Mt Buller opens for the first time this season

Mt Buller got skiing for the first time on Saturday morning on a good cover of snow on the popular Bourke Street run with eager snow lovers waiting line for the first chairlift ride at 8.30am.

A generous 25cm snowfall arrived just ahead of the opening celebrations this week prompting a flurry of bookings and inspiring hundreds of skiers to make the most of the good conditions and get in their first turns on the snow, including beginners who joined the first ski lessons of the 2026 season this morning.

The resort opened the Bourke Street Express chairlift and Bourke Street carpet for skiing as well as the Northside Express for sightseeing rides.

Buller Ski Lifts General Manager Noel Landry was enjoying the celebrations in the snowy village this morning, “It’s a team effort to get the season off to a smooth start and we’re thrilled to have fresh snow for our guests this long weekend.”

“It’s great to see so many familiar faces, loyal locals and of course the many folks from Melbourne who have such a close connection to ‘their’ mountain. I look forward to welcoming everyone for a real winter experience up here this season – whether it’s part of a family snow tradition or your first time experiencing the magic of snow” he added.

Alan Arthur, General Manager of Mt Buller Mt Stirling - Alpine Resorts Victoria is delighted with the start of the season, “Everywhere I go in resort there are happy faces making the most of the long weekend. A huge amount of preparation and hard work has gone into ensuring the resort is ready and today we take a moment to celebrate together.”

Teachers and children from Mt Buller’s Primary School were on the first chairlift ride of the winter. The little alpine school celebrates a special milestone of 60 years on the mountain this year. The Mt Buller Primary school welcomes locals and was where Olympian Jakara Anthony spent many winters combining classroom lessons and ski lessons before going on to earn gold medals in her chosen sport of mogul skiing.

Mt Buller Ski Patrol therapy dog and resort celebrity Chilli was jubilant as she ran confidently down Bourke Street ski run with her handler Tess Hoinville and refreshed her chairlift riding skills after months off snow. Chilli and Tess have recently qualified as a Level One Human-Canine Team providing animal assisted therapy.

The Mt Buller long weekend event program stretches across the entire 3 days with a spectacular fireworks display and welcome to season opening celebrations on Saturday evening, on-slope ice bar for Sunday après, a Moosehead after party late into the night and plenty of free and fun activities for kids and families including a chance to meet the local sled dog huskies!

For more information visit mtbuller.com.au