If you're heading to the ski fields this winter, make sure you have a safe journey with these tips on how to prepare your car and drive in snow and icy conditions.
Snow
Health and safety
Victorian ski season guide 2023: where to hit the slopes this winter
Here’s your guide to the the 2023 ski season in Victoria.
The winter chill has set in, the powder is forming, and that means one thing: the Victorian ski season is on. Skiing and winter sports aficionados will be gearing up for a long-awaited reunion with the slopes before staying at one of Victoria’s favourite ski lodges in the alpine region.
Once you have your ear muffs, gloves and beanie packed, here’s information on the 2023 ski season, including the best time to go, where to get the best snow, and how to get the most out of your ski trip in Victoria.
If you are driving to any of the ski fields this winter, make sure to check out our guide to driving in snow beforehand.
When does the ski season start and end in Victoria?
While the weather is unpredictable, as a general guide, the start of the ski season officially begins in June once winter is in full force, and can run until the end of September to the start of October. Each area will have its own start date depending on snowfall in the region.
Resorts in popular snow and ski locations such as Mt Buller, Falls Creek, and Mt Hotham post regular snow reports for avid travellers to utilise as to whether the resort is open, the quality of the snow depth, the slopes, and ongoing snow information.
Where are the best places to go skiing and snowboarding in Victoria?
Heading to the mountains or alpine villages is your best bet. Remember if driving to keep track of weather reports and to properly prepare your car for driving in the snow.
Take a look at our top 10 ski runs here, and our handy guide to features at the snow alpine resorts in Mt Buller, Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw and Lake Mountain here.
Winter is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of Victoria's snow season. Image: Getty.
The best ski resorts and slopes in Victoria
Mt Buller
3 hours 15 minutes from Melbourne
Not too far from Melbourne lies Mt Buller, a premiere snow resort featuring 300 hectares of area to ski, 20 chair lifts, and a range of options Dubbed Victoria’s premiere snow resort, the iconic mountain features 300 hectares of area to ski, 20 chair lifts and a range of options from beginner to expert. For skiers, lessons and snow gear is available, as well as a range of parks offering everything from small Ollie on rails to slopestyle course, tobogganing, and snowboarding.
The Mt Buller Village also offers accommodation, a day spa, and a wealth of attractions off the field including bars, restaurants, a cinema, shops, and rock climbing.
Lift passes and costs: Lift tickets at Mt Buller is called a 'B-Pass,' which can be pre-bought and loaded with lift tickets, lessons and passes to access chair lifts and ski area. Prices vary depending on if you are looking at a day pass, accommodation package, or season pass. An afternoon pass for an adult starts at $53.50.
How do I get to Mt Buller? Drive, catch public transport or fly. Avid snow-lovers can choose to drive, or could also elect to take a private transfer. Coach services are also available during the snow season from Melbourne and Geelong, as well as V-Line and micro-flight helicopter options.
Plan your journey with arevo.
Mt Hotham, VIC
4 hours 30 minutes from Melbourne
Known as Australia’s highest alpine village in the Great Diving Range, Mt Hotham is popular with skiers both beginning and well-seasoned. Located in the Great Diving Range, Mt Hotham is popular with both beginner and veteran skiers.
The resort, which has been a hot spot for skiers for over 125 years, consists of spectacular 360-degree alpine views, 13 chair lifts, and over 35 km of cross-country skiing trails.
The resort also offers snow-friendly activities including tobogganing, snowmobile rides, dog sledding, dining, bars, and day spas with accommodation.
Lift passes and costs: Lift tickets for Mt Hotham can only be purchased online, and start at $159.00 for a day pass.
How do I get to Mt Hotham? You have a myriad of options to get to Mt Hotham. Car is a popular option, with day and overnight parking available. Hotham airport is also home to commercial, private and charter flights from Victoria and NSW, while taxi, coach and private transfers are also available.
And we're off! The ski lifts at Mt Hotham. Image: Supplied.
Falls Creek, VIC
4 hours 30 minutes from Melbourne
At the Falls Creek Alpine Resort, avid snow bunnies can enjoy a wealth of experiences on over 450 hectares of skiable terrain. For avid skiers and snowboarders, there are over 90 runs for intermediate skiers and experts, as well as lessons and programs for those just getting started. Accommodation and dining facilities are available.
The resort also has an activities roster, with toboggan rides and snowshoeing, as well as themed events such as Gay Ski Week, Oktoberfest, Twilight Tuesdays, and the Fireworks Fiesta.
Lift passes and costs: Those travelling to Falls Creek require a Falls Creek Moutain Access Card, which is reloadable for lift tickets and lessons. Prices are available closer to the snow season.
How do I get to Falls Creek? Driving is one of the quickest routes from Melbourne. Travellers can also look into options such as the Falls Creek Coach Service, V-Line, Private Transfers or regional air or helicopter into Albury (two hours’ drive).
Mt Baw Baw, VIC
2 hours 45 minutes from Melbourne
The closest downhill skiing resort to Melbourne is Mt Baw Baw, which makes it a popular option for those who may just want a day trip.
The resort offers downhill skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing experiences, as well as a range of ski and snowboard lesson for beginners. It is fitted with accommodation, as well as dining and transportation options.
Those looking for fun snow experiences can also enjoy snow play at the Frosti Frog Toboggan Park, as well as a range of experiences and events like Christmas in July, the Dog Sled Dash, Night Skiing and more.
Lift passes and costs: Ski lift passes can be purchased online, and start at $60.00 for adults. They also offer the 'Toboggan Magic Carpet Lift Pass' which is $15 with toboggan hire.
How do I get to Mt Baw Baw? As one of the closer snow resorts to Melbourne, driving is a quick option. Bus transfers are also available from Melbourne and Gippsland, as well as a train and bus combo through the town of Moe.
Lake Mountain
2 hours from Melbourne
A little closer to Melbourne lies Lake Mountain Alpine Resort. A cross-country ski resort, the mountain (which, by the way, has no lake) is home to 11 different ski trails over 35 km of powder. The resort offers lessons and ski gear for hire, as well as areas for tobogganing, snowshoeing, winter walks and snow play.
Passes and costs: Resort entry is $55.80 for a car online, or $62.00 at the gate until 3 pm.
How do I get to Lake Mountain? When driving, the resort is approximately 30 minutes from the nearby town of Marysville, where those who wish to make a weekend of it can opt to stay at the RACV Healesville Resort.
Many resorts also offer fun snow play for the whole family. Image: Getty.
Health and safety
As with all road trips, ensure you have looked into the health and safety protocols of the resorts you will be travelling to, and that you are adequately prepared for a snow visit. This means layered dressing and appropriate snow gear, making sure your personal snow gear such as skis and toboggans are safe for use, and somebody knows where you are going.
If it's been a while since you've hit the slopes or you're just getting started, consider having a lesson beforehand and stick to the beginner trails.
If driving, ensure sure your car is prepared for driving in the snow, you have enough petrol and you are able to contact RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance if needed.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
