Mount Buller Ski Resort, Victoria the closest to a major city

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It takes just over three hours to get to Mount Buller from Melbourne, which makes it the closest ski resort to an Australian capital city. There are over 300 hectares of skiable terrain which range from the beginner slopes of ‘Bourke Street’ and ‘Burnt Hut Spur’ to the challenge of black runs ‘Fanny’s Finish’ and ‘Chamois’.

There are 20 lifts, which makes Mt Buller the largest ski lift network in Victoria, this includes thirteen chairlifts (three of which are high speed detachables) two T-bars, two rope tows (counted as one) and three magic carpet surface lifts.

For those who love the jumps, the resort has three Terrain Parks designed for all skill levels, with a dedicated snow grooming team to maintain their condition. For those who love the bumps are going to love ‘Chamois’ and ‘St Christopher’s’.

Mt Buller Village sits at the mid point of the mountain which means when the conditions accomodate there is ski in, ski out accommodation and a number of ways to get around the mountain. There is also a vibrant apres ski scene with over 30 bars and restaurants.

Getting There

Mt Buller is 248 kilometres from Melbourne, it will take you about three hours to get to Mount Buller by car and you must carry snow chains for your vehicle if you plan to drive it up the mountain.

There are a few different routes you can take from Melbourne:

Plenty Rd via Whittlesea and Yea
Via the Hume Hwy to Tallarook and Yea
Via the Maroondah Hwy to Yarra Glen and Yea

Please be aware of wildlife on the Mt Buller Road, particularly around the Merrijig, Sawmill Settlement and Mirimbah areas. Kangaroos, wallabies, deer, wombats and other animals are often on and beside the road. Slow down and be alert especially during dawn/dusk and at night.

There is also a regular bus service from Melbourne and also from Mansfield.

What is it like to ski?

Because it is the closest mountain to Melbourne, Mt Buller does attract its share of day trippers and first timers but don’t let that put you off because the mountain is definitely big enough to accomodate all levels of skier and when the snow is good, Mt Buller offers some of the most challenging and rewarding skiing available in Australia.

Bourke Street is the main beginner area and this area has the snow factory which can make snow even when the temperatures are warm, but it can get a bit crowded. There are alternatives to get around this area and make sure your ski day is great. If you are travelling up from Mansfield, Merrijig or Melbourne for the day then you will park right next to the Northside High Speed Quad Chairlift which will whip you up the hill to Spurs Restaurant and you have a range of options (snow cover dependent of course).

For intermediate skiers a great choice to get your ski legs is to head to Shakey Knees and ride the groomers down to the Fox Chairlift for a couple of laps before making your way to more challenging terrain. For those who are wanting something a little more aggressive in their warm up head over to the top of ‘Dam Run’ which connects back into lower ‘Burnt Hut Spur’ and take the Bonza Chair back up.

For those who are looking to shred straight away make your way directly across the mountain on ‘Boggy Creek Trail’ an easy trail traverse to the Grimus Chair. Then you can choose between ‘Summit Slide’ and ‘Ridge Run’ to get your legs shaking.

If you are staying in the village you might chose instead to ski on the Southern Slopes head to ‘Chamois’ and take Lydia’s Chair (you can check and The Australian Institute of Sport Ski Jump Centre while you are there), or if you want an easier start cruise to the ‘Canyon Tows’ which will pull you up to the ‘Canyon Trail’ and then get your carve on as you head down ‘Standard’ to the Bull Run Chairlift.

Village Facilities

Mount Buller has HEAPS of facilities in the village, for supermarket items head to the Buller Grocer. There is also a 180 seat cinema, Post Office, Medical Centre, Museum, Physio & Massage and the Breathtaker on High Spa.

You can hire ski’s & gear at Grimus, Arlberg Hotel, Duck Inn Hire, Black Mountain, George’s Hire and of course Buller Sports. There are also some great shops to get some new gear including Altitude, Freeride (dedicated to Board Riders), Snowfox (designer ski wear) and Ortho Ski (professional boot fitting).

Where to Stay

With over 13,000 beds at Mount Buller there is something for everyone, over the last couple of summers there have been some brand new luxury apartments built too so if that is in your budget make sure you check them out.

The Hotel Pension Grimus is one of the best known hotels in Mount Buller, its location 50 metres from the ABOM chairlift and Bourke Street as well as having a restaurant, cafe and hire shop on site makes it a great choice. Breathtaker Hotel is a family favourite and also has a Spa and the Duck Inn is a boutique hotel with just 25 rooms but it has a restaurant, ski hire and a lounge bar.

There are many apartments to suit available to suit all budgets from luxurious chalets to practical family friendly apartments there are a few apartment rental companies organising bookings on the mountain.

Kabuki is a brand new complex of smart chalets, each house has 5 bedrooms each with its ensuite and a large living area.

There are also ski clubs and lodges that offer budget friendly alternatives.

If you don’t want to stay on mountain, there are also some great accomodation options in Merrijig and Mansfield.

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SKI > Mount Buller