The Best Victorian Ski Resort: Where to Ski and Snowboard in Victoria
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Looking to plan a ski trip but unsure where to go? Ask any skier which is the best Victorian ski resort, and they won’t hesitate to tell you – passionately. In fact, they’ll probably sing its praises for the next five minutes. Then, ask the next person, and odds are they’ll regale you with stories from a completely different mountain.
And to be honest – they’re both right.
With so many resorts in Victoria, each catering to different types of skiers and snowboarders, it’s no wonder everyone has their favourite. While my personal pick is Mt Hotham (our very own powder capital), the best resort for you depends on a few things: your experience level, the kind of terrain you enjoy, and how far you’re willing to travel.
To make things easier, I’ve broken down the six Victorian resorts, what they do best, and who they’re suited for, that way you can figure out which one is the perfect fit for your next winter getaway.
Victorian Ski Resorts at a Glance
Victoria is home to six resorts: Mt Buller, Mt Stirling, Mt Baw Baw, Lake Mountain, Falls Creek, and Mt Hotham. Each one offers something different – from snow play and tobogganing at Lake Mountain to steep tree runs at Hotham.
Here’s a quick comparison of Victoria’s ski resorts to help you compare travel times, elevation, and lift access at a glance.
| Resort | Best for | Distance from Melbourne CBD | Elevation (m) | No. of Lifts |
| Mt Buller | Beginner to advanced skiers | 3 hours 30 mins | 1,804 | 19 |
| Mt Stirling | Cross-country skiing and touring | 3 hours 30 mins | 1,747 | 0 |
| Mt Baw Baw | First timers & beginners | 2 hours 50 mins | 1,564 | 7 |
| Lake Mountain | Snow players & Tobogganers | 2 hours 15 mins | 1,433 | 0 |
| Falls Creek | Terrain park riders and beginner to advanced skiers | 4 hours 50 mins | 1,849 | 15 |
| Mt Hotham | Intermediate to expert skiers | 4 hours 45 mins | 1,862 | 14 |
Mt Buller Ski Resort Guide
If you’re looking for a big mountain with all the amenities, but you don’t want to travel too far, Mt Buller is the place to go. Just three and a half hours from Melbourne, it’s the closest big mountain for a day trip or weekend getaway. With an altitude of 1,805 metres at the summit, and 1,600 metres in the village, it is slightly lower than Hotham and Falls, meaning the snow isn’t always as consistent here, however what they lack in natural snow fall is more than made up for with a top of the range snow making system. This means they can comfortably hold their own in terms of days open, often being one of the only resorts to run a chair on opening weekend.
Best for
Beginners, intermediates, families, and anyone after variety.
Terrain
A balanced mix: easy green runs and lots of fun blues catering to those just progressing from green to blue. There are also a handful of challenging black and double black runs, these really shine in good snow years, with the most challenging of them, such as the chutes, not recommended without an excellent snow cover. Buller also has a number of parks for freestyle riders, including a beginner, intermediate and advanced park allowing for progression at all levels.
Village & Vibe
Mt Buller has one of the nicest “ski villages” in Victoria. You can ski into the village, grab a coffee, and head back out again, giving it a European-style charm. You’ll often see carefully crafted snowmen scattered around along with plenty of family snowball fights. They even light up the firepit some afternoons and provide marshmallows to toast over the flames.
Other Highlights
- Tobogganing. There are two toboggan slopes at Mt Buller, Celia’s Slope, conveniently located near the horse hill car park. Or the smaller village slope, located across the road from the clock tower. Tickets are around $25 or free with a valid lift pass and include toboggan hire (personal toboggans are not allowed on the mountain for safety reasons).
- Sightseeing Chair Lift. For those who want to take a ride on the chair but aren’t keen on strapping skis on, the Northside Express chairlift offers sightseeing tickets. This chair leaves from the day car park at Horse Hill and takes you across to Spur’s restaurant on mountain. They will often set up a snow play area here, so it’s a great place to bring the kids.
- Après Ski & Dining. Known as the home of Aussie Après, there are a number of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a post ski drink or dinner. My favourites are Koflers for an on mountain drink and the Birdcage for dinner. Check out the full list of options here.
