Mt Buller marks 75 years of ski patrols

Mt Buller has celebrated 75 years of offering the longest continuous Ski Patrol service in Australia with a 100-torch parade down Bourke Street in front of a cheering crowd of locals and guests.

Yesterday evening’s parade was led by current and former Ski Patrollers and included their friends, family and members of the Mt Buller community, concluding with a fireworks display that lit up the village and the mountain.

Ski Patrol Manager Ed Mahon commented “it’s been a great evening celebrating with our community and our patrol ‘family’.

“We have parents and children, and even grandparents participating this evening who have all donned the red jacket and served Mt Buller.”

Mt Buller spokesperson Rhylla Morgan added “we’d like to acknowledge the handful of patrollers who were unable to participate in the parade last night because they were responding to a call out to assist an injured guest.

“As the group was setting up with the torches for the parade a radio call came in and several of the team went into action to assist, executing a rescue in the darkness and ensuring a guest received the care they needed. Our community is grateful for the commitment and skill of the Ski Patrol and that was on show again last night.”

Image: 75 years of ski patrols at Mt Buller is celebrated with fireworks. Credit: Tony Harrington.