Victorian ski season guide 2025: where to hit the slopes this winter

When does the ski season start and end in Victoria?

The official opening of the 2025 ski season in Victoria is set for Saturday 7 June 2025, coinciding with the King’s Birthday long weekend. Depending on early snowfalls and snowmaking efforts, some alpine resorts may open a little earlier or later.

The season typically runs until late September or early October, though snow conditions can fluctuate based on weather patterns. It’s wise to check with individual resorts for real-time snow reports and live updates throughout the season.

Victoria typically has the best snow coverage from late August to early September, so book early for these dates as it will be peak season for serious skiers and snowboarders. Visiting earlier or later in the season can snag you special offers, plus sunnier weather and milder temperatures.

More: How to maintain your car in winter and cold weather

The best ski resorts in Victoria: where are the best places to go skiing and snowboarding in Victoria?

Mt Buller

3 hours 15 minutes from Melbourne

Just over a three-hour drive from Melbourne, Mount Buller is the most popular and accessible snow resort in Victoria. It offers an unbeatable blend of convenience, variety, and vibrant alpine atmosphere. With a bustling self-contained alpine village and over 80km of runs across 300ha, it's perfect for almost any skier or snowboarder. Day-trippers, weekend warriors, families and après-ski lovers will particularly love Mt Buller.

Mt Buller ski and snowboard slopes, runs and terrain parks

Mt Buller is perfect for intermediate skiers and snowboarders, with groomed blue terrain making up about 45 per cent of all runs. Advanced black runs for experienced skiers and snowboarders make up another 40 per cent of Mt Buller's terrain.

Beginners are left with several good runs, including Burnt Hut Spur with its gentle, long and wide slope. Bourke Street is perfect for absolute beginners, and is located right in front of the Ski & Snowboard School.

Mt Buller also boasts five terrain parks: Gliders Park and Koflers Park for beginners, Skyline Park and Rider Cross race course for intermediate level, and Summit Park for advanced freestyle skiers and snowboarders. It's recommended to start your freestyle learning at Koflers Park to grow your abilities and confidence, then progress to Skyline Park for medium to large rails and jumps.

Mt Buller Village activities, retail and accommodation

The Mt Buller Village boasts a wealth of chalets, cabins, lodges and apartments to retire to after your snow days. There are several gear stores and equipment rentals, more than a dozen dining options to choose from - plus a spa, cinema, and indoor trampoline and rock climbing zone.

There are also outdoor activities galore. Book into a snowshoe tour, sled-dog experience, toboggan course, or a twilight ski/snowboard session. Skiing enthusiasts will love the 9km of cross-country skiing trails and the National Alpine Museum of Australia in Alpine Central.

Mt Buller Village also hosts a wealth of fun events, from the iconic launch party to live music performances, comedy nights, championships and more.

Mt Buller lift passes and costs

Ski and snowboard lift tickets at Mt Buller are called B-TAGs, which are reusable RFID cards in your name that can be loaded with lift passes, lessons and more. You can even put 'Snow Dough' on the B-TAG to use it like a debit card in various rental, retail and food outlets. Pre-purchase your B-TAG online and collect from one of the 24-hour B-TAG collection points when you arrive at Mt Buller.

Entry depends on the day of the week, but as a general guide:

• Adult lift tickets: $126 to $210 per day
• Kids tickets: $76 to $126 per day
• Seniors (65+): $94 to $157 per day
• Free for children under five with a paying adult and for those aged 70 and over.

Consider the 6 Day Any Day pass, which allows you to get on the slopes for any six days of the 2025 snow season at Mt Buller. This costs $869 for adults, $519 for kids and $649 for 65-plus.

You can also purchase a season membership to Mt Buller, which gets you unlimited riding and lift access across the entire snow season, including twilight sessions, plus discounts at selected outlets in the alpine village. A season membership currently costs $1,649 for adults, $1,249 for young adults (ages 19-24), and $999 for kids.

There's also the midweek season membership for access every weekday during the season, currently listed at $1,054 for adults, $954 for young adults and over 65s, and $634 for kids.

Mt Buller's Snow Guarantee will give your money back on all prepaid participating accommodation, lift tickets, rentals, lesson packages and toboggans park entries if there is insufficient snow cover.

