Most people are unaware of the great skiing experiences to be had less than 2-3 hours drive from Melbourne's central business district.
Today we're taking a look at the best ski fields near Melbourne, where you can carve up the mountain on your ski's or snowboard.
Unlike ski fields in New Zealand, Melbourne skiing is more of a resort style with on site hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. Open your front door and you're at the foothills of the slopes.
So without further ado, here's our top 6 picks for the best skiing near Melbourne.
1. Lake Mountain Resort
Lake Mountain Resort is an officially designated Alpine Resort in Victoria. They are run by the Southern Alpine Resort Management Board, and are located 2 hours out of Melbourne’s CBD. The resort sits at 1433 metres of elevation, with over 35 kilometres of ski trails to be explored.
There is also cross country skiing, snowboarding and skiing lessons tobogganing and snow tours available. Further activities include laser skirmish, tube running and flying fox activities. Cafes and equipment hire can also be found in the facilities hub.
There is no accommodation available on the mountain itself, however there are plenty of cottages, motels and AirBnB’s available nearby. Lake Mountain is also open to school group bookings, activities and equipment can be booked via enquiry.
They also have ski and race programs available each season. In terms of pricing, resort entry varies from $19 - 58 depending on your vehicle of entry. There’s a variety of season passes available, starting from $250 which can be viewed on their website.
Customer Review:
‘It's a wonderfull place to visit with family and friends and very special to me as i was introduced to snow for the first time at Lake mountain. Staff was super friendly and helpful. Easy parking available and places to eat. Will definitely visit this place soon its snows again.’ - Nancy
Address
1071 Lake Mountain Rd, Marysville VIC 3779
Phone
03 5957 7201
2. Falls Creek
Falls Creek is a historical skiing village perfect for snow lovers. Located in Hume, it sits at 1780 metres of elevation and is one of Victorias busiest mountains. It was first build in 1948, and opened as a ski village after 1958.
Falls Creek is made up of the Mountain and the Village Hub where accommodation and services are located. A wide range of accommodation can be found on the mountain, with village shuttles available for transport.
The slopes are beginner and intermediate friendly with some advanced runs. There are 14 snow lifts ,and over 90 runs. Cross country skiing, tobogganing, snowshoeing, day spas, childcare facilities and health services are available on the mountain.
Equipment hire and purchase is available too. During the season, you will find cafes, food stores, nightlife, bars and restaurants open and buzzing. Pricing of daily, multi-day and seasonal passes is available through their website.
Falls is a part of the Epic Australia Ski pass, which gives holders access to a multitude of mountain.
Customer Review:
‘Falls Creek has offered us family fun, couples romance and snow galore. We absolutely love the breadth and depth of the Falls Creek Alpine Resort. Thanks to all that make it possible to share in the delights of Falls Creek!’ - Lorraine
Address
19/206-212 Governor Rd, Braeside VIC 3195
Phone
1800 232 557
3. Mount Buller
This lush snow mountain is located 3 hours of out Melbourne’s CBD, and is accessible by driving, flying or coach. Sitting at over 1800 metres of elevation, there are over 100km of slopes to explore suitable for all levels.
Lessons, tobogganing and all the usual family activities are available too. There is parking on site, with prices starting from $48. There is a range of accommodation available, some which is free for children under 15. Most facilities can be found in the village square, at the centre of the resort.
There are over 30 bars and restaurants, great nightlife, medical services and facilities. Their facilities include a chapel, a cinema, prayer rooms, kids centres, spas, physiotherapists and masseuses to name a few.
Passes can be purchased for 1 - 7 days, starting at about $130 per day for adults. Season Memberships are available at $1499, with early bird discounts bringing them as low as $799. More information on their services can be found via their website.
Customer Reviews
‘I think we timed our visit perfectly this year. They had a huge snowfall the day before we arrived and the sun was shining for the three days we were there. So much fun being able to ski everywhere.
