Six of the Best Places to Ski Near Melbourne

By: Stacey Roberts, ellaslist

Us Victorians are pretty spoilt when it comes to snowy winter activities: we have some of the best mountain resorts available, and as a bonus, they’re not terribly far away.

From day trips to “let’s properly get away”, here are six family-friendly places to find some real snowcapped adventures.

 

1. Lake Mountain

There and back again in a day from Melbourne is a real drawcard – no wonder Lake Mountain is a popular spot for families! The pretty drive there helps too. Get your skis on 10 runs over 37 kilometres (7 toboggan runs if your kiddos prefer) or even borrow a snowmobile if hurtling down snowy mountains on your own two feet just isn’t enough adrenaline for you. There are quite a few child-friendly gentler runs, so a good spot for newbies.

Lessons are available, and so is wine when it’s finally aprés ski time.

Skiing season starts from June 10th

More information: visit the website

See latest snow report here

2. Mt Buller

A little further afield, Mt Buller has runs for little’uns (Bourke Street) and runs for big’uns (Chamois) and everything in between. If enjoying a lift ride is your thing, then Mt Buller is your place – they have the largest network in Victoria (22 at last count), and a variety of options on offer.

The kids can (literally) chill out in one of two toboggan parks while you get a facial in the Breathtaker on High Alpine Spa Retreat, Australia’s highest day spa – or the other way round, depending on your preference.

As far as accommodation goes, there are budget options for the wallet-conscious, or you can splash out and stay on the mountain in style, there’s something for everyone.

Skiing season starts from June 3rd
More information: visit the website

See latest snow report here

3. Falls Creek

Between June 11 and October 2, Falls Creek is a hotbed of skiiers and snowboarders criss-crossing the 92 alpine runs and 21 cross country trails. It’s also the most beginner/child-friendly of the Victorian snowfields - almost 80% of Falls Creek is dedicated to newbies.

If your kiddos are just a bit too young (ski lessons start from age 3 and snowboarding from age 5), there is a child care on site that will mind your tots while you ski, but if the trip is a family affair, there’s plenty of events on offer to keep every snow bunny happy – don’t miss the fireworks!

Skiing season runs from June 11 to October 2 (may vary depending on weather conditions)

More information: visit the website

See latest snow report here

4. Mount Hotham

Can you say “kids five and under ski free”?! I can! Free with a paying adult of course, but ski trips can quickly deplete a bank account, and “free with paying adult” is still a good deal.

More genius still is the Parents’ Pass, where parents have to divvy up who’s riding the slopes and who’s looking after the kids can buy a full or half day lift pass and the second parent can purchase the Parents’ Pass at almost half price.

14 lifts will get you to 790 acres of ski-able mountain, with the longest run clocking in at 2.5km. If you fancy a bit of a challenge, Hotham is host to Mary’s Slide, one of Australia’s most difficult runs.

Skiing season runs from 10 June to 1 October
More information: visit the website

See latest snow report here

5. Mt Baw Baw

The closest downhill ski resort to Melbourne, Mt Baw Baw is super newbie/child friendly. The accommodation is no more than 100m from the slopes (which is a godsend if you’ve ever had to drag more than one ultratired kid off the slopes), and there is a price point to suit everyone.

Alongside your usual alpine ski and tobogganing, you can also fling through 1okm of cross-country snowgum-filled trails, or get your thrills by husky dogsledding – there’s a story you can tell everyone back home!

Skiing season starts from June 10th
More information: visit the website

See latest snow report here

6. Mt Stirling

If you prefer cross-country skiing to weaving in and out of people, Mt Stirling with its mostly-untouched alpine summit has got you covered. If you like saving money, Mt Stirling is also a winner, as the trails are free to use; although you can book and pay for tours and packages.

If you’re brand-new to skiing or it’s been a while, there are quite a few lesson options on offer: public and private classes, children’s classes (ages 6 to 14), and cross-country programs on Sundays.

Skiing season starts from June 10th

More information: visit the website

See latest snow reports here