Mount Buller patrons hit by transport meltdown will get refunds and an apology

The official opening of the 2019 ski season hit an icy patch at Mount Buller, with ski-lovers left out in the cold thanks to a transport glitch that’s left resort management red-faced.

Packed slopes at Mount Biuller. Picture: Supplied

Mount Buller management will refund skiers and other visitors affected by a transport meltdown on the long weekend.

Hundreds of people trying to leave the popular mountain on Monday after the official Queen’s Birthday season opening experienced long delays getting snow taxis to their cars.

A new operator, TravelSafe, took over running transport services after winning a tender.

The Mt Buller Village. Picture: Andrew Railton/Mt Buller

One patron, who asked to be identified as “Anthony”, said a new taxi booking app wasn’t working properly, and many drivers seemed unfamiliar with the mountain.

“A lot of people who booked were delayed for ages. We were lucky that a taxi driving past randomly picked us up — otherwise we would have been there for hours,” he said.

Mt Buller and Mt Stirling Resort CEO Mark Bennetts said that huge numbers of people headed to the mountain over the long weekend, making the most of the strong snow falls and the five lifts that were running.

“While everyone made the most of the mild weather on Saturday and Sunday, strong rains hit the resort on Monday morning, resulting in many people choosing to head home early in the day,” he said.

“This put significant pressure on the transport network, and resulted in lengthy and unacceptable delays for many visitors.”

Cars leaving Mount Buller. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

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Mr Bennetts has apologised to all affected, and pledged full refunds to everyone who booked a valet taxi ride on Monday.

Refunds will be processed automatically where possible.

Visitors can also contact resort management at [e-mail] for refunds.

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