With some uncertainty around the capacity to deliver on-snow FUTURES programs in 2020, Snow Australia is developing a series of online FUTURES Webinars to provide education around the Athlete Pathway for the Snowsport Community.

The first release of webinars will be multi-discipline and open to all athletes and parents, whether you are involved at an Interschools level, part of a Snow Australia Pathway Program Provider, or just curious about the Athlete Pathway in Snowsports.

These will be followed by a series of discipline specific FUTURES webinars containing important information relevant to those disciplines, as well as Q & A opportunities for all participants with a panel of National Team athletes and coaches.

A recording of the first webinar, Intro to the Athlete Pathway, is now available online on the FUTURES webpage. 

Webinar #2, Mental Preparation & Planning, will begin on Tuesday 21st July from 6:00pm – 7:00pm. 

Topics will include:

• Goal Setting Strategies – Annie Geiger | Snow Australia Para Snowsport Manager
• Social Media strategy and tips for developing Athletes – Lauren Ryan | Beyond the Break Consulting
• Q & A with a National Team athlete

You can find out more info and register for each Webinar on the Snow Australia FUTURES webpage: https://www.snow.org.au/pathways/futures/

All Webinars are free of charge with a Snow ID and will be conducted via Zoom.

More information will be posted on the FUTURES webpage in the coming weeks.

It is with great disappointment that Mt Buller and Snow Australia announce the 2020 Victorian Interschools Snowsports Championships, scheduled to be hosted on the 9 August and 24 - 30 August 2020, will be cancelled.
 
The Stage 3 restrictions requiring residents of Melbourne and Mitchell Shire to stay at home until at least 19 August, sadly, prevents the majority of the schools and participants preparing with certainty and travelling to Mt Buller as planned.
 
President of Snow Australia, Dean Gosper explained, “The Victorian Interschools Snowsports Championship is a very important week on the calendar for our sport, and a tradition that stretches back to 1958.  It is with much regret we cancel the event.  However, the public health guidelines leave no other option at this time.  We will be working closely with all parties to explore opportunities for Victorian students to enjoy some friendly competition later in the season as conditions permit.”
 
Laurie Blampied, Chair of the Buller Interschools Association added, “Mt Buller has a long and proud history with the Victorian Interschools welcoming thousands of young Victorians to the resort each winter.  We are committed to working together with all stakeholders to provide an opportunity for the school children of Victoria to participate in some competitive skiing and snowboarding and at least have some fun in the sun during spring at Mt Buller.” 
 
Over the coming weeks, Mt Buller and Snow Australia will examine the possibility of hosting some snow sports events in early to mid-September. The status of public health restrictions in late August and early September will determine the format and scale of the events and updates will be shared as the plan is developed.

SENT TO TBR FAMILIES JULY 11

As announced yesterday afternoon, Mt Buller is pleased to confirm continued lift operations beyond 12th of July ensuring access to the ski area on an appropriate scale for as long as conditions permit. The decision to continue running lifts, seasonal programs/lessons and snowmaking was reached with the well-being and livelihoods of our employees, the community and our guests in mind.

Remaining open has not been an easy decision however we believe it is in the best interests of our community and regional Victorians.

Please find an update on TBR training packages impacted by the lock down period.

TBR WEEKEND

• TBR will be suspending the TBR Weekend program during the stage 3 lock down period.
• The lock down period affects 5 weekends (10 days) of our program.
• Pending the lifting of Stage 3 restrictions in Melbourne, it is anticipated the program will recommence from the 22nd August.
• The remaining 10 days of the TBR program will be deferred to the latter part of the winter season. The original program completion date was on the 6th of September. The 10 missing program days will be offered over the weekend of the 12th & 13th of September and over the September School holiday period 19 - 27 September (with one day off during this period). Should the stage 3 restrictions be extended within Melbourne post the current period then we will reassess options at that time.
  

TBR FRIDAYS

• The TBR Friday program includes six training days.
• Pending the lifting of Stage 3 restrictions in Melbourne, it is anticipated the program will commence on the 21st of August.
• There are five Friday’s from Friday August 21 to Friday September 18.
• The remaining day can be used any time during TBR September School Holiday training.

TBR VCE

• Athletes will be able to use any remaining days not utilised once the TBR weekend program resumes pending the lifting of stage 3 restrictions.
• As mentioned above in TBR weekend, the program will be extended through to the September school holidays, so there will be ample opportunities to utilise any remaining days.

