It is not everyday that you get a call up from the team at Mazda Australia to drive their newest CX-5 Range to the popular Ski resort, Mt Buller, for a mid-week snow trip. Oh, and to also share the slopes with one of the world’s most prolific Snowboarders: 2 x world champion, 2 x Olympian and Mazda ambassador, Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin.
To say we were speechless would be an understatement….
Without hesitation, we packed our finest XTM snow gear, loaded our brand new CX-5 and plugged into MZD Connect for what was to be a snow experience of a lifetime.
Roadtrip to Mt Buller
The trip to Mt Buller began with a leisurely drive to the popular winery Zonzo Estate in the Yarra Valley region. Welcomed by the lovely team at Mazda and AMPR, we enjoyed a light lunch with our fellow crew members who we would share the wonderful snow escape with.
Leaving lunch with a full stomach and eagerness to venture up to Mt Buller, we set our GPS and began our 3.5 hour journey to the mountain.
The Mazda CX-5 range is incredibly comfortable and exceptionally great to drive. Driving the all new CX-5 GT AWD was almost effortless, packed with a range of features and technology that just take you that extra mile.
Featuring MZD Connect, a Bose sound system, active driving display, dual zone climate control (this is brilliant), and a super-sleek interior, it is no wonder the CX-5 remains the best selling vehicle in the medium SUV category.
After 3.5 hours of truly testing out the new Mazda CX-5 and all its in-built features, we finally arrived safe and sound at the base of Mt Buller; the CX-5 couldn’t have manoeuvred the icy and slippery roads any better!
Day 1…
Checking in to Breathtaker Alpine Retreat was easy enough, as we were kindly greeted to an assortment of Mazda goodies, ready to see us tackle the slopes the following day.
A casual dinner at the popular ‘Snow pony’ restaurant allowed us a bit more time to get to know the crew, who included the likes of Aussie actor Lincoln Lewis and model Natalie Roser.
Sharing everything from driving notes of the CX-5 to predicted ski and snowboarding outcomes from the days to come (rest assured, The Tailored Man held up quite well on the slopes), it was a lovely ambiance by the fireplace as we all enjoyed each other’s company.
But the biggest drawcard from the night included the meet and greet with Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin, a true champion in the world of Snowboarding.
Having the chance to get to know Chumpy on a personal level, it was amazing to gain an insight into the life of a professional athlete.
With a sport that is so gruelling and incredibly high-pressured, we asked Chumpy how he likes to prepare for a race.
“Preparation comes months and months in advance. It’s about a mixture of training regimes as well as a well-balanced diet. Come race day, it’s all about living in the moment; being present,” Chumpy said.
“I’ll walk out to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and from then onwards, it’s game time.”
Honestly, we could not wait to strap in for a once in a lifetime experience to board with Chumpy Pullin.
Day 2…
Waking like little kids on Christmas Day (a White Christmas, that is), we geared-up and decided to hit the slopes early. Throwing on our XTM Performance snow gear, we felt like serious athletes ready to take on the slopes of St. Moritz.
As most of the group were taking snowboarding lessons, we were extremely fortunate to have Chumpy all to ourselves.
Heading out to one of the few blue runs actually open, we cruised on Little Buller Spur with Chumpy for a few runs. In only a matter of minutes, we were treated to some of the spectacular trickery and snowboarding brilliance that the world champ is renowned for.
With adrenaline rushing through our veins, we headed down the mountain for a casual lunch with the crew.
Swapping stories of epic falls and successful runs, the grin could not be wiped from our faces as we yet again ventured out for a few more hours of complete and utter bliss; conditions were magic!
High fives all around, we headed back to Breathtaker Hotel to wash up and prepare ourselves for the Mazda dinner that awaited at The Black Cockatoo.
Feasting on a five-course degustation meal, laughs were had all around as the group truly bonded over the experiences we had all encountered over the last 24 hours.
A truly insightful dinner to say the least, we were entertained with stories from Hollywood to the Olympic village (and anything in between), ending our last night on a high.
And if there was one thing we learnt from the snowboarding champ, Chumpy:
“Always order a ‘Four Storms’ cocktail on the mountain; it’ll keep you warm and happy.”
A Bid Farewell….
to the Mazda Aus team, Chumpy and of course our fabulous crew that we shared the wonderful Snow-Escape with. Over three days, we enjoyed thrills, spills and of course, experienced a once in a lifetime opportunity thanks to Mazda Australia.
For more information on the Mazda CX-5 and to see what we got up to at Mt Buller, head to @mazdaaus on Instagram.
Images courtesy of Marten Ascenzo & Thomas Wielecki
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