From Mt Buller to Falls Creek: accommodation for an iconic Victorian ski trip

Located in the heart of the Australian Alps National Park, just below the summit of Mount Hotham, Mountain Dreaming Apartments can easily be accessed by way of Victoria’s scenic Great Alpine Road. Escape the big city but enjoy all the comforts of home with a fully equipped kitchen, large living area, spa bath, and cosy fireplace. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to fully take in the extensive mountain views.

The region regularly receives Victoria’s highest annual snowfall so you’re sure to a ride on one of the dozen lifts up Mount Hotham and then ski downhill on freshly laid powder. Restore your energy after tackling the slopes by filling up on large pizzas and local brew from The General restaurant, a lively pub where you’ll usually be entertained by local music talent. Those looking for a quieter evening back in their apartment can simply stop by the on-site supermarket which is stocked with everything you will need to create your own culinary masterpiece.

Mount Hotham offers great beginner slopes at the Big D, as well as some of the country’s finest advanced terrain for those with skills. Considered Australia’s powder capital, you’ll enjoy 360-degree alpine views in the country’s highest alpine village. Those not up for skiing can experience tobogganing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, or simply escape to the nearby Japanese-style outdoor onsen.

You are likely to think you have magically been transported to the Austrian or Swiss Alps by staying at the Karelia Alpine Lodge in Falls Creek. The lodge looks like an authentic European Chalet, decked out in authentic wood-carved Austrian furniture and decor. The European flair is only enhanced by the lodge’s restaurant serving up Hungarian goulash and authentic Austrian schnitzel recipes. The lodge is well set up with a storage and drying room for wet snow gear and offers an outdoor spa and sauna to relax any aching joints after a day skiing.

Falls Creek offers Victoria’s largest area of skiable terrain at roughly 450 hectares. While you’ll find incredible downhill skiing and snowboarding options, the area is known for its cross-country skiing. Over 65 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails are available and free to use. The official training site for the nation’s cross-country team, Falls Creek hosts the annual long-distance cross-country ski race known as the Kangaroo Hoppet. The event which is held in late August each year attracts over a thousand competitors from dozens of countries around the world, making for quite the spectacle to watch or compete in.

Falls Creek provides snow making facilities, meaning the slopes will always provide fresh powder. Access 90 runs from over a dozen lifts, where you are sure to find a slope that caters to your ability. Skiing doesn’t have to end once the sun goes down, as one of the runs gets lit up with high powered floodlights on Saturdays for night time skiing. Even more adventurous ski trips can be arranged on nearby Mount McKay, where you’ll be transported to the peak by way of snowmobile and sled.

Melbourne’s closest and most affordable alpine resort, Lake Mountain is one of the most accessible snow destinations in Australia. Just two hours from Melbourne, Lake Mountain is a day resort and therefore offers no accommodation directly on the mountain. You will, however, find the charming Balangara Cottages just minutes away in Marysville.

The cottages are ideally set up for a romantic getaway, each featuring a king size bed and double spa bath. Their Lyrebird or Kookaburra Cottages offer a bit more space to spread out and you will enjoy a complimentary Aussie breakfast each morning before heading down the road to the alpine resort. All the equipment and winter clothing you’ll need for an enjoyable day on the mountain can easily be rented from the resort. While there are of course numerous ski trails, it is the resort’s Village Toboggan Run that is the true highlight and guaranteed to be covered in snow during season by way of their advanced snowmaking system.

Feel like a kid again as you build your best snowman in Snowman’s Village and toss a few snowballs in the dedicated snow play area. Afterwards, literally fly over the snow on the 240-metre flying fox or race down the 100-metre long tube run. The Lake Mountain Café offers the chance to warm up with a hot chocolate before setting off on snowshoes to the Summit Lookout to take in the panoramic winter landscape views and simply breathe in the fresh mountain air.

At Falls Creek Hotel, set in a soul-stirring mountain landscape heavy with snow, you’ll fall in love with the kind of snow holidays Australia can offer. Begin your day with a hot breakfast made to order: just the fuel you’ll need to tackle mastering the snowboard. The facilities at the hotel might just be as magnificent as the landscape, too – you’ll relish the chance to sink into the heated indoor pool or spa after a day conquering the Victorian Alps.

There are three ski lifts just 150 metres from the hotel’s door, so you’re never far from the action. Stop by the hotel’s on-site rental facility to be kitted out quickly with whatever gear you need for a session in the snow – that means less time arranging and more time skimming the slopes for you! When the sun retreats behind the mountains and the temperature drops, treat any young ones in tow to an evening in the kids club while you steal away to the on-site restaurant with your other half for some intimate alone time. You won’t break the bank with your mouthwatering evening meal, either – it’s included in your room rate.

