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    Tips for Visiting Victorian Snow Resorts



    Tips for Visiting Victorian Snow Resorts

    A trip to the snow is a wonderful experience during winter, whether you plan on skiing, snowboarding or general snow play.

    Check out our Comparison of Victoria's Snow Resorts to help decide which snow resort best suits what experience you want.

    We have created a list of helpful tips below for a visit to the snow including tips for specific resorts.

    GENERAL TIPS FOR A VISIT TO THE SNOW


    When is the Snow Season
  • The official snow season is from the Queen's Birthday weekend through to the first Sunday in October. Peak snow conditions are generally mid-July to mid-September but is dependent on weather conditions.
  • Early and late season can be a great time to visit. Take advantage of quieter slopes, increased accommodation options and lower costs.

    Planning a Snow Trip
    See the following checklist to make sure you have planned and booked everything you need for your snow-cation.
    • How to get to the resort (drive, public transport or combination)
    • Resort entry
    • Resort parking
    • Wheel chains (hire in a town before you arrive) and preparation of vehicle (especially diesel cars)
    • Lift ticket
    • Equipment (skis/boots/poles/helmet/snowboard)
    • Clothing
    • Food and drinks
    • Ski or snowboard lessons
    • Accommodation
    Essential Snow Clothing & Items
    Here is a checklist of essential things to bring with you:
    • Snow boots
    • Waterproof jacket
    • Waterproof pants
    • Thermal top & pants
    • Fleece jumper or warm mid layer
    • Neck warmer / scarf
    • Gloves
    • Warm hat
    • Warm socks
    • Goggles
    • Helmet
    • Sunglasses
    • Sunscreen
    • Equipment such as skis, poles, snowboard
    What will it cost?
  • Before contemplating a trip to a snow resort, get in the right head space and accept that it's not going to be cheap. Some of the approximate daily costs to prepare for are:
    - Resort Entry fees (about $55 per vehicle)
    - Snow chains ($30)
    - Lift ticket (about $185 per adult and $100 per child)
    - Toboggan hire with use of the Magic Carpet ($15 per person)
    - Ski lesson ($110 for adults and $135 for kids)
    - Clothing hire ($35 for adult jacket & pants hire, $25 for child)
    - Equipment hire ($50 for adult ski, boot & pole hire or adult snowboard and boot hire, $40 for child)
    - Transfers from car park to accommodation at some resorts ($38 per adult and $19 per child return)
    - Travel insurance (especially ambulance cover)
    - Other activities on the mountain (as per your budget)
  • Many things, such as resort entry, offer significant discounts if booked online prior to arrival. Note: For resort entry, this usually means booking prior to midnight on the day before you arrive.
  • Facilities such as the chair lift and accommodation typically have demand pricing with the most expensive time to visit being the school holidays and weekends.

    Driving
  • It's important to use either alpine diesel or an anti-freeze additive to prevent diesel from freezing when travelling to alpine resorts (petrol, on the other hand, doesn't freeze till about -30 degrees). If you drive a diesel vehicle, you'll need to try and run the tank down and fill up with a special 'Winter mix', also known as 'Alpine Diesel' which is sold in Alpine towns. Your other option is to use a diesel anti-gel cold weather additive such as Lucas Anti-Gel or Western Oil Icebreaker, which are usually sold at the same service stations that sell the winter diesel. These products are added directly into your fuel tank (follow the manufacturer's instructions) before the temperatures drop. If you wait till you have a problem, using the additive will be no good.
  • Fuel is not available at the resorts so ensure you have fuelled up prior to heading up to the mountain.
  • All vehicles are required by law to carry diamond pattern snow chains on the last leg to the resort during the declared snow season regardless of conditions and must be fitted where directed. Only fit chains when and where you are directed to. It is dangerous to drive with chains on when not required.
  • Make sure your car is suitable to fit chains on (some vehicles are too low for chains) and know which wheels to fit your chains on.
  • Take a photo of your tyre before you go into the rental shop - this helps determine which chains you need.
  • If it's your first time to a resort, try to arrive during daylight hours because it will make it easier to get your bearings and find your accommodation.
  • The following Snow Safe Guide covers the basics of snow driving, windscreens, parking, chain fitting and fuel.
  • If you don't fancy driving in snow to the resort, park at an alpine town and take the bus up the mountain. This will save on snow chains but the resort entry payment will be either included in the bus fare or added on top. This is sometimes not clear. Also the return time is usually inflexible, so if you are heading up on the bus with children make sure your kids are able to stay on the mountain for that amount of time.

    Parking
  • Understand what the parking arrangements are for the resort before you arrive.
  • If possible, try to reverse into your car park since it will make it easier to get out. If snow is forecast on your departure day put your wheel chains on when you arrive. It's always easier to fit chains when the vehicle is clear of snow. This can save a lot of time digging, and if it doesn't snow you can always take them off.
  • Take a photo of the car park you are located in. Then it's easy to find it at the end of your stay.