No real crowds as it was after the school holidays and hotels were a bit cheaper at that time. Might pull the kids out of school next time rather than staying at Grandmas’ - Brighton
Address
Various Resorts/Villages
Phone
N/A
4. Mount Hotham
Mount Hotham is an incredible alpine resort, just under a 5 hour drive from Melbourne CBD. Trails are suitable for all levels, with over 1860 metres of elevation, and 320 hectares of ground to explore.
Night skiing, tobogganing, ski tours and a range of family activities are available too. There is also a large number of advanced trails on the mountain, for those looking for an extra challenge. A variety of accommodation can be found on the mountain, or in dinner plain.
There is a main village and buses running between the main resort and dinner plain for those who choose to take them. Amenities that can be found include spas, laundry and housekeeping services, childcare facilities, supermarkets, medical services and retail.
There is also a wide range of delicious bars and cafes to choose from, and loads of nightlife. Daily, multi-day, weekly, and seasonal passes can be purchased too, pricing can be found via enquiry. Mount Hotham is part of the Epic Australia Pass.
Customer Reviews:
‘Mount Hotham is a great resort for views. It sits right on top of a ridge so you get an amazing view over the eucalyptus forests.’ - Leigh
Address
Mount Hotham, Hotham Heights VIC 3741
Phone
N/A
5. Mount Baw Baw
Mount Baw Baw is a prime snow location about 3 - 4 hours out of Melbourne CBD. It has extensive history, with the Gunai Kurnai people inhabiting the region since before 1800. Ski Club of Victoria erected the first hut on the mountain in 1945, and the first chairlift was established in 1970.
It is accessible via coach, car or train, with paid parking available. The mountain has over 1500 metres of elevation, and ski runs for all levels. Skiing and snowboarding lessons, and ski tours can be booked on the mountain.
There is plenty of accommodation from caravan parks, to lodges available. There are also packages available, for midweek escapes, family deals and weekend trips. Unique activities on the mountain include Japanese snow fighting, winter dingo walking, tobogganing, and husky sledding.
Lift passes are available daily from $55 a day for adults, and weekend passes go for $80. Pricing varies depending on current offers and age of ski pass holders, with season passes available from $400 at early bird pricing.
Customer Reviews:
‘The snow there is amazing. Among the other snow mountains I would definitely recommend the baw baw mountain. It is also the closest to Melbourne and has the cheapest prices for equipment renting.’ - Luz
Address
32 Currawong Road, Baw Baw Village, VIC, 3833
Phone
03 5165 1136
6. Mount Stirling
In the beautiful Victorian Alps, around a 3 hour drive from Melbourne CBD you will find Mount Stirling. The mountain stands at a 1700meter elevation, with well over 15 runs. Beginner, intermediate and advanced runs can be found on the mountain.
Mt Stirling can be accessed via car or bus, with parking available on sight and snow chains available for hire. Snow camping can be done on the mountain, with the opportunity for beautiful stargazing. Other accommodation can be found on Mt Buller and Mansfield.
Some activities include cross country, backcountry skiing, helicopter flights, snow camping, snowshoeing, tobogganing and snow play. Ski and equipment hire is available on the mountain, and there are also skiing and snowboarding lessons available.
There are also facilities at their Telephone Box Junction, which include a cafe, a public shelter, toilets, a visitors centre, ski hire equipment, first aid and ski patrol services. Season passes giving users access to Mt Buller as well are $500, with all resort passes available too.
Customer Review:
‘We had the best time learning to cross country ski at Mt Stirling. If you're not into crowded resorts and love being immersed in nature then this is the place for you. Be prepared for a hiking like exp, just with skis on. You'll also need to be self sufficient.’ - Trish
Address
Mount Stirling, Mount Buller VIC 3723
Phone
03 5777 6077
Now you know the best ski fields near Melbourne, why not checkout some of these other local businesses within the Melbourne area.
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