winter fun for families at mount buller
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So you’ve progressed as a family from snow play at Mt Donna Buang, to tobogganing at Lake Mountain, now it’s time for that next step - skiing and snowboarding at Mount Buller!
If you’re like Mamma and it’s been a quick minute from when you were on the slopes pre kids and now think the family are ready to make that leap, Mamma says DO IT!
There is a lot of info out there but here is what worked for us!
Let’s acknowledge one thing first - it’s not cheap. This is a well known fact. But there are options - and if you can make it work, Mamma guarantees you will make memories that will last a lifetime, as well as learn new skills - as well as some resilience!
So Mamma waited until the kiddos were teens to come to the snow and learn snowboarding/skiiing, but there are families of all ages here on the mountain. Having older kids means that you can all learn at the same stage, in the same classes and experience it together.
First up - get a lesson. GET A LESSON!
Lessons are only a bit extra $ when you purchase with a lift pass and absolutely worth it to get the basics or have a refresh. The instructors are all VERY patient and kind and you can get beginner to advanced lessons.
Teens (15+) and adults are together in classes and the younger kids go separately.
Purchase all this online prior to coming to the mountain as it’s cheaper!
Now, dont expect everyone to conquer skiing/snowboarding on the first day - generally it takes two days to start getting the hang of it. So don’t get put off on the first day!
Accommodation - so we were lucky enough to stay on the mountain - we wanted the luxury of regrouping in our own space during the day, but plenty of families stay at Mansfield or Merrijig and come up via one of the buses. This is obviously a lot cheaper.
Accomodation can book out quickly and depending on where you stay can cost a lot. We stayed at Mt Buller Chalet Hotel and Suites which was right at the end of the beginners run (Bourke St), so very handy. It also had a pool and spa, plus a great view over the mountain range from the cafe balcony out the back! Plus bar and restaurant.
Food - you know Mamma loves her food, you can get everything from sushi and dimmys at the grocer, there’s burgers, Mexican, pizzas and pasta (Pats was GREAT), and incredible restaurants.
With dinners, Mamma LOVED - Kaptans at Pension Grimus (Austrian food and a great vibe), The Wood Room at The Arlberg and The Whitt at The Ski Club. But there are so many options!
What else can you do? There is also a cinema here, plenty of activities over the school holidays, TOBOGGANING down at Celia’s Toboggan Park near the car park and near the village, husky sled rides - or just a pat and play options, and Air Zone - trampolines, a giant air bag, mega inflatable boulder wall and indoor rock climbing.
Absolutely everybody we encountered here were friendly and helpful.
When the snow is light, the snow guns are generally firing and snow crews work around the clock to give you the best experience possible.
Now - here is a list of things you need to get/book before you even set foot on the slopes:
Warm Ski Gear - check the sales or head to Aldi. Also so many people wear black - choose a colour so your crew are easier to spot!
Book your accom
Book your lesson and lift passes
Book your B Tag (the card that you use to enter chair lift, just $5 and they load your lift pass onto this)
Book your resort entry if you are staying on the mountain
Book your transfer from the car park to your accom
Book your fancier restaurants if so inclined - they can book out too. We ate at the earlier sessions for all our meals so it was less busy.
And have fun!
