By Ian Neubauer

Victoria’s Mount Buller ski resort underwent a $44 million upgrade this year to meet more discerning guest expectations.

Refurbishment projects were carried out by corporate leaseholders, who were offered favourable new long-term leases for upgrading redundant facilities.

Grollo-controlled company Attest spent $12 million upgrading its facilities, including $7 million for a new six-seater chairlift, $3 million for staff accommodation and $2.5 million for high-end apartments, The Australian Financial Review reported.

“At one stage we had a bit of a shortage of top-end stuff, which has now been addressed,” said Mount Buller property and planning manager, Tony Petersen. “We have always had a good selection of club lodges and mid-range accommodation, but there was an emerging market perception [of a need to upgrade].”

Peterson said the resort is also trying to influence holidaymakers to visit outside of the snow season to partake in summer outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, mountain biking and four-wheel-driving.