How do I get to Mt Buller?

There are several bus and coach services operating between Mt Buller and Melbourne during the snow season. You can even catch the V/Line Snow Coach from Melbourne's Southern Cross Station, with included transfers to your accommodation.

Drivers can get to Mt Buller from Melbourne via Mansfield in roughly three hours 15 minutes. There is no fuel at Mt Buller, so fill up at Mansfield. You can also hire snow chains here, which are mandatory. All vehicles entering Mt Buller must pay a 'Resort Entry Fee' that you can pre-purchase online and display on your dash. Mt Buller has 11 car parking areas, from which day visitors without luggage can ride the free shuttle service, while overnighters will need to pre-purchase rideshare services into the alpine village.

You can even catch a helicopter flight from Melbourne, which takes only 45 minutes to land in Merrijig. From there, you're be chauffeured into the heart of Mt Buller Village.

Mt Hotham, VIC

4.5 hours from Melbourne

Known as Australia’s highest alpine village, Mt Hotham has been a hotspot for skiers for more than 125 years. Thanks to its steep terrain, frequent powder days and some of the most challenging black runs in the country, it's ideal for experienced skiers and snowboarders, adrenaline seekers, and adventure junkies. With 320ha of skiable area, 13 lifts, and an alpine village located on the ridgeline for stunning views, Mt Hotham is an awe-inspiring getaway. Plus, access is via the Great Alpine Road: one of the most scenic drives in the state.

Mt Hotham ski and snowboard slopes, runs and terrain parks

With 14 lifts (when you include Dinner Plain) and 105 ski and snowboard trails in total, there's something for everyone at Mt Hotham. Advanced skiers and riders are in for a treat, with penty of black diamond runs across the mountain. Intermediate blue runs can be found all over Mt Hotham too. Beginners should stick to Easy Street and QC off the Big D chairlift, or Drift Return and Summit Run off The Summit chairlift.

Mt Hotham has two terrain parks: Summit Terrain Park and The Big D. Start at The Big D, a brand-new terrain park with small, medium and large features to help riders progress. The Summit Terrain Park is a great place for intermediate and advanced freestylers.

Mt Hotham Resort activities, retail and accommodation

Mt Hotham Resort has rental and retail options for all ages. You'll need to bring your own gloves and goggles or buy some from the onsite retail stores, but everything else can be hired. Book in a group or private ski or snowboard lesson to brush up your skills: there are separate lessons for kids and beginners too. There's also a multitude of cafes, bars and restaurants in the village, plus supermarkets, a post office and a medical centre. Choose from dozens of lodges, apartments and chalets to stay in.

There are activities aplenty at Mt Hotham during the snow season. Join in on a night skiing and snowboarding session every Wednesday and Saturday night, jump on a backcountry sled tour, or mush a team of huskies on a sled dog tour. There's tobogganing and snowplay at the Wire Plain Snowstuff Park, snowshoe and cross-country skiing tours and hire, and an onsen spa and retreat at nearby Dinner Plain Onsen. You can even explore beautiful locations on an alpine photography workshop or go on an ec-adventure to stay in 'domes' among the snow gums.

Fun events include the Welcome to Winter Weekend launch party, ski brand demo days, school holiday fireworks, Pride Weekend and Retro Day (dress-up competition for old-school ski outfits). Intermediate and advanced female skiers and boarders looking to push themselves to the next level and make some new friends should check out Chicks Who Shred's Shred Sessions.

Mt Hotham lift passes and costs

You can purchase lift tickets to Mt Hotham online, which will be added to a Mountain Access Card that you can pick up from a collection point on the mountain. Prices vary, but as a general guide:

• Adult lift tickets: $186 to $243 per day
• Kids tickets (5-17 years): $102 to $134 per day
• Seniors (65+): $149 to $194 per day
• Free for kids aged four and under with a paying adult (Mountain Access Card required: $6)
• Unlimited season pass for over 70s: $249 (includes Hotham, Falls Creek, and Perisher)

You can save money by pre-purchasing online.

