Welcome to Victoria’s alpine region where winter adventure begins and snow magic turns rugged mountains into alpine towns. Whether you’re a seasoned skier, a family on a birthday weekend or a couple looking for an eye-catching and relaxing alpine village, Victoria’s snowfields deliver an experience like no other during the Australian snow season. With multiple ski resorts, snow rental outlets and alpine accommodation options, this guide is the best of Victoria’s all-season alpine resorts.
Winter Starts Here
Top Ski Resorts
Mount Buller: The Most Popular Alpine Getaway
Mount Buller (also known as Mt. Buller) is one of Australia’s top snow destinations, just 3 hours from Melbourne. This big resort has a terrain park, heaps of ski trails and over 22 ski lifts for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. The alpine town is bustling with boutique hotels, ski shops, clearance snow gear and on-mountain accommodation options, so it’s the perfect combo of action and relaxation.
Key Features:
300+ hectares of All-Mountain Terrain
Challenging terrain for experienced skiers
Family zones and toboggan slopes
Après-ski at the Village Bowl
Nearby access to Mount Stirling and Mount Buffalo
Mount Hotham: Victoria’s Powder Capital
Mt. Hotham is known as the powder capital of Australia, with black diamond terrain, steep descents and advanced trails. Situated high in the Victorian Alps, it’s a haven for advanced skiers, adventure seekers and cross-country skiers. The Jack Frost area and Jack Frost Mount Hotham facilities are perfect for après-ski and family fun, while nearby Dinner Plain has quiet vibes, quaint lodges and Club Wyndham Dinner Plain experiences.
Key Features:
Highest ski resort in Victoria with views of Mount Feathertop
320 hectares of challenging terrain
Night skiing and terrain for experienced skiers
Accommodation at Wyndham Dinner Plain, Arlberg Hotel and Hotham Sports Dinner Plain
Snowshoeing and evening snowshoe adventures
Falls Creek: A Beautiful Alpine Town
Falls Creek Alpine Resort is Victoria’s largest ski resort and one of its most picturesque. With 65+ km of ski trails, 15km of cross-country trails and the Cascades trail, it’s perfect for downhill and cross-country skiing. Falls Creek has on-mountain accommodation, lift passes and family events. The Falls Creek Hotel and Alpine View Apartments offer cozy stays with alpine charm.
Key Features:
Best cross-country skiing in Australia
Top family resort with snow tubing, terrain parks and kids’ zones
Perfect for wilderness adventures and scenic walks
Access to Mount Bogong hiking trails in summer
Alpine Resort: Day Trips
As Australia’s premier cross-country ski resort, Lake Mountain Alpine Resort is a day tripper’s paradise, just 90 minutes from Melbourne. Over 35km of groomed trails, perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and wilderness adventures. No on-mountain accommodation but plenty of facilities, gear hire, chair lift rides and activities for kids.
Key Features:
Day trips only, no overnight stay required
Kid-friendly zones and snow tubing
Charter services from Melbourne
Scenic Snow Fields and Alpine Environment
The Best Ways to Travel
Here are the approximate travel times and directions to get to the snow:
Mount Buller: ~3 hours from Melbourne via Mansfield; Charter services and snow shuttles available
Mount Hotham: ~4.5 hours via Bright or Omeo; ensure freehold land properties are accessible
Falls Creek: ~4.5 hours via Mt Beauty; stop at Ski shops for lift tickets and snow rental
Mount Baw Baw: ~2.5 hours; closest town is Noojee
Lake Mountain: ~90 minutes from Melbourne via Marysville; perfect for a day trips from melbourne
FAQ
When is the Victorian snow season?
The winter season is from June to late September, depending on snowfall. Resorts use snow guns and fashioned snow to extend the season and maintain quality.
Which resort is best for beginners and families?
Mount Baw Baw and Lake Mountain Alpine Resort are top picks for beginners with trails, gentle slopes and toboggan slopes, perfect for kids and family fun.
Which resort has the best terrain for advanced skiers?
Mount Hotham, aka the powder capital, has black diamond terrain, challenging terrain and backcountry areas for experienced skiers.
Can I visit a snow resort without staying overnight?
Yes! Lake Mountain is a great day trip from Melbourne with snow play, country skiing and all the facilities without needing to book overnight.
Are there non-skiing activities at the resorts?
Absolutely. Snow tubing, snowshoeing adventures, boutique hotel stays, spa treatments, scenic chairlift rides and relaxed meals at Summit Ridge Alpine Lodge or Ridge Alpine Lodge.
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