What a milestone!

Special Saturday this school holiday weekend
– 100 years of skiing

Mt Buller is preparing to celebrate a special school holiday weekend -  6-7 July - when the community will come together to mark 100 years since skiing started on the mountain.

On the 6 July 1924 seven pioneering members of the newly-created Ski Club of Victoria hiked up to Mt Buller’s summit and made the first turns with skis on its snowy slopes.  To honour this significant milestone there will be a full day and night of events and celebrations – and plenty of skiing.

This image was used by the Mansfield Progress Association to promote the potential for Mt Buller as a destination for skiing.  It worked!  The newly created SCV decided to explore Mt Buller for skiing after seeing this image in a promotional flyer!  Supplied: Mansfield Historical Society/NAMA

Mt Buller has 8 lifts in operation for the weekend and a firm, groomed cover of approx. 40cms of snow including Summit Run and Skyline open for skiing and boarding from 8.30am.

Twilight Sessions on Saturday will extend to 9pm.  Twilight passes are available from 5-9pm for the under-light experience and guests are encouraged to embrace vintage ski gear as well as some high-vis or glow in the dark options once it gets dark!

The village will be a-buzz with firepits and marshmallow toasting, live music, face painting and a ‘through the decades’ community fashion parade highlighting snow fashions from across the years.  

 
At approx. 6.30pm the lights on Bourke Street will turn off for a special torchlit descent of 100 skiers carrying bright torches to guide their line down the slope.  The torches will be carried by members of the Ski Club of Victoria with members of the Ski & Snowboard School in support.

A dazzling display of fireworks will mark the conclusion of the torch descent. Best views for spectating will be along the Bourke Street ski run - secure your viewing position at around 6pm for the best spot! Twilight sliding will extend until 9pm on Bourke Street with everyone invited to enjoy some laps under lights as we reflect on 100 years since the first skiing took place on the mountain.

Shuttle buses to the car parks and within the village are also extended for the evening to encourage visitors to stay and enjoy the experience.

Buller Ski Lifts has confirmed normal winter operations, and extended evening operations, for Saturday 6 July including lifting, Ski & Snowboard School lessons, hospitality venues, toboggan slopes and snowplay zones. 

On the occasion of this historic milestone Mt Buller’s community reflects on the deep connection and long history we share and optimism for the future as we embark on the next 100 years together.