Melbourne snow hounds are blessed with four ski resorts within easy driving distance of the city. We’ve selected the best things to do, and places to eat and stay at each mountain.
Mount Baw Baw
177 kilometres from CBD
Tobogganing: Experience hours of affordable fun at Baw Baw’s free toboggan parks. Hire a toboggan on the mountain or bring your own.
Best: June to September
Learn to ski or snowboard: Sheltered ski runs, enthusiastic instructors and a range of snow sports programs make this an ideal location to learn to ski or snowboard.
Best: June to September
Mountain biking – cross-country and downhill: Resort trails lead to the Baw Baw National Park; experience the challenging climbs and exciting descents. The downhill mountain bike track offers plenty of log drops, boulder sections, jumps and downhill ramps.
Best: Late November to mid-April.
Trail running or bushwalking: Ten kilometres of walking trails wind through the alpine landscape. There is an adventure to suit all abilities from a short run around the beautiful La Trobe trail to a full-day expedition to Mushroom Rocks.
Best: October to May.
The Village Restaurant: Experience Gippsland’s fine produce and local wines on the skydeck. Open all year round for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Alpine Bistro: Enjoy coffee, a quick bite, pizza or a hearty pub meal. Open seven days during winter.
Kelly’s Café: Stop in for quick snacks and coffee by day, or fine wines and tasting plates by night. Open select times during summer and winter.
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Lake Mountain
118 kilometres from CBD
Cross-country skiing: With more than 30 kilometres of trails and rolling terrain, Lake Mountain is ideal for first-timers through to advanced skiers. All trails are well-marked and groomed. Equipment is available for hire.
Best: June to September
Snow play: Build a snowman, throw a few snowballs or hightail it down the mountain’s three toboggan slopes. All runs are monitored by ski patrols to ensure safety.
Best: June to September
Recreational walking: Venture to the summit at 1480 metres, or explore more than 30 kilometres of walking trails on the plateau surrounding the resort. Guided group walks offer rare insight into the flora and fauna of the area.
Best: Year round.
Mountain bike trails: The picturesque plateau surrounding the resort offers 15 kilometres of mountain bike trails. Begin on Echo Flat or tackle the challenging Granite Grind loop.
Best: October to May.
Road cycling: Lake Mountain offers a challenging 22-kilometre climb from Marysville to the summit, twisting past lush fern gullies on well-maintained roads.
Alpine Burger Bar: With its panoramic views of the Yarra Valley and Great Dividing Range, Lake Mountain’s Alpine Burger Bar offers a casual dining environment. Enjoy burgers, fries or milkshakes in a relaxed environment.
Bistro and function centre: The resort’s conference facilities and bistro can cater for as many as 150 guests. Locally sourced produce and wine are offered from some of the region’s top producers.
Accommodation: There’s a wealth of
great places to stay close to Lake Mountain, including Marysville, Taggerty, Buxton, Alexandra, Eildon and the Yarra Valley.
From Camp Marysville to historic cottages and guest houses, there’s something
for everyone.
■ www.lakemountainresort.com.au
Mount Buller
208 kilometres from CBD
Ski and snowboard school: Novices and snow hounds alike will pick up skills at the hands of Mount Buller’s experienced instructors. Group and private lessons are offered for all ages and abilities. Childcare available.
Best: June to September
Terrain parks: Mount Buller’s terrain parks include Koflers Park, with small-to-medium rails, boxes and jumps for freestyle beginners, and Skyline, with its extra-large features and challenges.
Best: June to September
Cycling: Tackle the 16-kilometre uphill road climb, ride the cross-country trail network or take on skills parks. Tours, camps and skills sessions are offered at all levels. Four downhill trails are serviced by chairlift from late December to late January and shuttle services operate February to April.
Alpine spa retreat: Rejuvenate and restore at Breathtaker On High. Massage and spa therapy, and body and skincare indulgence packages are offered during the snow season. Group bookings from October to May.
Tirol Café: At the top of Shaky Knees chairlift, this is an ideal spot for a quick coffee break or long lunch while exploring Mount Buller’s
300 hectares of skiable terrain. Open daily during winter.
Black Cockatoo Restaurant: From inside the four-star Mount Buller Chalet Hotel, views of the High Country and a fine dining menu make this a memorable location.
Koflers Restaurant: Rest between runs and catch some rays on the deck at Koflers. House-made soups and pastas keep the winter chill at bay.
Hotel Pension Grimus: Ski-in, ski-out at this centrally located, award-winning boutique hotel, suited to family skiing holidays or romantic getaways. Buller’s ski school, kids’ centre and crèche are nearby.
■ www.mtbuller.com.au
Mount Stirling
243 kilometres from CBD
Horse riding: Ride along mountain
ridges in world-famous Man from Snowy River country.
Best: November to May.
Four-wheel driving: Explore Victoria’s High Country by 4WD.
Best: November to May.
Mountain biking: Hit the trails with your own bike or hire equipment and join a tour to explore cross-country mountain bike trails.
Best: December to April.
Cross-country skiing: Endless pristine trails provide great cross-country skiing.
Best: June to September.
Mount Stirling Bistro: Grab a warming hot chocolate, lunch or mid-ski snack.
Public shelter: BYO picnic and warm up beside the cosy fireplace.
Visitor centre: Discover all you need to know about activities on the mountain.
Ski hire: Rent toboggans, waterproof clothing, snowshoes, cross-country and telemark skis for adults and children.
■ www.mtstirling.com.au
