A NEW concept introduced last year was the increasingly popular ‘Chairlift Chats’ at the National Alpine Museum based at Alpine Central on Mt Buller.

And the Chairlift Chats return this season with the first night to be held on Thursday 3 July. Ski patrollers from the past and present will be first up t talk about their experiences.

Thursday 10 July cousins Pete and Susie Forras join the chair to share memories of growing up on Mt Buller living at the Kooroora and Bull Run Canteen. You’ll also be able to buy a copy of the book A Mountain Pioneer - Aurel Forras.

The evening chats will then continue each Thursday night from 5.30pm to 7pm until 28 August.

Museum curator, Michelle Stevenson, said the nights are really popular with each night having a guest person talk about their history and aspects of Mt Buller.

It is not necessary for them to have notoriety on the mountain but just have a story to tell and a keen interest.

Discussions then take place around the group who are gathered for drinks and nibbles.

Entry is free but all donations support the museum and help us collect, preserve and share inspiring Australian alpine objects and stories.

At present the museum is holding a couple of special exhibitions – the first to celebrate 75 years of ski patrols on the mountain and the second is the Jackie Cooper World Cup Crystal Globes – along with Jackie’s ski suits and other memorabilia.

A visit to the museum always caries interest and especially for the kids – an activity they can enjoy during these up-coming school holidays.

Also being noted is the 100th anniversary of the Chamois Ski Club and the Chaplaincy anniversary.

The Museum, situated on Level 1 of the Alpine Central building is open from 12noon to 5pm daily and entry is free.