We have been to few of the resorts below but love going to Mount Buller. Victoria’s alpine region north-east of Melbourne is a major winter sports area and a very scenic part of Australia (best viewed during autumn and spring). The ski season starts on the Queens Birthday weekend in June and runs until early October, depending on conditions. Mostly we do day trip from Melbourne. Victoria is the State with the greatest number of ski resorts in Australia. The highest peak in Victoria is Mount Bogong at 1986m. The first ski town was constructed near Mount Buffalo in 1938. Victoria has a number of well developed ski resorts including Mount Hotham, Falls Creek and Mount Buller. Cross country skiing is popular in such national parks as Mount Buffalo National Park and Alpine National Park.
Just recently again we went from Melbourne in the morning to Mt Buller. The journey was about 3 hours and the way up can be slippery. Along the journey to Mt Buller, we could see farms having cows, sheep and horses, our children loved the journey. Before we reached Mt Buller, we went to Mansfield ski rental shop where we rented jackets, boots and other gear for kids to keep them warm. We arrived at the base station of Mt Buller, where we must catch the Mt Buller’s bus to the top of Mt Buller. The weather was very cold outside maybe around -2 degrees but it was very exciting for kids.
Kids loved playing with toboggan there and we enjoyed snow boarding.
There are few restaurants and also a supermarket if you did not pack any snack and you want to purchase some. Overall if you go to Melbourne in winter, make sure you do plan a ski trip as well and you won’t be disappointed whether you are beginner or pro.
Some of the other resorts are…..
Cross Country Resorts:
Lake Mountain – closest snow slopes to Melbourne, no downhill skiing trails
Mount St Gwinear
Mount Stirling
Mount Donna Buang
Back Country Ski Areas:
Mount Bogong
Mount Feathertop
Bogong High Plains
Mount Howitt
Mount Reynard
Snowy Plains
Downhill Ski Resorts Near Melbourne:
Mount Buller: Most Popular
Distance from Melbourne: 246km about 3 hours
Facilities: 27 lifts, 80km ski runs 160 ha
Falls Creek: Second largest winter resort
Distance from Melbourne: 375km
Facilities: 18 lifts
Mount Hotham & Dinner Plain: Victoria’s highest resort
Distance from Melbourne: 375km
Facilities: 13 lifts, 245 ha
Mount Baw Baw: Close proximity to Melbourne
Distance from Melbourne: 160km 2.5h drive
Facilities: 25 downhill trails, 37 ha, 8 lifts, 10 km x-country trails
Mount Buffalo: Much smaller ski area. Suit beginners & intermediate skiers.
Distance from Melbourne: 330km
Facilities: 7 lifts