Mt Buller Issues Coronavirus Advice

Mt Buller is committed to the health and wellbeing of all guests, employees and our community.

Access to the Mt Buller village currently remains open for residents and staff.  The resort is following government mandated policies and guidelines and expects everyone to observe government directives regarding non-essential travel and physical distancing. Collective health and future depends on it.

Please note as of 30 March the Victorian government advice is Victorians must only leave their homes for food & supplies, medical care, exercise, or work & education and people should not undertake any non-essential travel.  This means people should not travel to the Victorian alpine resorts for social or recreational purposes or activities such as working bees until further notice.

FIRST THINGS FIRST – STAYING SAFE AND HEALTHY

To protect all guests, employees and the wider community Buller is following all government mandated guidelines and health recommendations and asks you to do the same.

To keep safe and protected they have these measures in place and they expect all members of the community to follow the government directives:

• They are following stringent practises for cleanliness in all venues
• Rigorous standards are being maintained for food handling
• Staff have been directed to self-isolate as per guidelines in the instance of illness or recent travel.
• Mt Buller is following all Australian Department of Health’s Guidelines here.
• No camping is permitted anywhere in the resorts until further notice
• All public BBQs, playgrounds, tennis courts and other recreational facilities are closed until further notice

Opening hours/services:       

• The ABOM café is providing meals, coffee and snacks for take away only. Limited take away wine and beer is also available.
  • Food service is offered daily 9am – 2pm and 5pm – 8pm
  • Coffee, cold drinks and cabinet snacks are offered 9am – 8pm
  • You can call ahead to order on 03 5777 7901 or order in venue
• Mt Buller Grocer is a full-ranged licenced supermarket in the village centre.
  • Open weekdays 10am – 1.30pm & 4-6pm. Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 9am – 3pm
  • Call on 03 5777 6133
• Coffee Garage at Ski Club of Victoria is open for coffee, fresh juices and take away savoury meals which can be enjoyed outside.
  • Open daily from 7am – 2pm
  • Phone orders can be made on 03 5777 6024

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - WINTER

I want to ski and snowboard this winter. Will Mt Buller Mt Stirling be open for 2020? 

At this stage it is too early to tell if the 2020 season will be impacted due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and all decisions will be made in accordance with instruction from Victoria’s Chief Health Officer.  They hope to have the resort open for skiing and snowboarding, and have been working preparing with the expected completion of the village development, expanded snowmaking and a large new water storage reservoir.  They are in a very agile industry well adapted to the uncertainty of snow seasons, and are currently preparing to open on the Queen’s Birthday weekend along with contingency plans if this cannot occur. They will provide updates as things become clear.

I’ve purchased lift passes and accommodation for the 2020 season. Can I get a credit or refund?

They understand COVID-19 may require changes to your plans between now and then, and  don’t want you to worry. Mt Buller operators have developed an updated COVID-19 cancellation policy to provide customers some peace of mind. 

In addition to the existing cancellation policy offered by most operators that enables refunds for cancellations outside 30 days of an intended visit, a new COVID-19 specific policy has been developed allowing you to request a cancellation, change of dates, credit forward or full refund on your pre-paid resort entry, accommodation, lift, lesson, rental products and other pre-paid services and activities from participating partners if;

• You or a family member (or travelling companion) contract COVID 19 and are unable to travel on your intended dates; OR
• The Mt Buller resort is closed due to COVID 19; OR
• Government policies due to COVID 19 prevent you from travelling on your intended dates; OR
• Your transport is cancelled or disrupted due to COVID 19 preventing you from arriving in resort for your intended dates.

Right now you do not need to do anything, but you can be assured you have protection should COVID-19 prevent you from going ahead with your plans for winter.

I have a season membership for 2020 – what will happen with that?

While we all hope to enjoy time on the slopes this winter, they have developed a COVID-19 refund policy to give valued Mt Buller season members and Mt Buller & Mt Stirling resort entry season pass holders peace of mind if this cannot happen. Read the policy here.

What will happen with the 2020 Snow Squad Seasonal Programs?

Although we hope the Snow Squad participants may be able to enjoy some time on the slopes this winter, they have developed contingencies if the season can’t go ahead as planned. Simply, if they cannot deliver the Snow Squad program there will be credits or refunds.  More information is available here.

When will they open this season? 

Mt Buller snow season traditionally opens on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June, or when they have sufficient snow to start operations, whichever comes first.  A later opening is always a possibility and is part of  planning for 2020.  They will advise as they know more.

What if they can’t open this winter?

Unfortunately this is a scenario that they must plan for.  Should the COVID-19 situation prevent the resort operating this winter Mt Buller will implement cancellation and refunds as required and adjust plans to protect  guests and operators.  This is a huge challenge for the community, the nation and the planet so they will take each step deliberately and responsibly as the situation evolves.

The resort has a vital role providing jobs, supporting families and sustaining businesses within our community. When this challenge has passed they will be ready to play a part in the post-bushfires and coronavirus (COVID-19) recovery for the region.