    Clothing
  • The golden rule is waterproof and warm. If you achieve this, then your are almost assured to have a fun day at the snow, especially for kids.
  • A good base layer (such as thermals) is key to keeping warm in the snow. If you don't have thermals, don't stress, just be sure to layer up with warm, comfy clothing. Merino is a great base layer material. The weather conditions are constantly changing up on the mountain, layering your clothes means it's easy to add or remove clothing as needed. For even more protection, it's wise to pack a waterproof layer just in case.
  • Avoid cotton if possible since it doesn't breathe.
  • Correct fitting socks are also important for skiing and snowboarding. It doesn't matter whether they are thick or thin, as long as they come up above the top of your boots. Avoid wearing two pairs of socks because they will rub together and give you blisters.
  • If you are going to the snow for some fun activities such as tobogganing or snow play, I would suggest hiring purpose-made snow boots that are insulated and won't easily trap snow and ice inside. Gumboots/wellingtons end up being cold and wet as they do not have any insulation and kid's feet will freeze after a short amount of time in the snow. If you do end up using gumboots, wear thick socks and bring extra socks.
  • Wear proper snow gloves, especially for snow play. For a full day of snow play I would bring two pairs of gloves because once they get wet, they lose their effectiveness and there is nothing worse than cold hands to dampen your spirits.
  • Try dressing kids in waders; they are inexpensive, waterproof, can go over the top of gumboots to keep the snow out and the upper part can help keep snow out. Layer up underneath the waders.
  • Keep an eye out for second hand snow clothing such as snow jackets, pants and snow boots on sites such as Facebook Marketplace. This can really keep the cost down.
  • At the end of the day, always loosely do up the buckles on ski boots or tie any laces on snowboard boots, when drying them overnight. This will ensure they hold their shape and be more comfortable the following day.

    Equipment Hire
  • Rental is often discounted by 10% when booked online. I highly recommend you do this as your gear will be ready and waiting when you come to collect and that can be especially essential on busy school holidays.
  • Renting equipment off-mountain can save money and time compared with on-mountain but will be a problem if there is any major equipment malfunction. The ideal situation is where a shop has locations both on and off-mountain.
  • Some locations such as Ray's Ski Shop in Myrtleford on the way to Falls Creek offer free chain hire with ski or board hire.

    Extra Things to Bring
  • If you want some snow play with the kids, bring some plastic items such as spades and buckets that you would typically take to the beach for sand play plus a carrot nose if you intend to make a snowman.
  • For a day visit, make sure you keep some spare socks and gloves with you and leave them in the car. If the kids start complaining about cold and wet feet or hands, you'll be able to get them from the car and stay out in the snow for longer.
  • If you want to avoid the long queues (and horrendous prices) at the on-mountain cafes, bring along some Thermos's with hot drinks or soup and some hot water to make simple meals such as two minute noodles.
  • It is advisable to put in your glovebox some gloves, torch and a mat to kneel on - in case you have to fit chains.

    Activities on the Mountain
  • It is advised that if your child is an absolute beginner that they learn to ski before they snowboard. There will be more time learning and less time on your backside.
  • Some dates may sell out during peak periods and it is recommended to buy your lift tickets and lessons in advance for the best prices and to avoid any disappointment.
  • Get out on the slopes as early as possible to minimise queues and enjoy the best conditions. There is nothing better than fresh snow or smooth groomed runs first thing in the morning. Have an early lunch to avoid busy cafes, and then enjoy skiing the empty slopes while everyone else is inside for lunch.

    Download the Resort App
    The main snow resorts have an app for your phone which can provide helpful advice on what is happening and where everything is located at the resort.
    Download the Mt Buller Live App
    Download the Falls Creek App
    Download the Mt Hotham app

    Pets
  • The main resorts are located in a National Park and no pets of any kind are permitted. Dinner Plain near Mt Hotham is the only place in Victoria where you can stay with your dog. Most of the town is an on-lead area but the Apian Way is an off-lead multi-purpose trail. There is some pet friendly accommodation in Dinner Plain but it is booked out well in advance.