TBR Full Time/TBR Midweek

• The TBR Full Time/Midweek program will continue to run as scheduled for families who remain on the mountain for school and training.
• If any TBR families would like to upgrade to the TBR Full Time program, please let me know ASAP.

This year continues to be a massive challenge for us all, and I would like to convey my sincere appreciation to all families and coaches for their support, flexibility and patience during this time.

If anyone has any questions, please let me know.
 
Kind regards,
Andrew Pattison

Statement from Buller Ski Lifts
Buller Ski Lifts will continue operations beyond the 12 July.

This decision has been reached with the well-being and livelihoods of our employees, the community and our guests in mind. Remaining open is not an easy decision however we believe it is in the best interests of our community and regional Victorians.

Health and safety remains paramount as we carefully move forward in accordance with government guidelines for the alpine industry to support our regional economy and the skiers and snowboarders of Victoria.

The latest restrictions have impacted the level of visitors able to come to the resort.

BSL is mindful that staying open may not be viable for some businesses, and the coming days will be difficult as hard decisions are made. We hope our choice to carry on at least gives the option for others to continue if they choose.

This year has been incredibly challenging and this latest test is something we all hoped we wouldn’t have to face. We thank everyone for their tenacity as we tackle this difficult period together.

~Laurie Blampied, General Manager Buller Ski Lifts

Statement Resort Management

Mt Buller Mt Stirling Resort Management has already confirmed the Mt Buller & Mt Stirling Resorts will remain open for visitors unless there is alternate direction from the State Government, and welcomes the decision by Buller Ski Lifts to continue operations.

The RMB is mindful some businesses and lodges may not be able to continue operating, and appreciates those who commit to operating through this next period as we adapt to changes in visitation. The resort marketing and central reservations team will communicate this news to guests and the public today.

Mt Buller Mt Stirling Resort Management will continue to operate the resort under its COVID Safe Plan including capacity management, resort entry, parking, medical and transport services to support our alpine community and will be sharing detailed updates on any operational changes in the coming days.

If you have questions about the latest guidelines from the government, we direct you to the official guidance here.

We look forward to welcoming regional Victorians to the resorts and supporting our local community during this time, and being here for our Melbourne visitors when they are again able to visit.

~Mark Bennetts, CEO Mt Buller Mt Stirling Resort Management

After the past few months, who would have thought that something other than COVID-19 would be the biggest issue for the commencement of Seasonal Programs at Mt Buller.
 
Warm temperatures over the past few weeks have cancelled out the natural snowfalls and prevented snowmaking in all Australian resorts.
 
Seasonal Programs will need to operate modified training program for the start of the school holidays, with additional activities incorporated into the TBR schedule.
 
We will also have an extra afternoon session, 3-5pm at the Buller Air Zone, to ensure more athletes can train each day at the awesome Buller Air Zone facility. Some groups may train 3-5pm in the afternoon instead of 1 to 3pm.
 
Buller Ski Lifts will also operate the ABOM six-seater chair for seasonal programs to access the upper mountain, which is appreciated.

Be sure to arrive in your ski and snowboard gear Saturday Morning in the Village Square, as we plan for all groups to be on snow for the first morning.
 
Activities in the first week of the program

• Bourke St skiing/snowboarding
• Mogul training on Summit Ridge
• Rails/Boxes on the upper mountain
• Buller Air Zone
• Goal setting
• On snow skill assessments
• Functional screenings
• Equipment assessments (boot and ski/board checks)
• High Country exploring, hiking to places such as Howqua Gap and other stunning locations

Weather Forecast
Colds nights and sunshine are currently forecasted for the next week. Fingers crossed the snowmakers will be able to blast the mountain, and new terrain and lifts should open early next week.

Off Snow Equipment
Please have items such as runners/hiking shoes, backpack, drink bottles, appropriate sports clothing so you can take part in all activities. Please also bring up your Air Zone socks if you have them from last year.

This year due to COVID-19, things will work a bit differently for the start of the TBR program.

With restrictions on indoor numbers, we will need to conduct jacket collection and first morning meeting of coaches/groups outdoors.

Fortunately, the forecast is calling for dry weather and sunshine, which will assist us in getting underway smoothly.

JACKET COLLECTION OPTIONS
Friday Afternoon/Evening
Time: 3pm to 6pm
Location: Top of Chamois/Lydia Lassila lift hut

Saturday Morning/First Day of Program
Time: Jacket collection from 830am
Location: Village Square (TBR meeting Place)

Can't make those two options?
Contact TBR Program Manager Andrew Pattison the day before you arrive on the mountain, and he can arrange to bring to the TBR meeting place on your child's first morning on snow.