For more Mt Buller content, check out my post on riding Mt Buller in September here
Mt Stirling Ski Resort Guide
Right next door to Buller is Mt Stirling, a more rustic and adventurous destination. Often referred to as Mt Buller’s forgotten little brother, it’s not unusual to feel like you’ve got the mountain to yourself while you’re out exploring the trails. Unlike other resorts, there are no chairlifts here – it’s all about the backcountry experience, catering to ski tourers, cross-country skiers and snowshoers. There are also snow play opportunities, with tobogganing in good snow conditions and plenty of places to build a snowman.
Best for
Cross-country skiers, snowshoers, backcountry lovers and snow campers.
Village & Vibe
With no village to speak of, Mt Stirling can feel quite remote, giving off wilderness vibes. When you arrive you’ll see the Telephone Box Junction (TBJ) hub, this is your one stop Mt Stirling shop, here you’ll find a cafe, ski hire, lessons and friendly knowledgeable staff who can point you in the right direction. From here you can head off to your adventure of choice feeling fuelled up and fully prepared.
Terrain
Stirling offers around 68 kilometres of trails, made up of cross-country and snow shoeing trails, with a mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced options.There are tracks that take you up to the iconic Craig’s Hut or even across to Mt Buller. For those who are after some downhill action, there are plenty of ski touring options too.
Other Highlights
- Tobogganing. In good snow years there is a toboggan park set up at TBJ, otherwise you may need to head up the hill a bit further to reach the snowline. It’s worth checking out their website before travelling to check where the snow line is and if they have any transport running to get there from TBJ.
- Winter camping. For those looking for a unique winter experience, there is a snow camp located at the Cricket Pitch, above the snow level and along one of the cross-country trails. Bookings are around $195 a night and include a fully set up 4 person tent on an insulated raised platform. Bookings also include access to a communal tepee with cooking facilities, washing up facilities and composting toilets.
Mt Baw Baw Ski Resort Guide
Tucked away in the Baw Baw ranges, Mt Baw Baw is small but one of the best places for beginners in Victoria. With a range of carpets, platters and T-bars and for beginner skiers and boarders, as well sled dog tours and cross-country ski trails, there is something for the whole family.
Best for
First-timers, young families, and those wanting an easy introduction to skiing and snowboarding.
Terrain
Gentle green and blue slopes that are easy to navigate, and a beginner progression park with a number of easy rails and boxes, when snow allows.
Village & Vibe
The small village comprises the Village Central restaurant and a rental and retail store. There are also a few cafes and a guest services centre with basic groceries, scattered across the resort. While there’s not much of an alpine village vibe, it has the basics to get you through your day on the slopes.
Other Highlights
- Affordable lift tickets. When compared to the bigger resorts Mt Baw Baw is a much more affordable option, making it a great pick for families and beginners. An adult lift ticket here will set you back approximately $89 in peak season or $79 off peak. For a child it’s $54/$48 respectively.
- Cross-country trails. Baw Baw also offers 10 kilometres of cross-country trails within the resort boundary, with an additional 12km of connecting trails in the National Park. Access to the trails from within the resort is included with your resort entry pass. Snowshoes can also be hired for the trails if you’re looking for a more leisurely walk.
- Tobogganing. There are two toboggan slopes at Mt Baw Baw, access is around $20 if you bring your own toboggan, or $40 for access and hire.
Lake Mountain Ski Resort Guide
At just over two hours from Melbourne, Lake Mountain is the state’s most accessible alpine resort. It doesn’t offer downhill skiing, but it’s hugely popular for family snow play and also has plenty of cross-country and snow shoe trails. Make sure to check your dates though as the resort opens Thursdays to Mondays (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays), except during school holidays when it runs seven days a week.
Best for
Day trips, families with kids, and non-skiers who still want a snowy adventure.
Terrain
There are three toboggan slopes to choose from, the Mini Run, Village Run and Koala Creek Run, these are all maintained with snowmaking and regular grooming. The mini run and village run both have magic carpets to make the walk up a little easier. These three runs can all be accessed with a Toboggan access ticket, which includes the use of a Lake Mountain toboggan as external toboggans aren’t allowed. There is one other toboggan slope however this is not maintained and is snow dependent, due to this it isn’t ticketed to those with their own toboggans can access this for free.
