Riding the Victorian snowfields
David Stone
Snowboarding on Mount Buller
So we’ve seen what New South Wales has to offer, now it’s Victoria’s turn. Head east to the Alpine National Park where you’ll find an extensive range of snowfields, resorts, bars, restaurants, more bars and even a museum.
Falls Creek is Victoria’s largest alpine resort offering ski-in, ski-out on-snow accommodation with great facilities and plenty of attractions to keep all ages happy. You can try some fine dinning at the multi award winning Summit Ridge Restaurant or the Astra Lodge Restaurant & Bar. For a different vibe you should down a pint at Cock ‘n’ Bull the olde English pub.
Hotham is Victoria’s highest alpine resort at 1,750m with amazing mountain views and plenty of après ski activities to keep visitors entertained whilst on the snow. Why not enjoy a spa treatment at White Spa after a hard day on the slopes? Swindlers Tapas Bar is a popular chilled out venue to unwind, before kicking on to dance into the night at Zirkys Bar or The General.
Mount Buller is billed as Victoria’s premier alpine resort with a range of activities and accommodation to suit all ages and budgets. With over 30 restaurants, Australia’s highest cinema, indoor sports facilities and the National Alpine Museum there is plenty to keep visitors happy on and off the snow. You can warm up with a gluhwien by the fire place at Moosehead Bar or simply ski straight over to the outdoor deck at the Après Bar & Cafe.
Now you need snow gear before you depart. Yes you’ll need skis or a snowboard plus some boots, which you can either buy or, like most first timers, hire at the ski resorts. However you’ll need to take you own waterproof gloves and goggles as who would want to hire someone else’s sweaty second-hand pair? Don’t forget to pack your thermals, leggings, fleeces, beanies, thick socks, scarfs and the essential waterproof outerwear (coat and trousers). Oh, and of course some decent footwear to stop you slipping on the icy ground to the amusement of your so called ‘friends’.
A trip to a ski hire or retailer prior to departure should get you set up and ready to go. Best bet is taking a trip down York Street in Sydney City Centre or try one of these searches to find your nearest outlet: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. Alternatively you can find one of these popular equipment retailers Paul Reader, Surf Dive ‘n Ski or Larry Adler Ski & Outdoor near you or your ski resort.
Good luck! Don’t forget to check out the snow conditions online to build up anticipation, get your lift pass, book some lessons and above all don’t break your leg. Have an awesome time on the snow and remember the mountain rule: “go hard or go home”. Oh and a final note to any skiers out there… make way for snowboarders!!
- David Stone is TrueLocal.com.au’s search and distribution product manager and resident snow bunny
