‘That’s a wrap’: Unexpected reason snow season cut short

One of Victoria’s busiest snowfields has called it quits for the year a month earlier than expected following a fortnight of gale force winds and wild weather.

Mt Buller resort announced on Thursday it would cease operation of its ski lift for the year on September 1, effectively ending the 2024 snow season early.

While much of the southeast has been gripped by unseasonal heat, the ski resort said it was wild winds and rain that “dramatically reduced snow cover”.

Buller Ski Lifts General Manager said while it seemed “unfair” to have had two challenging snow seasons in a row, he was “proud everyone kept striving”.

“We were holding out hopes for season-saving snow in last night’s storm however the 1-2cms that fell was unfortunately too little, too late,” he said.

“I would like to thank everyone in our team who has tried valiantly to keep us sliding for as long as possible.

“It seems unfair to have had two challenging seasons in a row but I am immensely proud of everyone who has kept striving and will be doing so until Sunday afternoon.”

In a statement, Mt Buller said all available snow was being “harvested and groomed” to ensure the best experience on Sunday at the Bourke St and Gliders carpet areas.

Skiers and snowboarders were being invited to make the most of the final day, with soft snow ideal for beginners and discounted lift passes “to reflect reduced terrain”.

Mt Buller Resort Management General Manager Alan Arthur said the 2024 season, supposed to have been an anniversary for the park, had been “incredibly challenging”.

“I want to thank everyone for their hard work in what has been an incredibly challenging season,” he said.

“The lack of natural snow was not what we wanted for our 100th year of skiing, but the celebrations were a highlight I’m sure many of us won’t forget.

“We now look forward to the green season, and planning for winter 2025.”

The Bureau of Meteorology reported wind gusts of up to 146km early on Friday morning, with peaks persistently high again on Saturday with up to 70km as of 9am.

While Mt Hotham, another major ski resort in the Victorian alps, remained open on Saturday, the resort too spruiked the “slushy snow” as perfect for “practice”.

It comes after a second subsequent disappointing snow season for operators across the Australian Alps after early hopes in 2023 were dashed before a slow die-out.

In NSW, Thredbo resort, one of the state’s busiest, offered only limited lifts and trails for skiing and snowboarding due to “recent heavy rainfall” and winds.