Some Good News – Mt Buller To Continue Operations For Regional Victorians
Mountainwatch | News
It has been a tough week for the Victorian snow community, but there is some good news today with Buller announcing it is continuing operations for as long as conditions permit.
This comes a day after Vail Resorts announced it was suspending operations in Hotham and Falls Creek until at least the end of the Melbourne Stage 3 lockdown on August 19.
While the Melbourne lockdown will have huge economic impact on Buller, its businesses and regional centres like Mansfield, Buller’s decision to stay open will no doubt be welcomed and is positive ray of sunlight on an otherwise bleak week. Full details on today’s decision are below.
Mt Buller Press Release
Mt Buller, Victoria, July 10: Mt Buller is pleased to confirm continued lift operations beyond 12 July ensuring access to the ski area and lessons on an appropriate scale for as long as conditions permit.
Resort CEO Mark Bennetts and Buller Ski Lifts General Manager Laurie Blampied jointly made the announcement, “This year has been incredibly tough on our community through fires and coronavirus (COVID-19) but we remain committed and determined in the face of this latest challenge to support the local people and those in our region who rely on tourism. The resort is maintaining a rigorous safety protocol and is ready to welcome regional Victorians to the mountains. We sincerely thank our valued guests from Melbourne and Mitchell Shire for their understanding as they stay home and we process refunds and changes. We look forward to when we can welcome everyone back once this challenge has passed.”
Laurie Blampied explained, “The decision to continue running ski lifts, lessons and snowmaking was reached with the well-being and livelihoods of our employees, the community and our guests in mind. Remaining open is not an easy decision however we believe it is in the best interests of our community and regional Victorians.
Health and safety remains paramount as we carefully move forward in accordance with public health guidelines for the alpine industry, and to support our regional economy and the skiers and snowboarders of Victoria.
The latest restrictions have impacted the number of visitors able to come to the resort in the next 6 weeks while the borders are closed and the lockdown is in place. Buller Ski Lifts acknowledges the support of the government as the alpine resorts have worked collaboratively to open safely during the pandemic for the benefit of residents and guests.”
Mark Bennetts confirmed that the Mt Buller and Mt Stirling Resorts will remain open for visitors unless there is alternate direction from the State Government,
“We will continue to operate under our COVID Safe Plan, providing the essential services that support the Mt Buller and Mt Stirling alpine community. We welcome the decision by Buller Ski Lifts to continue lift and snowmaking operations. While some businesses and lodges may not be able to continue operating through this next phase, we appreciate the commitment of those who decide to do so as we adapt to changes in visitation.”
Buller Ski Lifts is progressively releasing lift ticket sales in line with capacity. People with season resort entry passes and season lift pass memberships can continue to use their passes if they are permitted to be within the resorts in accordance with the government’s coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.
People living in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire must follow the changed restrictions and stay home. Those with bookings will be eligible for refunds and changes.
For further details head to the Mt Buller website.
