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