The Epic Australia Pass provides unlimited snow season access to Mt Hotham, Falls Creek and Perisher (in NSW). You also get 20 per cent off lessons and rentals, 15 per cent of retail, and 50 per cent off single day lift tickets for several friends. You can even get access to over 75 overseas ski/snowboard resorts across Japan, Europe and North America. Costing $1,379 for an adult, it's only available to purchase until 18 June 2025.

There's also the Epic Australia 4-Day Pass for $632, for the same benefits (without the overseas resort access) over any four days over the snow season.

How do I get to Mt Hotham?

Several coach, bus and taxi services operate to Mt Hotham. HothamBus runs daily express services from Melbourne, Albury Airport, and Bright/Harrietville, with double daily departures in peak season.

Drivers must purchase a resort entry permit before entering the Mount Hotham Alpine Resort area. Day visitors can park in the blue-signed areas; overnight visistors or those arriving before 7am or after 11pm can park in the green-signed areas. You can then hop on the free village bus to the alpine village or your accommodation.

Hotham Airport is accessible by privtate or charter flights from airports in Victoria and NSW. Approximate flight times are 45 minutes from Lilydale, Essendon or Moorabbin airports, 30 minutes from Albury and Canberra, and 50 minutes from Sydney.

More: Ultimate guide to Victoria’s Great Alpine Road

Falls Creek

4.5 hours from Melbourne

At the Falls Creek Alpine Resort, avid snow bunnies can enjoy Victoria's largest ski/snowboard terrain, with 75 downhill runs and 65km of cross-country trails. Known for its European-style village and reliable snow (thanks to the resort's high altitude and state-of-the-art snowmaking), Falls Creek has true alpine charm. Intermediate skiers/snowboarders, cross-country skiers and those wanting a longer stay on the snowfields should consider Falls Creek.

Falls Creek ski and snowboard slopes, runs and terrain parks

Falls Creek has a great mix of 17 beginner (green), 37 intermediate (blue) and 21 advanced (black) runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. It's a great place to hone your skills and push yourself into the next category. Fun fact: Wombat's Ramble is Australia's longest green run!

There are also three terrain parks: Castle Park, Drover's Dream Park and Panorama Park.

Falls Creek boasts over 65km of groomed cross-country ski trails too. Beginners should start at the Nordic Bowl Loop and Panorama Loop. Sun Valley Loop, McKay/Stockyard Loop and Watchbed Creek/Wallaces Hut Trail are among the best intermediate trails. There are plenty of advanced loops too, venturing right into the Bogong High Plains.

Falls Creek Alpine Resort activities, retail and accommodation

Falls Creek Alpine Resort is an entirely ski-in, ski-out village in winter. Along with several retail stores, there's an onsite medical centre and pharmacy, a supermarket, and even childcare. Twenty-eight dining and drinking options are available, with something for all tastes. There's plenty of accommodation choices too, including lodges, hotels and apartments.

Book in a ski or snowboard lesson, ride a snowmobile on a backcountry tour, or go toboganning with the kids at Windy Corner Toboggan Park: all activities available at Falls Creek. Fun events include happy hours, live music performances, night skiing/snowboarding sessions on Wednesdays and Saturdays, brand demo days, Gay Ski Week, and of course the Opening Weekend Festival.

Falls Creek lift passes and costs

Prices vary. Here is a general guide:

• Falls Creek Mountain Access Card: $6
• Adult lift tickets: $177 to $243 per day
• Kids tickets: $97 to $134 per day
• Seniors (65+): $142 to $194 per day
• Free for kids aged four and under with a paying adult (Mountain Access Card required: $6)
• Unlimited season pass for over 70s: $249 (includes Hotham, Falls Creek, and Perisher).

You'll need a $6 Falls Creek Moutain Access Card, whichyou can load lift tickets and lessons onto. Prices range from $177 to $243 for adults, $97 to $134 for kids, and $142 to $194 for over 65s depending on the date. Kids aged four and under ski for free when accompanied by a paying adult, but will still need a $6 Mountain Access Card. Over 70s can purchase an unlimited season pass to Hotham, Falls Creek and Perisher (in NSW) for $249.

