It was a valiant effort from Mt Buller who not only managed to open but did so while honouring season pass holders and accommodation providers. While sadly Hotham and Falls Creek closed after only 4 days of operations in the year that dare not speak it’s name (2020), Buller is now forced to follow suit.
Despite announcing yesterday that lifts would still turn today, the first day of Stage 3 restrictions in Regional Victoria, Mt Buller and Mt Stirling have now announced that visitors will not be permitted to enter the resorts from 5pm today.
The Victorian Government advised this morning that as part of its stage 3 coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions across regional Victoria, all Victorian alpine resorts must not allow members of the public to enter the resorts and the ski lifts will cease to turn.
Following this updated government direction this morning Buller Ski Lifts has confirmed lift operations and related services including Ski and Snowboard School will be suspended at 5pm today for the duration of the Stage 3 restrictions in Victoria.
It is possible, public health restrictions and snow conditions permitting, that the ski area may be able to reopen after 13 September.
Permanent residents, seasonal residents and on-mountain staff are permitted to remain living within the resorts during these stage 3 restrictions. These restrictions apply to all people living within the resorts, who are only permitted to leave their accommodation for one of the four allowed reasons and only if wearing a face covering.
The Resort Management Board will continue to provide core services through this time, although there may be some reductions such as the frequency of road clearing and rubbish removal, the hours of operation of Reception and the Post Office, and whether there is a need for any medical centre or transportation services. The playgrounds at Mirimbah and within the Mt Buller Village have been closed.
The Government has advised that the on-mountain supermarket can continue to operate, takeaway food & beverage outlets can continue to operate, people living within the resorts can continue to exercise outdoors including cross country skiing, ski lifts cannot operate.
Health and safety will remain the guiding principle for the resort community as we operate in accordance with the public health guidelines.
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