    TIPS FOR A VISIT TO LAKE MOUNTAIN


  • Even though there is limited public transport to and from the mountain, the best way to get to Lake Mountain for a family trip with kids is by car since it provides a lot more flexibility. You can easily pack in food, drinks and spare clothes.
  • Get there as early as possible. The earlier you arrive, the shorter the line to get in, the better the carpark availability and potentially the better the snow conditions. If you arrive too late and it's busy you'll be directed to the lower carpark and then have to wait for a shuttle bus to take you up the mountain. This wastes time that could be better spent enjoying the snow. The upper carpark is close to the first toboggan run (Village Toboggan Run), the cafe and ski shop. If you get a car park close enough to the village, you can leave a lot of your gear and food inside the car and you don't have to carry it all with you. There are no lockers on the mountain.
  • Lake Mountain Alpine Resort is subject to closure for periods of time during peak periods on weekends throughout the snow season when maximum capacity is reached in the carparks. It is recommended that visitors arrive before 11am to avoid disappointment.
  • If you want a full day of snow play we would suggest Lake Mountain. The costs are quite reasonable ($54 per car for entry, toboggan hire is $15 each per day, the magic carpet for the Village toboggan run is $5 per person, snow chains are $30 per day), you can park near the snow area and there are facilities such as bathrooms and a cafe on the mountain.
  • If you are going to toboggan with young kids, the magic carpet is great value. Young kids get very tired very quickly getting themselves back up the hill and being able to use the magic carpet makes the experience much more fun.

    TIPS FOR A VISIT TO MT BULLER


  • Pre-purchase Resort Entry online by midnight the day prior to arrival. Your resort entry fee includes parking. Print your Resort Entry Dashboard Pass and display it clearly on your dash to drive directly to the day or overnight car parks
  • Overnight carparks are located approximately 2-4kms below the Mt Buller Village. Car parks on Mt Buller are numbered from 1-11, so note your carpark number (a photo is a good idea!) when you arrive to help your Ride Share or private transfer return you to the right location for your departure.
  • For overnight stays pre-purchase a Ride Share or Private Transfer online when you buy your parking.
  • In June and September, up to 2 kids (under the age of 15) can stay free of charge when accompanied by two sharing adults at a number of participating accommodation properties
  • Download the Mt Buller Live and Mt Buller Transportation apps to get more out of your visit.
  • Mt Stirling, Mt Buller's neighbouring mountain is included in the same resort entry fee.
  • Mt Buller has a snow guarantee where if certain key lifts aren't running due to insufficient snow cover within the 2 days before your visit, you can cancel passes, lessons and some participating accommodation for a full refund.
  • The resort has a scenic chairlift if you are not a skier or boarder.

    TIPS FOR A VISIT TO FALLS CREEK


  • Falls Creek is a ski-in, ski-out village in peak snow conditions which provides the opportunity for a wonderful experience where you can ski or board straight out the door to the slopes.
  • If you don't want to drive up to Falls Creek, you can park your car and ride up the hill with Falls Creek Coaches.
  • A free shuttle service circulates along designated routes through the village between 8am and 5:30pm daily on a 20 minute cycle, depending on demand. Due to space restrictions no luggage is allowed but skis, snowboards and personal shopping is permitted.
  • The resort has a scenic chairlift if you are not a skier or boarder.

    TIPS FOR A VISIT TO MT HOTHAM


  • Even though Mt Hotham is excellent for intermediate and advanced levels, the upper parts of the mountain above the road feature the beginners' terrain. This area is dedicated for beginners, so novices can learn in peace without the fear of colliding with fast skiers.
  • Make sure you have pre-purchased your resort entry permit online for the vehicle you plan to travel in to the resort. Your vehicle registration will be checked electronically when you arrive and when you depart. There's no need for a printed ticket and no need for you stop to pay entry fees.
  • There is a free village shuttle bus at the resort. Take the shuttle to explore the resort.
  • Visitors to Dinner Plain (or Mount Buffalo) do not have to pay a resort entry or parking fee. Head over there for some cheap snow play.
  • Hoy's Ski Shop has a chain fitting service on the road side that can fit your chains for you. This is a free service if you hire your chains from their shop in Harrietville.

    TIPS FOR A VISIT TO MT BAW BAW


  • It is advised to book toboggan passes in advance during peak times such as school holidays in order to avoid missing out
  • Storage lockers are located in the Visitor Centre and can be rented through Guest Services.

    TIPS FOR A VISIT TO MT DONNA BUANG


  • Mt Donna Buang is only suitable for snow play including tobogganing.
  • There are some distinct pros and cons for visiting Mt Donna Buang. Some of the pros are that it is the closest snow field to Melbourne, it is not mandatory to carry chains when driving to the summit and entrance is free.
  • The cons are that it is the least likely snow field to have snow with no artificial snow making, very limited facilities (picnic facilities, shelter, public toilets, toboggan hire, food van and several toboggan runs) and parking can be difficult.
  • If you want a full day of snow play it might be better to go to Lake Mountain which is more expensive but has much better facilities.
  • When there is decent snow at Mt Donna Buang, it can get busy and the best advice is to go as early as possible.



    Web Links


    → Comparison of Victorias Snow Resorts


    Tips for Visiting Victorian Snow Resorts, Victoria, Victoria,