For experienced snow-lovers or first-timers, the Victorian alpine regions have a little something for everyone. With the winter months in sight and easing of social distancing restrictions on the horizon, now is the time to start planning your snowy getaway or regional short break.
Victoria has four popular snow resorts; Lake Mountain, Mount Buller, Mount Hotham and Falls Creek, and each has something fun to offer. There are activities galore and endless options to choose from, so how can you enjoy your time on the mountain as much as possible? Travelling on a private tour means you can tailor your days perfectly to suit you and the entire family. The first question is – what do you want to do?
From tobogganing and snowboarding to dog sledding, snow shoeing to fat biking – whatever adventure you are after we can make it happen.
Lake Mountain
Lake Mountain is located about 2 hours from Melbourne and is the closest resort to the city. It is a perfect day trip destination for first-timers, kids, and the whole family. The drive through the Black Spur on the way to the mountain is a magical one. Misty mornings, winding roads, hairpin turns, tall Mountain Ash trees and lush ferns make the journey pleasantly scenic. A stop at Steavenson Falls, just outside the quaint town of Marysville, will take you along an easy trail to the bottom of the waterfall where you’ll find the refreshing water cascading down from over 120 metres above.
At the top of Lake Mountain toboggan runs and snow play will keep everyone entertained all day. Once you have built your snowman it’s time to get a little more active with some cross-country skiing. Trek through the snow-covered trees and enjoy exploring at your own pace. Warm up on the way home with a stop at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie for one of their delicious hot chocolates!
Mount Buller
If you want a little more adrenaline, visit Mount Buller for skiing and snowboarding. It’s the closest downhill skiing destination to Melbourne to carve up the slopes on either a day trip or multi-day stay.
The fully equipped village offers everything you’ll need for your snowy getaway, from rental equipment, bars and restaurants, supermarket, post office, shuttle service, day spa, as well as a multitude of on-mountain accommodation options.
Animal lovers will absolutely revel in the opportunity to go dog-sledding. Relish the moment where you get up close to the huskies for the perfect photo, then let them take you along the picturesque trails on the mountain, past snow-laden eucalypts and views of the ranges. If you’re lucky you may even be able to have a go at driving your own paw-powered team.
Mount Hotham
Heading to Mount Hotham? The highest ski village in Victoria has many accommodation options to consider, so why not try something a little different and unique? Overnight in an igloo or a snowdome! They’re cosier than you think and kept warm with a wood fire heater.
Spend your days skiing or snowboarding some of the mountain’s 70+ runs. If you need something to occupy the kids there is a snow park just for them, loaded with all sorts of fun things to keep them happy – snowball throwers, snow castle and snowman moulds, toboggans, and snowmobiles!
Falls Creek
Adventure is right at your doorstep of the ski in-ski out resort of Falls Creek. Aside from all the action of skiing, snowboarding, 65km of cross-country trails and snow play, you can jump on a fatbike (a specially equipped mountain bike with oversized tyres perfect for riding on snow) and cycle across a network of groomed cross-country ski trails. Make sure you give way to the skiers though.
If the 90 downhill ski runs at Falls Creek are not enough, on bluebird days you can take a helicopter (yes, a helicopter!) to Mount Hotham (and vice versa) and take advantage of exploring more mountainous terrain. Whiz back in the afternoon and kick your feet up as you cruise down the mountain in a tube at the Snow Tube Park.
Top off an exhilarating snow day sitting by the crackling fire with a crisp beer, mulled wine or hot chocolate, and unwind. A perfect end to an action-packed getaway.
Whatever the reason for your trip to the snow, join us as we explore the snowy mountains in stunning parts of the state in search of fresh powder and an adrenaline rush.
Now, what do you want to do on your snow trip?
Snow play
Tobogganing
Downhill skiing
Cross country skiing
Snowboarding
Dog sledding
Snow shoeing
Ride on a skidoo
Stay in an igloo
Snow tubing
Test your skills in the terrain park
Fat biking