Mount Baw Baw awaits. Image: topsy.one/BAWBAW
alpine village is Melbourne's closest downhill ski resort offering lots of fun on the snow and a safe and affordable snow experience through winter. Situated at the Southern boundary of the Victorian Alps, Mt Baw Baw offers over 30 hectares of downhill terrain, seven lifts, two terrain parks, 10km of cross country ski trails, three snow play areas and unlimited terrain amongst the snow gums to explore.
SkiingA family with 2 children can ski the whole day for $135 on weekdays and $200 on weekends which is very good value for the Australian ski experience. Day ski lift tickets for adults range from $53-$80 and for children under 16 from $35 -$48. Check out all the lift pass prices
here.
There are 7 lifts and a number of gentle slopes so it's the perfect place for families, beginner skiers or those who have not skied for a while. For more adventurous skiers and snowboarders there are more advanced slopes and runs as well as a slalom racecourse. The Terrain Park offers opportunities for snowboarders to practice their skills away from the skiers' slopes.
For those more inclined to cross-country ski, the mountain also offers over 10 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, weaving through snow gums in one of Victoria's best pristine natural environments.
Dog sledgingIf you are not a skier, or if you want a different perspective of being out in the snow then being pulled along in a dog sled is the way to go. Eight very energetic and excited huskies will pull you along through magical snow covered trails framed by snow gums and showing you a part of the Australian landscape you did not know existed.
This will be one of those experiences you will be talking about for many years. A number of different tours are on offer, you can take the Village Tour, The Backcountry Tour, the Summit Sunset Tour or the ultimate 4-hour Spirit of a Sled Dog Tour. Wrap up warm! These sledging tours book out very quickly so make sure you book early. For information and pricing please contact
Howling Huskys .
Touring in the snowBesides being pulled along by husky dogs, there are other tours available to explore the wonderful snow covered landscape in and around Mt Baw Baw. There is the snowshoe tour where you master the art of stepping on snow in these old forms of snow transport and also learn about the resort and its operations.
The skidoo tour is a much faster and more exhilarating way to get around the mountain. And if you have ever wondered what it must be like to groom the snow slopes at night then you can find out on the Snow Groomer tour. For details and pricing please check
here.
Tobogganing
This is the cheapest fun you can have on the mountain at $10 per day to hire a toboggan (or you can bring your own if it's the plastic moulded type)! The gentle slopes are perfect for those new to the snow and there is a toboggan run for all ages and levels of skill. The Frozen Snow Play Park offers play igloos as well as a gentle toboggan slope. To find out more about tobogganing please check
here.
Staying at Mt Baw BawEven though Mt Baw Baw lends itself to a day trip, being an easy 3 hours away from Melbourne, staying overnight or a few nights adds a magical element. There is nothing like waking up to a crisp white morning or seeing big snowflakes falling at nighttime. For a relaxing apres-ski experience why not try the Rock Pool Spa? Set outside amongst giant granite boulders and twisted gum trees, a dip in the Rock Pool Spa is the perfect way to relax at the end of the day.
There is also a gym available at the resort should you feel up to more exercise.You can book both of these at the Guest Information Centre or call 03 5165 1136.
For accommodation options, you can choose between cabins, apartments, backpackers or lodges depending on your taste and budget. For all accommodation please check
here.
So what are you waiting for? The snow season is already here and Mt Baw Baw is waiting!
