One of Victoria’s busiest snowfields has closed its doors for the year a month earlier than expected after a fortnight of high winds and wild weather.
Mt Buller resort announced on Thursday that it will stop operating its ski lift for this year on September 1, bringing the 2024 ski season to an early end.
While much of the Southeast has been hit by unseasonably warm weather, the ski resort said it was strong winds and rain that “dramatically reduced the snowpack.”
Buller lift general manager Noel Landry said while it seemed “unfair” to have had two tough snow seasons in a row, he was “proud that everyone kept pushing forward”.
“We had hoped that last night’s storm would have saved the season with a snowfall, but the 1 or 2 cm that fell was unfortunately too little, too late,” he said.
‘I would like to thank all of our team members who have valiantly tried to keep us moving for as long as possible… and will continue to do so until Sunday afternoon.’
In a statement, Mt Buller said all available snow was being “harvested and groomed” to ensure the best experience on Sunday in the Bourke St and Gliders carpet areas.
Skiers and snowboarders were encouraged to make the most of the final day, with soft snow ideal for beginners and discounted ski passes “to reflect the reduced terrain”.
Mt Buller resort (pictured) announced on Thursday it would stop operating its ski lift for the year on September 1, effectively ending the 2024 snow season early.
Buller lifts general manager Noel Landry said that while it seemed “unfair” to have had two difficult snow seasons in a row
Mt Buller Resort general manager Alan Arthur said the 2024 season, which was supposed to be an anniversary season for the park, had been very difficult.
“I want to thank everyone for their hard work in what has been an incredibly challenging season,” he said.
‘The lack of natural snow was not what we wanted for our centenary of skiing, but the celebrations were a highlight that I’m sure many of us won’t forget.
“We now look forward to the green season and planning for winter 2025.”
Mt Buller said all available snow was being “harvested and groomed” to ensure the best experience on Sunday at the Bourke St and Gliders carpet areas.
On Saturday evening, the Mt Buller resort still had a scattered covering of snow.
The Bureau of Meteorology reported wind gusts of up to 146km early on Friday morning, with peaks persistently high again on Saturday at up to 70km by 9am.
While Mt Hotham, another major ski resort in the Victorian Alps, remained open on Saturday, the resort also touted “soft snow” as perfect for “practice”.
This comes after a disappointing second snow season for operators in the Australian Alps after initial hopes for 2023 faded before dying a slow death.
In New South Wales, Thredbo resort, one of the state’s busiest, was offering only limited ski and snowboard lifts and trails due to “recent heavy rainfall” and winds.
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