The Sebel Pinnacle Valley was made for family ski holidays. Check in to one of the resort’s four-star apartments and you’ll start to ask yourself why you didn’t bring the brood here sooner. For maximum space and luxury, opt for a two-bedroom split-level chalet dressed in rustic alpine decor, where you can heat up a pan of chocolate for decadent hot chocs in your full kitchen. Amp up the comfort factor by bringing your mugs (marshmallows too!) close to the toasty fireplace.

Start the day differently on the resort’s 18-hole mini golf course, or stick to the script and make the 30-minute journey to Mount Buller for an action-packed day on snow-capped peaks. The hotel’s ski hire shop will easily meet your equipment needs, and there’s a handy bus service to drop you right at the heart of things. If the high octane afternoons start to take their toll, unwind with a trip to the hotel sauna while the kids let off some steam (pun intended) in the games room.

Not to be confused with the hotel by the same name, you’ll find 68 apartments at Falls Creek Country Club, from ambient studios to pristine penthouse suites. Regardless of which option you choose, fully equipped kitchens, silk-like bed linen and convenient drying rooms for sopping ski equipment are happily standard throughout.

You can ski from your door to the chairlifts here, so adventures begin from the minute you step (or slide) outside. For something a little different, round up the kids and embark on a snowshoeing tour across the glittering ice-flecked terrain. When you return, water babies will love the indoor heated pool and spa, and the alpine sauna will quickly melt away any aches from snowboarding mishaps. By the end of the day, you’ll be ready to sink into your king-size bed to recharge those batteries.

Families with older children need look no further than the four-star Summit Ridge Alpine Lodge if you’re after a snow-centred break. Perched on the highest street in town, you can ski right from the door of this boutique Falls Creek accommodation – though you’ll have to tear yourself away from the lodge’s tantalising list of amenities first. You might just find yourself spending leisurely afternoons in the soothing on-site spa, or wrapping up with a good book in the relaxing recreation room next to a roaring log fire. Cosy bunk rooms are ideal for visitors with teenagers, while exclusive mezzanine suites offer parents a taste of the luxe life with feather-soft king-sized beds and views out over the snow-blown mountains.

Come dinnertime, foodies will start to salivate at first glance of the on-site restaurant’s winter menu: imagine sinking your teeth into pan-roasted quail or crispy duck breast brined in Earl Grey and toasted pine needles. Or to keep it classic, pair a dry aged, char-grilled scotch fillet and truffle mash with one of over 200 fine wines. Fully wined and dined, you’ll fall into bed sleep-heavy and satiated.

For unsurpassed alpine hospitality, check in to the four-star Breathtaker Hotel and Spa. Each of the 33 suites are fitted with dazzling electric fireplaces, great for warming the toes after chucking your wet ski gear in your in-room drying cupboards. Comprehensive kitchenettes make snack times easy if you’re fancying some Vegemite toast, though the hotel’s gut-busting breakfast should see you through a good chunk of the day.

Drop the kids at nearby Mount Buller Ski School and grab some alone time with your other half over a winter spritz at Snow Pony, a local favourite. Or you can squeeze in a decadent hour (or four) at the hotel’s spa to revitalise with an energising body mask, or get your circulation going by alternating between the steam room, bubbly hot tub and fresh lap pool. When the troops return tired from their skiing lessons, treat them to a cheesy feast at the hotel’s own BT Gourmet Pizza. Once your mini skiers are tucked up in bed, drop by The Loft Bar for a quick game of pool over a nightcap before hitting the hay.

People travel to Tasmania from all around the world to discover the natural beauty of Cradle Mountain, which becomes even more picturesque under the blanket of a fresh snowfall. The national park provides access to one of Australia’s most loved long distance hikes, the Overland Track, as well as shorter walks around Dove Lake and the Enchanted Forest.

Located in the heart of the wilderness is the Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge which offers ultimate luxury surrounded by rugged untamed nature. During the day, seek out wombats, pademelons, and possibly even a Tasmanian devil playing in the snow. As darkness sets in, head to the Devils@Cradle conservation facility to guarantee yourself the chance to hear the screams of the carnivorous marsupials and see them get fed. Head back to the lodge to grab some dinner yourself, as you dine on Tasmanian oak smoked salmon alongside local cool-climate wines and oysters.

For those days when the winds are howling and the chill is a bit too much, find relaxation in the Waldheim Alpine Spa offering up The Sanctuary, a therapeutic retreat where you can enjoy a hot Balinese stone back massage or full body salt scrub. Book a private access slot time to enjoy the sauna, spa bath, and relaxation lounge to yourself while gazing out at the snow-covered King Billy pines that run along the Pencil Pine River.