The Coolest Spots to Ski Near Melbourne in 2024

Victorian ski resorts are busy preparing for a new ski season and the snowfields are the perfect place to escape with kids for the winter school holidays.

The snow season generally runs from June to the first week of October, and Victorians are spoilt for choice when it comes to snowy winter activities with some of the best mountain resorts that are not very far away.

From day trips to proper getaways, you'll find some real snowcapped adventures this winter! Here are six of the best places to ski near Melbourne with kids in 2024.

The Coolest Spots to Ski Near Melbourne in 2024

1. Lake Mountain

There and back again in a day from Melbourne is a real drawcard - no wonder Lake Mountain is a popular spot for families! The pretty drive there helps too.

Get your skis on 10 runs over 37 kilometres (7 toboggan runs if your kiddos prefer) or even borrow a snowmobile if hurtling down snowy mountains on your own two feet just isn’t enough adrenaline for you. There are quite a few child-friendly gentler runs, so it's a good spot for newbies. Lessons are available, and so is wine when it’s finally aprés ski time! 

Location: 1071 Lake Mountain Rd, Marysville

Get the Lake Mountain Snow Report.

2. Mt Buller

A little further afield, Mt Buller has ski runs for little ones, and big ones, and everything in between with a dedicated snow grooming team to maintain their condition. If enjoying a lift ride is your thing, then Mt Buller is your place – they have the largest network in Victoria, with a variety of options on offer.

The resort features five Terrain Parks designed for all skill levels and plenty of snow play fun to keep kids happy all winter long. The kids can (literally) chill out in one of two toboggan parks, complete with their own snowmaking machines, while you treat yourself facial in the Breathtaker on High Alpine Spa Retreat, Australia’s highest day spa. As far as accommodation goes, there are budget options for the wallet-conscious, or you can splash out and stay on the mountain in style.

Location: Mt Buller

Get the Mount Buller Snow Report.

3. Falls Creek

Between June and October, Falls Creek is a hotbed of skiers and snowboarders crisscrossing the 92 alpine runs and 21 cross-country trails. It’s also the most beginner and child-friendly of the Victorian snowfields. Undoubtedly one of the best places to ski near Melbourne, Falls Creek has something for everyone! The premier all-season alpine resort has the largest ski field in the region during the winter season (and is an outdoor mecca with a world-class mountain bike park during the summer). 

If your kiddos are just a bit too young (ski lessons start from age 3 and snowboarding from age 5), there is on-site childcare to mind your tots while you ski, but if the trip is a family affair, there’s plenty on offer to keep every snow bunny happy. Don't miss the tobogganing slope at Windy Corner and the action-packed on-snow night show and fireworks in the Village Bowl.

Location: Alpine National Park

Get the Falls Creek Snow Report.

4. Mount Hotham

Hotham is known as the mountain for serious skiers and boarders but there's excellent cross-country skiing there too. A network of 14 lifts will get you to 790 acres of ski-able mountain, with the longest run clocking in at 2.5km. If you fancy a bit of a challenge, Hotham is home to Mary’s Slide, one of Australia’s most difficult runs.

Hotham also offers snow play, tobogganing, and stunning Siberian Husky sled tours. There are fun lessons and programs for the whole family, including Kids Club, plus Hotham Daycare runs throughout the winter season if the kids need a break!  From cosy lodges to luxury chalets, Hotham has plenty of accommodation options, but if you're looking for something authentic and unique, try the Alpine Nature Experience igloos!

Location: Hotham Heights

Get the Mount Hotham Snow Report.

5. Mt Baw Baw

Just 120 km east of Melbourne, Mt Baw Baw is the city's closest downhill ski resort and is perfect for snow newbies and children just starting out on the slopes. The accommodation is no more than 100m from the slopes (which is a godsend if you’ve ever had to drag more than one ultra-tired kid off the snow), and there is a price point to suit everyone.

Mt Baw Baw offers a fun, safe, and affordable winter experience across 35 hectares of snow terrain, with an intimate village feel and sheltered slopes. Along with the usual alpine skiing, snow play, and tobogganing, you can also fling through 10kms of cross-country snow gum-filled trails, or get your thrills by husky dogsledding – there’s a story you can tell everyone back home! 

Location: 32 Currawong Road, Baw Baw Village

Get the Mt Baw Baw Snow Report.

6. Mt Stirling

Adjacent to Mt.Buller, Mt Stirling is the largest of all Victorian Alpine resorts offering 60km of cross-country ski trails leading to an open snow-covered summit, and some marvellous back-country ski touring terrain. However, the area remains the most undeveloped, with the magical atmosphere of a true natural winter wonderland with plenty of safe play space for snowballs to be thrown and snowmen to be built.

If you’re brand-new to skiing or it’s been a while, there are lessons on offer at Australia’s largest professional cross-country ski school. The Resort Ski School also hosts special events throughout the season. If you really want to immerse yourself in the snow, the Mt. Stirling Alpine Winter Camp, the only ski-in-ski-out accommodation at the resort, is located at an altitude of 1500mts and sheltered by snow gum forest. 

Location: Mount Buller 

Get the Mt Stirling Snow Report.

More Winter Adventures

Where to See Snow Near Melbourne
Winter Getaways in Victoria
The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Snowy Mountains

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