Village & Vibe
Family-friendly and affordable. With no on mountain accommodation, It’s more of a fun day trip than a full ski holiday. However, as far as day trips go, it’s a great option. The amenities feel modern, while still retaining the classic alpine feel. A couple of cafe choices, a retail store, ticket window and rental store make up the entirety of the village but they’re well equipped to cater for everyone from solo travellers to the biggest families.
Other Highlights
- Cross-country trails. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, there are plenty of cross-country trails to keep you occupied, however you will need to bring your own gear or hire it prior to arrival as the rental store doesn’t stock any cross-country equipment. Marysville at the base of the mountain has a few hire shops who can sort you out.
- Snowplay. There are also two snow play areas, one next to the mini run and another accessed via cute little snow walk, the Leadbeaters trail and snow play area. This can be a bit snow dependent though as it’s not maintained with snowmaking.
Falls Creek Ski Resort Guide
Known for its scenic village, excellent grooming, and wide range of runs, Falls Creek is one of the most complete ski resorts in Victoria. At an elevation of 1,780 metres, It has consistent snowfall and an extensive snowmaking system, making it a relatively safe choice all throughout winter.
Falls is also the largest alpine resort in Victoria by terrain size, with 450 hectares, 90 runs and 15 lifts, meaning you’ll never run out of things to do.
Best for
Intermediates and park riders who love a blend of terrain, views, and village atmosphere.
Terrain
Falls Creek’s terrain is a dream for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The long runs are perfect for big carving turns, and there’s plenty of space to explore without feeling crowded.There are plenty of greens, blues, and blacks, keeping everyone happy and providing plenty of potential for growth.
For freestyle riders, Falls Creek is home to Victoria’s best terrain parks, including the beginner friendly Drovers park and the more advanced Ruined Castle park. The park crew here do a great job of maintaining both parks, and introducing challenging new features throughout the season.
Village & Vibe
Falls Creek’s village is one of the prettiest in the country, with true alpine village vibes. It boasts an almost entirely ski-in, ski-out village, making it easy to pop back to your lodge for lunch or a quick break. The atmosphere here is relaxed but vibrant, with plenty of après-ski options, boutique lodges, and scenic mountain restaurants. When the sun sets and the village lights turn on, it can feel almost magical.
Other Highlights
- Tobogganing & Snow Play. There is a free toboggan park located at Windy Corner. It’s BYO toboggan, however they do need to be the approved plastic moulded kind, wooden or pointed toboggans aren’t allowed – check with resort management if you’re unsure about yours. This slope is the only toboggan friendly area as toboggans are banned throughout the village and on the slopes..
- Cross-country skiing. Falls Creek has one of Australia’s largest networks of cross-country ski trails, with over 65 km of groomed tracks stretching into the high plains.The trails around the Nordic Bowl and up to Wallace’s Hut are a must for anyone wanting to explore Victoria’s alpine backcountry at a slower pace.
- Snowmobile Tours. For something a little more exhilarating, book a snow mobile tour through Falls Creek Snow Mobile Tours. They operate through the Falls back country and offer daytime or twilight tours. Prices start from around $170 for an adult riding as a passenger or $220 for a single Adult and run up to $295 for two Adults riding together. Make sure you book in advance though as they do book out.
- Après Ski & Dining. Falls has plenty of après and dining options, from a casual meal and mid mountain at Cloud 9 to cocktails at the intimate Elk at Falls. If you’re after pizza or a burger, you can’t go past The Last Hoot, located right alongside Slalom plaza, the team there have been flipping burgers and cooking pizzas for years and have it down to an art. Although given the prime slope side location it can get busy so book ahead during peak times.
Mt Hotham Ski Resort Guide
Last but certainly not least! If you’re after steep runs, beautiful alpine views, and a true mountain experience, Mt Hotham is hard to beat. Sitting at an elevation of 1,861 metres, it’s Victoria’s highest alpine village – famously known as Australia’s powder capital. Unlike other resorts, the village is located at the top of the mountain, meaning you ski down into the resort, not up to it.
When a fresh snowfall rolls in, Hotham transforms into a playground for advanced skiers and snowboarders, offering some of the most challenging and rewarding terrain in the country.
Best for
Advanced riders, powder chasers, and those looking for an authentic alpine experience.
