Victoria’s Mt. Buller has extended ski, snowboard, and tobogganing hours through to 7 p.m. each evening during the school holiday period and frozen lift ticket prices, in a move aimed at boosting accessibility for families during a slow-starting Australian ski season. The announcement comes as early-season conditions across the Australian Alps have been inconsistent, with limited natural snowfall and heavy reliance on snowmaking shaping operations at many resorts.
Mt. Buller Ski Lifts General Manager Noel Landry said the extended hours are designed to give beginners and families more time on snow. “We’re extending skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing through to 7pm every night from Saturday to ensure guests have plenty of time to enjoy the snow and make the most of the terrain we have open,” Landry said.
Alongside the extended hours, Mt. Buller has frozen lift ticket prices at AUD 73 (USD 48) for children up to 18 years and AUD 121 (USD 79) for adults for the current holiday period. The resort said the decision is part of a broader effort to support early-season participation while snow conditions continue to build. “Thanks to our all-weather snowmaking program I am pleased Mt Buller can welcome beginners, young families and support the start of seasonal snowsports programs from this weekend,” Landry said. “We have created a dedicated snow area in the Magic Forest for our smallest skiers from just three years old to get sliding safely in lessons and a terrain hike park on Northside.”
Snowmaking has played a critical role in early-season operations, with Mt. Buller highlighting its importance in managing variable snowfall patterns common in June across the Australian Alps. “Snowmaking is a critical tool for countering snowfall irregularities in alpine resorts around the world, especially early in the season,” Landry said. “At Mt. Buller it’s a shared commitment from the lift company and resort management to invest in technology, snowmaking and energy efficiency initiatives that guarantee snow for our guests.”
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He noted that historical snowfall data shows early-season variability is not unusual. “I take comfort in Mt Buller’s snow data dating back to the 1970s that shows low or no snow in June is normal; around 35% of seasons start with limited cover until July,” he said.
Despite the slow start, Landry remained optimistic about conditions improving through July. “I remain optimistic we’ll see the snow switch flip in July which is traditionally when it happens, and in the meantime the Mt Buller community will do everything we can to deliver great experiences here on the mountain.”
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Mt. Buller is running its school holiday “Kids’ Week” program, featuring free entertainment, games, sled dog meet-and-greets, marshmallow toasting, and indoor activities across the village. Several cafes and retailers are also extending trading hours to match the longer lift operating window.
The Bourke Street carpet and beginner zones are currently operating with snowmaking support, with covered learning areas helping protect snow quality during variable weather.
Resort entry discounts are also being offered by Alpine Resorts Victoria, with 25% off online resort entry fees until July 2.
