Pros: Reminds me of Northstar California
Cons: Dubbed 'Flat Creek'
Remember: the most reliable snow is from mid July to the end of August or very early September. Yes the peak season is short.
Australian ski resorts are different - skiing in the 'gum trees', rather than pine glades, is just one of many things that make skiing here different to skiing the northern hemisphere. Always check their websites for resort entry tolls, nightly car parking rates, oversnow taxi services, and of course lift pass deals and lodging deals.
Falls Creek is a picturesque ski village around 5 hours drive from the Melbourne International Airport known as "Tullamarine" up the Hume Freeway - and watch the speedometer because the radar guns are concealed very well - til you get to the Snow Road near Milawa (a fabulous wine region). Turn right and follow the signs. Stop at a winery on the way, you won't be disappointed. If you're self-catering over you ski trip, don't forget to get the groceries in towns along the way.
You must carry chains in winter, and these can he rented at the base of the mountain in towns like Bright and Harriettville.
Accommodations include Ski Clubs. Some clubs are rustic communal clubs where you rent a bedroom and share the use of toilets and showers and lounge. At the other extreme, there are apartments in clubs where you can rent the apartment and then join other apartment owners in the communal lounge-kitchen for cooking and a nice bottle or three of good red wines. Some clubs hold events such as family-friendly ski races or just share a communal meal: a great way to meet Australians, and make a few ski buddies.
Accommodation can range from 1 star to 5 star apartments, and there's no Motel 6, Hyatt or Hilton style places.
For decent prices in a club with private bedrooms with a private ensuite, I like Schuss Ski Club at Falls Creek.
When you arrive by car, drop your gear off at the oversnow centre. You'll load onto a oversnow 'taxi' which will take you to your accommodation. Yep, you're in a real ski in/out village.
Want to ski at Mt Hotham which is "next door" (several hours by car)? Try the helicopter 'taxi' service.
1 Comment