It’s winter and our alpine peaks have transformed into magical snow-capped escapes that needn’t dent your hip pocket. Here, we’ve named our four most affordable snow getaways for those of you itching to experience snow without it costing an arm and a leg.
1. Mount Buffalo National Park
Mount Buffalo National Park is absolutely stunning in the snow and it’s completely free to visit. Here you’ll find two toboggan slopes—Cresta and Dingo Dell—and a network of groomed cross-country ski trails, which are also great for snowshoe adventures. You can even book tours and lessons with Mount Buffalo Ski School. The catch (and why this is our budget option) is that there are no food services on the mountain in 2024, so it’s a pack-your-lunch for a snow picnic experience. But if it’s beauty and snow you’re after, you won’t be disappointed.
Where to stay: Porepunkah (40 min drive to Dingo Dell). Bright and Myrtleford are also good options.
Gear Hire: Porepunkah Ski Hire
Après Ski: Punkah Pub
2. Dinner Plain Alpine Village
Next is Australia’s cutest snow village—Dinner Plain, which makes it onto the affordable list because there’s no Resort Entry Fee (just drive through Hotham without stopping to avoid the fee). Dinner Plain has a free toboggan slope, free cross-country ski trail network (also suitable for snowshoeing), and a beginner ski slope with poma lift (fees apply), plus other activities such as sled dog rides and the Onsen, plus cafes and pubs to warm up in over lunch. You can, of course, stay in Dinner Plain, but if you’re looking to keep your costs low, our tip is to stay at the base of the mountain in Harrietville.
Where to stay: Harrietville (1 hr drive to Dinner Plain)
Gear Hire: Hoys Skis in Harrietville, or Hoys Skis, and Hotham Sports in Dinner Plain
Après Ski: Snowline Hotel, Harrietville or Harrietville Hotel Motel
The next two are tied for third and are both operated by Vail Resorts. In alphabetical order, they are:
3. Falls Creek Resort
We have two tips for keeping costs down when visiting one of the major resorts. Our first tip is to visit in Spring. Falls Creek often has discounted lift passes in September. The snow starts to soften as the weather warms, but it’s still a stunningly exhilarating experience. The second tip to save money is to stay at the base of the mountain in Mount Beauty.
Where to stay: Mount Beauty (45 min drive to Falls Creek)
Gear Hire: Bogong Ski Centre, Kiewa Valley Snowsports, Skiplus Ski Hire, and Rocky Valley Bikes & Snow Sports, Tawonga South
Après Ski: Mountain Monk Brewery, Mount Beauty; Crank Handle Brewery or Settlers Tavern, Tawonga South; Roi’s Restaurant, Tawonga.
3. Hotham Alpine Resort
Experience the gnarly descents of Mount Hotham’s ski slopes while saving with Spring deals on lift passes. As with elsewhere, it generally costs less to stay below the snow line, such as in Harrietville, or if you don’t mind a slightly longer drive, in Bright.
Where to stay: Harrietville (40 min drive to Mount Hotham)
Gear Hire: Hoys Skis, Harrietville; or JD’s Ski Hire, Bright Ski Centre, and Mountain Trader, Bright.
Après Ski: Snowline Hotel, Harrietville or Harrietville Hotel Motel, or head into Bright to one of the towns many trendy bars and restaurants.
Mt.Hotham
Don’t forget, it’s compulsory to carry snow chains in alpine areas. You can hire chains in Myrtleford, Bright, Harrietville, Ovens, and Mount Beauty, or if you’re coming from Bairnsdale, you can also pick some up from Hoys Omeo. Staff will show you how to fit them, and don’t worry if you forget—we’ve prepped this handy video on How to Fit Snow Chains just for you.