MT BULLER celebrated the traditional season 'kick–off' with record snow levels and bumper visitation for the Queen's Birthday long weekend.
The strong early snowfall and established snow base is good news for skiers and boarders looking forward to spring sliding all the way through to late September and early October.
Strong visitation on Sunday (June 5) saw the car parks reach capacity late morning, wheel chains were sold out in Mansfield with similar numbers on the Monday public holiday.
"It's the most snow we've ever recorded for a June long weekend and everyone is amazed to be skiing and boarding on the amount of cover we usually wait until mid–season to experience," said Noel Landry general manager of Buller Ski Lifts.
"The team here are building some serious muscles from all the shovelling and de–icing that is going on around the resort in order to get lifts open and clear entry ways and paths."
On opening day, Buller Ski Lifts celebrated the achievements of Mt Buller local Jakara Anthony who brought home a gold medal in mogul skiing from the Beijing Olympics.
Jakara reminisced with friends and family about starting out skiing in the Magic Forest, progressing through the Ski and Snowboard School and on to international competition.
Her Olympic teammates helped give out commemorative gold 'medal' cookies to the guests riding the Bourke Street Express during the morning.
The handmade cookies featured golden snowflakes and were individually designed and made by ABOM pastry chef Rebecca Raphael.
And on top of the opening weekend celebrations Jakara was congratulated on receiving an Order of Australia (OAM) in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
Jakara received her highest award for service to sport as a gold medallist at the Beijing Winter Olympic Games in February this year.
Jakara retains Mt Buller as her home skiing resort having started her career with the Team Buller Riders from 2009 to 2014 before going on to train in moguls and becoming champion both nationally and internationally.
For the opening weekend festivities Jakara also did a meet and greet along with other Olympians including Cameron Bolton, Gabi Ash and local snowboarder Mia Clift, signing hundreds of posters and having photos taken with children and adults alike.
Other activities across the weekend included a high–energy DJ set by legendary band Client Liaison with the village square transformed into a dancefloor complete with fresh snow falling on the crowd.
Family activities in the village included giant bubble demonstrations, face–painting and pats with local sled dogs.
Thousands of skiers and boarders explored additional terrain with Little Buller Spur, Bull Run and Howqua all groomed and open.
Skyline Park delighted riders with several features and jumps shaped for long weekend visitors.
Parties stretched late into the night with Kooroora nightclub pumping until the 3am "That's Amore" close.
And the Sunday night session with the 'Six Piece Super Band' blues music at Moosehead Whisky and Blues Bar also sold out.
The bumper snowfalls have seen record levels of bookings for lift passes, accommodation and lessons, and snow–lovers are advised to plan ahead.
