don’t miss out in the jaffles.
Environmentally friendly cups from Grimus Grinds
Beautiful menu.
Size doesn’t matter at Grimus Grind
Grimus Grind, once found, is the easiest and cheapest option to get food into you on the Mountain. Great staff here really make your day. They know coffee and the mountain. No pushing through slipping floors and waiting for a table. No 45minute wait for a bowl of chips. It’s almost ski in ski out perfection.
If your in need of some stylish accessories in the main village you’ll find Snowfox. A boutique with alpine gifts, gadgets and wear. Ask for some help if your scared off by the prices. They have a wide variety available it’s just a matter of finding it all. I love coming here because the ladies really know their ski snow stuff. No sulky 20yo calling you babes.
I struggled keeping my googles on but a new beanie fixed that right up!
If your wanting to keep up with what’s going on at the resorts here’s some great websites-
Have a fantastic weekend! Let us know in the comments below if you’re off to be a snow bunny
I had no idea Mt Buller was only 3 hours away from Melbourne. Looks like great fun!
Depending on which part of Melbourne you are coming from. It’s a lot closer than people think.