The Epic Australia Pass provides unlimited snow season access to Mt Hotham, Falls Creek and Perisher (in NSW). You also get 20 per cent off lessons and rentals, 15 per cent of retail, and 50 per cent off single day lift tickets for several friends. You can even get access to over 75 overseas ski/snowboard resorts across Japan, Europe and North America. Costing $1,379 for an adult, it's only available to purchase until 18 June 2025.

There's also the Epic Australia 4-Day Pass for $632, for the same benefits (without the overseas resort access) over any four days over the snow season.

How do I get to Falls Creek?

There are regular bus services to Falls Creek from Melbourne, Albury and Mount Beauty. Falls Creek Coaches and FallsBus can transport you between Melbourne, Albury, Adelaide and Falls Creek. A good option is to ride the V/Line train running between Melbourne and Sydney, from which you can catch connecting transfer services with Falls Creek Coaches. You can even park at the base of Falls Creek and catch a Falls Creek Coaches service for the final 45 minutes up the mountain.

If you prefer to drive yourself, it's a 4.5 hour trip from Melbourne or under two hours from Albury. The usual access is via Mount Beauty, although you can also drive from Bright via Tawonga Gap. All vehicles entering Falls Creek during the winter season must purchase a resort entry pass. You can unload luggage and passengers at the Accommodation Transfer Service Terminal, then park your vehicle in a parking bay as directed. You can then rejoin your group thanks to a mini bus transfer, from which you'll be taken to your accommodation in an oversnow vehicle.

You can also take a helicopter from Albury Airport, Mount Beauty or Mt Hotham Helipad directly to Falls Creek.

More: The best beautiful country towns to visit in Victoria

Mt Baw Baw

2 hours 45 minutes from Melbourne

The closest downhill skiing resort to Melbourne is Mt Baw Baw, which makes it a popular option for those who may just want a day trip or a weekend escape. Tucked away in the Baw Baw Ranges, this smaller resort offers a relaxed and less crowded alternative to the larger fields. Expect a community feel with a welcoming atmosphere, with 35ha offering up terrain parks and gentle slopes. It's ideal for first-timers and families wanting to avoid big crowds.

Mt Baw Baw ski and snowboard slopes, runs and terrain parks

Mt Baw Baw has 13 downhill skiing and snowboarding runs, mostly blue/intermediate trails with a handful of green (beginner) and black (advanced) trails.

Mt Baw Baw's ski lifts will only be operating Friday, Saturday and Sunday until the start of Victorian School Holidays on 4 July 2025. Lifts will then run every day until the end of August, with weather conditions dictating operating days in September.

The Tank Hill Terrain Park opens as conditions allow, with a number of boxes, pipes and rails for beginner to intermediate riders.

Mt Baw Baw also has 10km of cross-country skiing trails. When snow conditions permit, XC skiiers can cross the Baw Baw Plateau to Mount St Gwinear, which has a further 12km of trails.

Mt Baw Baw Resort activities, retail and accommodation

Mt Baw Baw has a bar (Cafe & Bar 11), kiosk (Skiosk) and restaurant (Village Central Restaurant) onsite. Accommodation options include apartments, cabins, chalets and traditional ski lodges.

After a ski or snowboard lesson? You're in luck: lessons run regularly from the Mt Baw Baw Snowsports building, with group, private or family lessons available. Snow gear and equipment hire is available in the village.

Mt Baw Baw is chock-full of fun snow experiences outside of downhill skiing and snowboarding. Why not try cross-country skiing through the alpine meadows and snow gums? If you love dogs, a sled dog tour is a must-try - and can even be run during low snow periods. Head to the Frosti Frog Toboggan Park to hurtle down the slopes on a toboggan (hire available).

Don't miss fun events like the Snow Season Opening Weekend, trail running in the snow at Run with Beau, the Mt Baw Baw Dog Sled Dash, Christmas in July, the Great Toboggan Race, and the Yukigassen Championship (snowball throwing).

Mt Baw Baw lift passes and costs

Prices vary, but as a general guide:

• Entry fee: $22-$30 per person (shuttle/bus) or $67 per car
• Adult lift pass: $79 (off-peak) / $89 (peak) per day
• Kids lift pass (3-15 years): $48 (off-peak) / $54 (peak) per day
• Students and seniors lift pass: $60 (off-peak) / $68 (peak) per day
• Free for children under three and seniors over 70
• Off-peak season: 7 June - 3 July 2025
• Peak season: 4 July - 31 August 2025.