TBR MEETING PLACE & TRAINING TIMES FOR 2020 SEASON
Meeting Place: Village Square
Morning Session: 9:00am to 1145am
Afternoon Session: 1pm to 3pm
Note: Please be at the session 10 minutes prior to the start of the session.

GROUPS
With a lot of new athletes joining the program from other Mt Buller programs, the first week will predominantly be used to asses which group athletes are best suited to.

Skills assessments will be conducted on all athletes, covering a wide range of on snow skills, and freestyle specific actions like jumping, moguls, park, rails etc..

The head coaches from each program area will work with the coaches to place athletes in respect to age, ability and mix of genders.

The TBR: 2020 Handbook is now available online.

Inside the TBR: 2020 Handbook you will find all the information you need on the TBR Program, including:

• Welcome
• 2020 Coaches
• TBR Facilities
• Frequently asked questions
• COVID-19 Operations Plan
• Policies
• NEW Team App resource for families
• TBR Athlete Portal & FitLink Information
• Equipment Information
• Altitude - TBR deal
• Training and events calendar

Click here to download the TBR:2020 Handbook.

V1 15/06/2020
TBR COVID OFFICER: ANDREW PATTISON

We are very fortunate to be able to operate all of our on snow programs on schedule this winter given the current circumstances thanks to Buller Ski Lifts and the Mt Buller RMB support.

This season all TBR stakeholders will have to comply with these restrictions to ensure a safe and healthy program can operate all season. Below is a summary of those restrictions and changes to our program operations that athletes, their families and staff need to be familiar with.

This plan will be updated as restrictions change.

General
Practise good hygiene: Washing hands regularly with soap, carrying a small sanitiser in jacket pocket and trying to avoid touching your face (even with your gloves on). Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
Maintain physical distancing rules at all times, keeping at least 1.5 metres away from others. This includes on your commute to training, at meeting places and during training.
Do not attend training if you feel unwell or show any symptoms. Please get tested even if you have mild symptoms.
It is a requirement that all coaches and athletes have the COVIDSafe App on their smart phones.

On Snow Training
TBR meeting place in the village square will be further spread out, with each coach/group distanced from each other (further details of which group will meet in which area of the village square to be announced).

Parents should only approach coaches/groups in the meeting place or on the hill if it is essential. Under current (level B) sporting restrictions, spectators (including parents) are not permitted to attend training sessions.

Follow chairlift riding policies as prescribed by Buller Ski Lifts

Seasonal programs will not have lift line priority this season, and are unable to use any of the ski/snowboard school or private lesson lanes when loading chairlifts.

Drink bottles brought to training to be named and not be left grouped together (spread out)
No sharing of food/snacks/drinks

No sharing of equipment (including skis, poles, snowboards, googles or anything you could have touched with or without your gloves on)

Indoor Training – Buller Air Zone
Current advice from the Victorian Government is that indoor sport can resume from June 22, for up to 20 people (plus coaches) per space or zone. TBR groups will be rotated through the Buller Air Zone adhering to the government regulation on capacity and physical distancing.

Follow all general practises listed above, as well as not sharing any equipment, water bottles etc.. 
Wash your hands before and after any indoor activities.

Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

TBR Headquarters (Chamois Judges Stand)
The Judges Stand can only be used by residents living in the building. Athletes needing to go to the bathroom will need to go home or use public facilities.

TBR: Early Bird Pricing Closes
Monday June 8

TBR: 2020 On Snow First Day
Saturday June 27

TBR: 2020 School Holiday Training Block
June 27 to July 12

TBR: 2020 Social Outing (Parents)
TBC - Mid July once venues can host up to 100 customers.

jNats (Mt Buller)
Saturday August 8

FreeBOM
Saturday August 22

Victorian Interschools (Mt Buller)
August 24 to August 30

32nd ABOM Mogul Challenge (Mt Buller)
Friday September 4 (FIS/OPEN Train & Youth Qualifications)
Saturday September 5 (Comp day)

Mt Buller Slopestyle
Sunday September 6

TBR: 2020 Last Day
Full Time/Midweek - Friday September 4
Weekend Program - Sunday September 6

TBR: Spring/Summer Water Jump Training
Schedule will be set in September 2020

TBR: End of Season Awards
TBC

We strongly recommend consulting a TBR coach before purchasing a new pair of ski boots.