Mt Buller has released more operational information for the 2020 season this afternoon with some key elements. Season passes will be honoured and guests who have pre purchased accommodation will also be given lift pass privileges in the daily limited capacity.
Due to reduced staffing and guests this season the lift operations will be adapted to provide efficient lifting with a scaled operation. It is anticipated up to 11 lifts will operate this season as conditions permit.
Social distancing means three passengers per six seater chair, two per quad, one per triple and one per t-bar, though family groups will be able to ride together. Lift lines will be tip to tail for distancing.
The resort will, however, not open terrain parks, group lessons, Bunyips and Buller Kids Creche, Buller Air Zone, twilight sessions on Bourke Street and Village Square entertainment, school holiday activities and large gathering events to start. Though this may change as the season progresses.
Full service hotels and self contained accommodation are able to open and all other lodges and hostels are to develop Covid Safe plans.
Daily resort entry and parking passes will be limited with pre booking now essential and leave the cash at home as most venues will be cashless for contactless payment.
Expect sanitisation stations throughout the resort and stringent increased cleaning procedures.
Lift passes
Skiers and boarders must now book all lift passes and resort/parking passes online, prior to arrival.
Lift passes must be pre-purchased online at mtbuller.com.au. Lift pass sales will be capped daily to manage appropriate numbers of skiers and snowboarders permitted on the ski area each day.
Currently lift pass sales are paused while the inventory and limits are established. The resort will announce when online sales resume – following the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.
It is anticipated that initially only multi-day passes will be offered. Based on sales/capacity 1 day passes may be then progressively be released online 48 hours ahead.
Parking permits
Resort entry and parking passes will also be capped to daily limits (permit holders excepted) and must be pre-purchased online.
Season Parking Permit and Village Access Permit holders do not need to pre-book and have unrestricted access separate to the daily limits. Permits must be clearly displayed.
All cars entering the resorts (including permit holders) must stop at the Mirimbah Gate where passenger details will be collected for safety and tracing purposes. A solution is being developed so these details can be provided online for each and every visit.
Ride Share (formerly taxis) will provide transfers for guests and luggage from the overnight car parks to the village from Friday 5 June. Guests will need to load and unload their own luggage – Book ahead here.
Car Park shuttle buses (for guests without luggage) will commence from the car parks from Saturday 6 June and will operate with physical spacing and hygiene procedures in place. Please follow all directions and maintain a safe distance when using this service.
At this stage Intra-village shuttles are not expected to operate this season as to minimise the risk of virus transmission.
Rentals
Skis, snowboard, boot and helmet rental will be available. All rental equipment will be cleaned and sanitised after use. All outlets will operate in compliance with Government’s physical distancing requirements.
Pre booked accommodation and lift passes
Guests who have pre-purchased accommodation on mtbuller.com.au will be alerted ahead of the lift passes being made available. If you have made an accommodation booking via other channels please ask your provider for advice on securing lift passes.
Mountain Collective and Ikon Pass
Mt Buller will honour Mountain Collective and Ikon Passes this winter 2020. We will provide updates for the booking process for these passes soon.
Please note tobogganing is not currently permitted in resort and will only be available once the Snow Play Parks are open and staffed for obvious safety reasons.
