Andy is a top bloke, and always looked after us when when visited for 3-4 nights each summer with the family. However, this year the nightly price jumped by $80 a night over previous years, we are staying elsewhere and saving $230 for three nights, purely a financial decision for us.
Purely speculation, I also wonder if he is sick of the stagnant MTB scene at Buller, were nothing will change?
Not sure why the resort doesn't just charge all people a reasonable flat rate for entry with an option for chairlift. There are so few facilities open in Summer it's a wonder how they don't lose money at the moment.
They did a survey two summers ago regarding this, told them if they charge entry, I will no longer visit.
For me personally I'd never go to Buller over Bright. Trails arw better (my opinion) in Bright for Gravity riding, the shuttles are better and same price, plus the town is fun. Partner can come along etc.
Being at Buller is boring...
This summer will be the last family visit to buller, only there a couple of nights, then off to stay at falls, so many more options on that mountain, still a little ghost townie, but a lot better than buller.
Wonder what the powers to be at buller expected (if numbers have significantly decline) with all the awesome work that has been done at bright and another 1 1/4 hours drives to falls if basing your visit in bright. Major towns in area, heaps of touristy shit, great riding. Buller has been digging its own ghost town grave for years.
I also first raced on Abom in 94, a little bit has been done over the years, but its basically the same track... maybe a few modern DH / park tracks would bring in the business. But i don't think they give a shit.
