Hey everyone,
Wanting to go to the snow this year. I'm from Melbourne and I've been looking to go to Mt Buller (haven't been there before but I heard it's too crowded with tourists, not sure if it's the same this time around) Hoping to do some tobogganing and skiing. Anyone have recommendations on where to go other than Mt Buller?
Thanks
Are you planning to do a day trip or spend a few days at the snow?
Day trip
Then go to Buller
Falls creek and Hotham are your other options but aren't suitable for day trips as its 4-5 hour drive from Melbourne.
How about Mt Baw Baw?
Baw Baw & Lake Mountain are good for tobogganing and snow play isn't suitable for skiing.
@FocusRider: What is Lake Mountain like? What is the best time of year for that place for snow coverage?
If you are going to go on the weekends, expect the weekend crowd at most resorts. If less lifts are turning, the crowd will all be funnelled to the few lifts that are turning.
Lake mountain is a place where you go to do snow play but not snow sports. It is a country resort. Lake mountain and baw baw might not have as much snow (if any) due to being at a lower altitude. (Around 1500m)
I went to Buller last weekend. the amount of ppl there is terrifying… but hopefully less kids now.
bus load of ppl going up there. over an hour to rent equipment, over an hour line to get your e-tag. then more lines at the lift.
I'm a bit late to the discussion, but I'll comment for future reference.
I've been to Baw Baw, Falls Creek, Hotham and Buller so I'll keep my comments to these resorts.
Baw Baw is a small resort and I feel is a good place to start given it's proximity to Melbourne; if you don't know how to ski. Gentle terrain all over, with only 3 "lifts" (T-bars if memory serves me right) would be the cheapest option by far.
Buller is next (by proximity to Melbourne). It is the second largest resort in Victoria and would cater to everyone. It's close enough for a day-trip which many often do.
Falls Creek and Hotham are both similar in distance from Melbourne. As of this post, they are owned by the same people and use the same lift pass. A season pass for either resort will grant access to both (parking/car access is slightly different). As for the terrain, Falls Creek lacks the harder, more challenging runs which wouldn't really matter if you are new to the sport (you'd never be going down them if you were only up for a weekend for example).
Hotham of course would be the biggest ski resort in Victoria. It's a good 3.5-5 hour drive from Melbourne, most people would do a weekend rather than a day trip (although some still do!).
Not many from overseas or NSW this year.