Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Skiing & Snowboarding
Victoria has three major and six minor ski resorts scattered around the high country of the
Great Dividing Range. The two largest ski resorts are Mt Buller and Falls Creek. Mt
Hotham is smaller, but has equally good skiing. Mt Baw Baw and Mt Buffalo are also
smaller resorts, popular with families and less-experienced skiers. For day trips from Mel-
bourne, Mt Buller and Mt Baw Baw are the closest options for downhill skiers, while
cross-country skiers can choose between Lake Mountain, Mt Stirling or Mt St Gwinear.
The ski season officially commences on the first weekend of June. 'Ski-able' snow usu-
ally arrives later in the month, and there's often enough snow until the end of September.
See
www.snowaustraliareport.com
for the latest on snow, weather and road conditions, and
check the Parks Victoria website (
www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
) for more info on snow sports
in national parks.
Costs
Rates are cheaper if you are hiring gear for longer periods. For a package deal (which can
include meals and/or lessons, lift tickets, ski hire and transport), you can book directly with
lodges, through travel agents or through accommodation booking services located at the
major ski resorts.
The following shows what you'll pay for a day on the slopes midweek at Mt Baw Baw.
Note that weekends at major resorts cost considerably more.
ITEM
COST PER DAY
snow chain rental
$25
car entry
$37
jacket & pants hire
$35
ski, poles & boot hire adult/child
$50/32
toboggan hire
$8
lift pass adult/child
$50/40
cross-country pass
$10
toboggan pass
$5
