Mount Buller

The Sunday Age

Sunday June 8, 2008

Craig Tansley, David Sly

Expert skiing comments by Jim Darby; snowboarding by Craig Tansley; dining and accommodation by David Sly.

SOUTH SIDE

FAST ONE

Lives up to its name; a rocket of a run. Climb to the summit hut and you'll get some extra turns with extra interest if the cornice has formed.

MOUNT BULLER PARK

Has creative features, jumps and rails designed for the freestyler. The park builders are always looking for ideas and open to suggestion.

KOFLER'S HUTTE

Bob Fleming bakes every day: his lasagne, pies and apricot mogul dessert are highlights.

MEN'S DOWNHILL

Sweet steep, fall-line turns in the final section to the South Side lift. Mix it up by going in from the Federation Bluff for a rough ride or the top of Federation for easier turns.

POWDER KEG

It works perfectly rarely, so be prepared to ride it in a storm and it'll be worth the effort.

The natural formation of this slope makes it ridiculous fun for the avid freerider.

WOMBAT RUN

Like Little Buller Spur, a supertrail-style run that is very well attended by snow makers and groomers. Go early or at lunch time - at its best when uncrowded. LITTLE BULLER SPUR

This is one of Mount Buller's longest slopes and is ideal for intermediate snowboarders ... it's wide and groomed and there are cat trails that run parallel to the slope.

WOMEN'S DOWNHILL

Has tree trails and cliff drops - this is where you want to get fresh tracks after a night of snowfall.

NORTH SIDE

PENSION GRIMUS

Austrian alpine tradition reigns in the restaurant at Pension Grimus - schnitzel and solzberger nockerl, schnapps, and gregarious host Hans Grimus at the ready with accordion and snuff box.

TIROL HUT

The best skiers' lunch in Australia can be found at this small hut. Chef Jimmy Camerino cooks delicious fresh pasta to order (it takes a little longer, but it's worth it), best eaten at outdoor tables on a deck overlooking Buller's northern slopes.? SUMMIT SLIDE

Make big, sweeping giant slalom-type turns out here as you descend deeper into the bowl.

BLACK COCKATOO RESTAURANT

Head chef Marcus Van Klute presents dishes with city-style sophistication at the fine dining restaurant at Mount Buller Chalet.

VILLAGE RUN

Skiing through the huge stands of alpine ash is a wondrous experience with a good cover of snow. Catch it here or on Cattlemen's Trail for an easier ride.

ABOM APARTMENTS

New apartments at the Abom mock the maxim that lodging space is usually tight in the snow. These huge rooms have smart modern furnishings and views over Bourke Street or the valley.

ANDRE'S B&B

Luxury accommodation is presented in elegant style at Andre's, a funky timber and stone lodge at Cobbler's Lane. It offers gourmet food, serene homely comforts and views over the Shakey Knees run.

Everything you need to know

WHAT YOU'LL FIND

Good spread of terrain for all levels, vibrant upmarket village, especially busy on weekends because of proximity to Melbourne.

WEBSITE mtbuller.com.au

ADULT DAY LIFT TICKET $94.

CHILD DAY LIFT TICKET

$50 for secondary students up to year 12.

GATE ENTRY

$32 per car for one day, season pass from $225. Snow taxi from car park to accommodation $16 adults and $9.50 for children each way.

LIFTS 24.

TERRAIN 300 hectares.

GETTING THERE

About 250km (3 hours) from Melbourne via Mansfield, approximately 10 hours' drive from Sydney.

ACCOMMODATION

1800 285 537.

HOW THE RESORT RATES ITSELF

Beginner 20%, intermediate 45%, advanced 35%.

CLOSEST TOWNS

Merrijig 35km, Mansfield 50km.

MOBILE COVERAGE

Good coverage for Telstra and Optus. Coverage can be patchy at the return stations of the Grimus, Wombat, Federation and Bull Run chairs or the mid-station of Horse Hill and Wombat chairs.

INTERNET ACCESS

Pay service available at Cow Camp Plaza and Mount Buller Chalet.

GREEN CREDENTIALS

New high-speed chairlift on GreenPower; separation of rubbish to capture recyclables; some recycled water used in snowmaking; mountain pygmy possum conservation initiatives.

OUR PICKS

Buller Backpackers (it's new) from $60 a night mid-week for budget accommodation; Uncle Pat's for affordable pizza and pasta; best open fire at Black Cockatoo Bar; coffee at Cattleman's Hut; cocktail bar at Pension Grimus from 10.30pm; raging at Kooroora from 11pm to 3am.

© 2008 The Sunday Age

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