One of Victoria’s busiest snowfields has closed a month earlier than expected after two weeks of gale-force winds and bad weather.
Mt Buller Resort announced on Thursday that it will close its ski lifts for the entire year from September 1, bringing an early end to the 2024 snow season.
While much of the Southeast is experiencing unusually hot weather, the ski resort says it is the heavy wind and rain that has “drastically reduced snow cover.”
Buller Ski Lifts General Manager Noel Landry said while it seemed “unfair” to have two seasons of heavy snow in a row, he was “proud that everyone kept pushing”.
“We were hoping for season-saving snowfall during last night’s storm, but the 1-2cm that fell was unfortunately too little, too late,” he said.
‘I would like to thank everyone on our team who tried valiantly to keep us going for as long as possible… and that will continue until Sunday afternoon.’
In a statement, Mt Buller said all available snow was being ‘harvested and prepared’ to ensure the best experience at the Bourke St and Gliders carpet areas on Sunday.
Skiers and snowboarders were invited to make the most of the final day, with soft snow ideal for beginners and discounted ski passes ‘because the terrain was more limited’.
The Mt Buller resort (pictured) announced on Thursday that it will cease operating its ski lifts for the entire year on September 1, effectively ending the 2024 snow season early.
Noel Landry, general manager of Buller ski lifts, said it seemed “unfair” to have had two seasons of heavy snow in a row
Mt Buller Resort General Manager Alan Arthur said the 2024 season, which was supposed to be a milestone for the park, had been very difficult.
“I would like 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 100th anniversary ski party, but the festivities were a highlight that many of us will certainly not forget.
‘We are now looking forward to the green season and planning for winter 2025.’
According to Mt Buller, all available snow is being ‘harvested and prepared’ to ensure the best experience on the Bourke St and Gliders carpet areas on Sunday.
On Saturday evening there was still scattered snow on the Mt Buller resort
The Bureau of Meteorology reported wind gusts of up to 90 miles (146km) early on Friday morning, with continued high peaks of up to 43 miles (70km) at 9am on Saturday.
Although Mt Hotham, another major ski area in the Victorian Alps, remained open on Saturday, the resort also touted the “slushy snow” as perfect for “practice”.
It follows a second disappointing snow season for operators in the Australian Alps, after hopes of a 2023 snow season were dashed due to a slow die-off.
In New South Wales, the Thredbo resort, one of the state’s busiest, offered limited lifts and runs for skiing and snowboarding due to “recent heavy rainfall” and wind.