Terrain
Mt Hotham has a reputation for steep, technical terrain, and it’s well deserved. The resort features 14 lifts, with runs catering mainly to intermediates and advanced skiers. Expert zones like Gotcha and Keoghs Orchard offer natural halfpipes, drops, and some tree skiing, while the Summit and Basin areas provide easier terrain for beginners and families. Intermediate to advanced areas like Heavenly Valley and Blue Ribbon also offer a mix of groomed blues and blacks as well as bumps and trees. The new Big D terrain park is the perfect place to work on your park skills before venturing into the bigger Summit Park.
Village & Vibe
The Hotham village has a more rugged feel to it, with less of the typical alpine charm than some other resorts. Perched on the ridge, it offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys – particularly magical at sunrise and sunset. However, it can seem a bit disjointed, with various restaurants and shops scattered along the ridgeline, linked by the free village bus. While spread out, the mountain still retains a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, where everyone seems to be there purely for their love of snow.
Other Highlights
- Wire Plain Hub. In 2025 Hotham opened the new Wire Plain snow play area, located about 4 km from Hotham Central, just jump on the village bus and take it to bus stop 12. The hub features the free to use toboggan slope, although you do need to book your 50min time slot online. If you don’t have your own toboggan (check the rules though as only specific plastic ones are allowed), they can be hired from the retail and rental store within the day shelter. There is also a cafe inside for a bite of lunch or a hot chocolate. If tobogganing isn’t for you, grab some cross-country skis and head out onto one of the many trails that start here, or book into a guided cross-country trip to discover the best local spots.
- Backcountry and touring: For those wanting to explore beyond the lifted terrain, Hotham is the gateway to some of Victoria’s best backcountry skiing and snowboarding. Popular touring routes extend toward Mt Loch and the Razorback ridge to Mt Feathertop. There is also plenty of side country for those who only want half the hike. Golden Point is a great starting point for skiers and boarders looking to get a taste. This requires a fairly easy traverse from the Orchard unload and the runs end just across the creek from the Village load. Given the accessibility it can get tracked out quite quickly on a powder day, so get out there early.
- Après Ski & Dining: Hotham’s après scene is fairly varied. You can grab a casual cocktail at the Jack Frost Bar, or a beer at Zirkys or Chill Bar for a laid-back après vibe, or head to the General or Hotham Hotel (known to most as Swindlers) after dinner for more of a party vibe. If you’re looking for a good night out and you’re there on a Wednesday, check out Darts night at Hotham Hotel or the General.
Check out my full Mt Hotham guide if you want to see what else this wonderful mountain has to offer.
Which is the Best Ski Resort in Victoria?
So, which resort is the best? Honestly, it’s not possible to declare a single winner. Ski resorts are like snowflakes – no two are quite the same, but they’re all magical in their own way.
Here’s the quick answer:
- Best for absolute beginners: Mt Baw Baw
- Best for progressing skiers: Mt Buller
- Best for terrain park riders: Falls Creek
- Best for advanced riders: Mt Hotham
- Best for snow play: Lake Mountain
- Best for cross-country skiing & touring: Mt Stirling
As you’ve seen, the best ski resort for you depends on what kind of snow experience you are looking for. Whether you’re chasing tree runs, learning to ski, or just building a snowman with the kids, there’s a Victorian alpine resort for you. Australian winters are short – so start planning that trip now.
If your considering an international ski trip, check out my guide to Skiing in Canada
FAQ’s
Lake Mountain is the closest ski resort to Melbourne, around a 2-hour drive from the CBD. It’s perfect for snow play, tobogganing, and family day trips.
Mt Hotham is often called Australia’s powder capital thanks to its high elevation and reliable snowfalls. Falls Creek & Mt Buller also have excellent snow coverage supported by extensive snowmaking.
Mt Baw Baw is the top choice for first-time skiers and families. It’s small, friendly, and affordable, with gentle green runs and easy progression terrain.
Lake Mountain doesn’t have downhill skiing, but it offers cross-country trails, snowshoeing, and several fun toboggan slopes.
The Victorian ski season typically runs from the Kind Birthday long weekend in June to late September or early October. Depending on snow conditions, some resorts will open earlier or extend their season with snowmaking.