You can also purchase a season lift pass for $555 for adults, $460 for concession, and $410 for kids.

Skiing on cross-country trails is free, but you can purchase a $15/ride Summit One Ride XC Lift Pass at the gate to avoid climbing the mountain.

It's $20 per person, per session for toboggan park access, or $40 for park access plus toboggan hire.

How do I get to Mt Baw Baw?

Driving is a very viable option when getting to Mt Baw Baw: it's under a three-hour drive from Melbourne, making Mt Baw Baw the closest ski resort to Melbourne. The shortest route goes through Dandenong, Pakenham and Noojee before reaching Mt Baw Baw.

Private transfers are available as a shuttle service from Melbourne to Mt Baw Baw. You can also catch the Gippsland line train departing Melbourne's Southern Cross Station to Moe before taking a taxi to Mt Baw Baw.

Lake Mountain

2 hours from Melbourne

Only two hours from Melbourne, Lake Mountain Alpine Resort is a cross-country skiing and family-friendly snow play destination ideal for those not looking to downhill ski or snowboard. It's great for day trippers, families and the budget-conscious, with lower fees, 37km of cross-country trails, and fun snow activities available.

Lake Mountain ski and snowboard slopes, runs and terrain parks

Lake Mountain has no downhill ski or snowboard runs. Instead, it's a paradise for XC skiers with around 37km of cross-country trails for XC skiing and snowshoeing.

Lake Mountain's snow season is from 7 June - 5 October 2025 (unless declared officially closed before the end date). It will be closed every Tuesday and Wednesday outside of the Victorian school holidays.

Lake Mountain Alpine Resort activities, retail and accommodation

Along with cross-country skiing, you can explore 30km worth of snowshoe trails. Families will love the designated snow play area maintained with artificial snow throughout the season: perfect for snowball fights and building snowmen.

You can hire snow clothing and shoes at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, except for gloves, socks, goggles and beanies - but these can be purchased in the retail store. Ski gear can't be hired; you'll have to bring your own. There is, however, an onsite bistro offering coffee, cold drinks, and a range of hot food and snacks.

Lake Mountain lift passes and costs

Here is a general guide:

• Resort entry: $67 per car (up to 8 passengers) or $22 per adult and $11.50 per child (under five) if arriving by bus.
• Resort access: 8am-3pm.

Toboggan access tickets cost $30 per person, or $40 for one adult plus one child under five. This gets you a hire toboggan, Magic Carpet use up the hill, and access to the Village Toboggan Run, Mini Toboggan Run and Koala Creek Toboggan Run.

How do I get to Lake Mountain?

Lake Mountain Alpine Resort is about a two-hour drive from Melbourne. The normal route is through the Yarra Valley, along Maroondah Highway and the Black Spur to Narbethong before turning off to Marysville. From there, it's only a half-hour drive to Lake Mountain. If you want to make a weekend of it, you can opt to stay at the nearby RACV Healesville Resort.

Snow season health and safety

Make sure that you are adequately prepared for a snow visit. This means wearing warm, layered clothing and appropriate snow gear, making sure your personal snow gear such as skis and toboggans are safe for use, and telling somebody where you're going on the slopes. Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended when skiing or snowboarding.

If it's been a while since you've hit the slopes, or you're just getting started, stick to the beginner trails and consider booking in a lesson.

If driving to the ski fields, ensure your car is prepared for driving in the snow, you have enough petrol, and that you are able to contact RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance if needed. All vehicles must carry wheel chains and fit them when instructed. If you're not carrying chains, you may face a $395 fine. If you fail to use snow chains when instructed, you may face a $988 penalty. These fines apply to all vehicles: 2WD and 4WD.

If you’re heading to the snow, you may wish to consider travel insurance. RACV Travel Insurance* can cover snow sports and gear^# so you can enjoy the slopes with more peace of mind.

More: The best affordable SUVs in Australia for 2025