Thought about heading to the snow for a weekend of skiing and don't know where to start or what you need? Here are a few tips and ideas to consider when planning a weekend to Mt Buller.
Mt Buller is approximately 3 hours drive from Melbourne or 240 km.
Mt Buller alpine resort offers 22 lifts, 3 terrain parks and 2 toboggan areas with on-mountain accomodation.
1. Getting there
The are a few options in getting to Mt Buller - driving all the way up onto the mountain, a bus from Melbourne or driving to Mansfield or Merrijig and catching the
Mt Buller Bus Lines bus, the latter recommended if you don't want to drive up the mountain.
If you do drive all the way, you will need to stop at Mansfield or Meerijig to hire snow chains for your car. All cars staying overnight must carry chains. Some places to hire chains include
Ski Centre Mansfield ,
Ski Chute 4,
Buller Sports Mansfield or
Merrijig Motor Inn. Chains are around $20 per day with some stores offering free hire when other items such as skis and boots are hired.
2. Ski / Snowboard Equipment Hiring of skis, stocks, boots, helmets and clothing can be done in Mansfield, Merrijig or on the mountain at Mt Buller. Snowboards can also be hired along with boarding boots and wrist guards. If you are in need of outer wear suitable for the snow, a number of places, in addition to those listed above, also hire out jackets and pants, visit
Pullins Ski off mountain or on mountain try
Georges Ski Hire. Rates do vary.
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As you drive past Merrijig, you will approach Mirimbah which is the last stop before Mt Buller. The toll gate is where you must proceed in your car to get the necessary day pay or overnight pass for your car to enter into the alpine resort. If staying overnight you will be advised that you need to carry chains.
Resort entry is $45 per car plus $13.50 for each night you stay.
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If you are staying overnight you will also need to purchase over snow transport to drive from the car park to the lodges. Return prices are $44 adults and $28 per child. The oversnow transport /taxi service carries you, your luggage and any ski equipment direct from your car to the lodge where you are staking and must be paid for at the toll gate entry to the resort.
4. Accomodation
Grand Mecure Hotel, image from Mt Buller alpine resort website
There are lots of on and off-mountain options. Mansfield and Merrijig are not far from Mt Buller if you choose to drive onto the mountain each day.
If you want to stay on-mountain try the
Mt Buller accomodation service. The guide gives you information on the different options available, packages and provide a booking service too.
5. Lift Tickets
You've arrived, hired all your gear, now it's time to hit the slopes. If you've never skied before there are lift and a 2hr lesson tickets for $116 which allows you on 7 of the chairlifts. If you are a beginner this will be ample. If you can ski, a full lift ticket costs $116 or $230 for a two day pass.
For more ticket options visit the
Mt Buller 2015 prices site.
Shopping around and doing some research can cut the cost of your ski trip. Skiing later in the season can save you on accomodation costs, so too with packages which incorporate ski hire and lift passes with accomodation.
Visit the sites above to do some research before you head to the snow this season.
