Oz Extreme Geelong Ski Hire FAQs

General FAQ

Is an Oz Extreme snow tour suitable for the whole family?

Our Mt Buller snow trips are the perfect family day out. Even if the kids decide not to try skiing or snowboarding, there are so many fun things to do. Start a snowball fight, build a snowman together or race each other downhill on toboggans. Mt Buller has designated snow play areas so the kids will be safe to play.

What level of ability do I need to have to go on a snow trip with Oz Extreme ?

Our snow tours cater to all levels of experience, even if you’ve never seen snow before! We recommend taking advantage of lift and lesson packages (available at all mountains) for beginners and even more experienced riders who want to improve their skills.

I really want to book a ski trip with Oz Extreme but I don’t have a ski buddy. Should I travel alone?

Yes! You won’t be alone for long. As soon as you jump on the snow bus, you will meet a whole bunch of people who are just as excited about going to the snow as you are. It is a great way to make new snow friends.

What does a lift pass entitle me to?

A lift pass allows you to ride the ski lifts on the mountain. It is usually the biggest cost factor for a snow trip. The best way to learn is to buy a lift pass and lesson ticket. We recommend buying your lift tickets online before you go, they’re often cheaper than buying on the day.

Can I ski or snowboard without a lift ticket?

If you want to ride any of the lifts on the mountain (chairlift, T-bar etc.) you will need a lift ticket, otherwise it’s a long hike to the top of the run (please don’t do this).

Do I need a lift pass to toboggan?

No, a lift pass is not necessary to toboggan.

Do I need a ski lessons and where are they held?

It is strongly recommended that first timers have lessons. Skiing and snowboarding can be dangerous for both you and other riders especially if you are unable to be in control or avoid accidents safely. There are designated areas on the mountain for lessons and the Oz Extreme tour guides will point them out to you.

What items will I need to buy before my weekend ski trip?

We do recommend good-quality sunglasses or goggles as the sun is strong when reflected off the snow. Don’t forget sunscreen as well. Oz Extreme has good-quality goggles and a huge range of ski gear for sale. We also recommend getting snow socks, thermals and a good quality pair of gloves.

Can I hire snow gear through Oz Extreme?

Oz Extreme is the best ski equipment hire shop in Geelong, Surf Coast and Bellarine. All our ski clothing for hire is from leading brands and in premium condition. For kids’ snow gear hire we have the best selection of ski clothing, snowboards and skis and ski boot hire. Our staff will make sure the whole family has the ski clothing and gear they need for a fantastic day at the snow.

How often do I need to get my snowboard serviced?

It depends on the type of riding you do. In Australia, the snow is more course because of the help from snow-making machines. The man-made snow strips off the wax quicker than overseas fresh powder, we recommend getting a wax every 3-4 days in Australia for maximum speed. Northern Hemisphere snow is all natural, you can ride for 5-6 days before you need another wax. We recommend you get your snowboard tuned at the start of the season and you should get it hot waxed every time it is tuned. Remember, you will probably need to get your board waxed more often than you have it tuned.

Buller day trip FAQ

Where from & what time does the bus leave?

We require that you be at the shop by 3:30am, this gives your tour guide time to check you off the manifest. The Buller Bus leaves from Oz Extreme at 4:00am SHARP. If you have not arrived by this time we (the Oz Extreme staff ) will leave without you.  We can’t control our arrival times but we can control our departure times.

Can I get a discount on the bus?

Yes. If you book the week before the date of travel the cost will be $89.95 per booking instead of $109.95.

Do we stop anywhere along the way?

Yes. On the way to Mt Buller, we stop at the Mansfield at approximately 7:00am for a breakfast for 30 minutes. On the way home we stop at Wallan at the Big BP at approximately 7:30pm for 30 minutes, where there is McDonalds, KFC and a health food shop.

What are the buses you take to Mt Buller like?

Our Buller Bus is a comfortable coach that features:

  • Toilet facilities
  • 3 TVs, located at the front, middle and rear of the coach
  • DVD Player. Movies are played on the way back to Oz Extreme Geelong. PARENTS please be advised that we do play M RATED MOVIES along the way, your tour operator will ask your permission before playing
  • Seats all have arm rests and can recline

Can I access my luggage stored under the bus at our designated stops?

No. Our bus drivers are also aware of this rule and will not open the luggage compartment for you at any time at any of our designated stops, so be sure to have everything you want with you. Any and all valuables are fine for you to leave on the bus throughout the day as the bus is locked and your things will remain safe. We (Oz Extreme) however, are not liable for any valuables.

Can I come back to the bus early if I have had enough for the day?

No. You can’t access the bus until 4:00pm. DO NOT DISTURB the bus driver throughout the day as they will more than likely be sleeping.

Is there an age limit to travel on your bus to Mt Buller?

Yes. We do not accept children under the age of 3 years or that are still in nappies, this is due to the fact that there are no nappy changing facilities on the bus. FULLY TOILET TRAINED CHILDREN ONLY.

Do you have hire gear?

Yes. We have all you hire needs from snowboard and ski set ups to outerwear and toboggans (excludes goggles, gloves, thermals and socks due to hygienic reasons). We recommend that you get sized up for all your hire needs a week prior to your booking. All hire gear can be collected between Tuesday and Friday prior to travelling with us to Mt Buller.

Do you have any information about the Buller Kids Programs?

www.mtbuller.com.au has all the information that you need. Simply click the Ski School tab and then select the Buller Kids. Mt Buller requires that you fill out a registration form for any children doing any of the Buller Kids Programs. We highly recommend that you print this registration form and fill it out prior to your day of travel with us. It saves you wasting a half hour of your morning upon arrival at ski school having to fill out forms.

For parents travelling with children, we recommend that you bring:

  • A pillow and small blanket for the trip to and from Mt Buller
  • Lollies for your children to suck on for the trip up the mountain as it can help with ears popping
  • Jelly beans or snakes are a great pick me up for your children at the end of the day as they have undoubtedly expelled a huge amount of energy throughout the day
  • Your child’s registration form FILLED OUT IN FULL if they are going into The Buller Kids Program
  • A warm change of clothes for the trip home we always recommend their PJs as they are usually warm and comfortable and it saves your child having to change again once you return home

Can I bring things with me on the bus?

Yes. We recommend that you bring a pillow and a small blanket with you. Even though the bus has climate control it can still get a little chilly when we first leave Mt Buller. Some good items to bring along with you are headphones, snacks and drinks (screw top only).

Can I bring food or drinks on the bus with me?

YES:

  • Lollies or chocolate bars
  • Snack foods e.g. muesli bars, packets of chips, cookies etc
  • Drink bottles where the lid can be refastened

NO:

  • Alcohol
  • Hot food
  • Chewing gum
  • Ice cream, sundaes etc
  • Drinks that do not have a screw on lid e.g. cans, milkshakes etc
  • No glass