Victoria's Falls Creek is the largest ski and boarding alpine resort and tourist destination in north-eastern Victoria's high country. The winter playground has activities, attractions and events throughout the year, but Natalie Gruzlewski decided to have a look at it in winter.
The snow season begins in June and runs until October. The ski-in ski-out resort is the only one of its kind in Australia, and always lives up to its promise of plenty of the white stuff. It enjoys around 4m of snowfall every winter.
Cars aren't permitted in the village so everyone gets around on skis, snowboards or on foot.
The village is at 1600m above sea level and skiing is spread over two areas — The Village Bowl and Sun Valley. Fourteen lifts take all levels of skiers to challenge around ninety trails. Sixty-five kilometres of groomed trails across the Bogong High Plains keep cross country skiers happy. A high capacity snowmaking system ensures heaps of snow for everyone to enjoy, day and night.
This season saw the opening of Wombat's Ramble, a 2.2km beginner run, for night skiing. Twice a week the entire trail is lit using high-voltage floodlights run on green power. Take the Falls Express Chairlift to Cloud 9 and make your way through fairyland.
Huski Lodge
In the heart of the village, Huski Lodge was designed to resemble a giant snowflake. It has just 14 rooms made up of studio apartments, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and one four-bedroom split-level penthouse. Each is like an individual artwork.
There are many things to make your stay truly comfortable, including heated marble floors, full kitchens and laundry with drying cupboards. Except for studios, all apartments have a balcony a private hot tub.
When your muscles are screaming for a break or the weather is inclement, Huski's Produce Store Café is the place to go. It offers all-day dining from full meals to takeaways, catering for the ski-in ski-out set-up. Tapas and drinks are enjoyed each afternoon.
You can stock up on local produce — honey, homemade chutneys, cold-pressed olive oil, beer, wine and other goodies from Bright, King Valley, Millawa, Mt Beauty, Myrtleford, Ovens and the Kiewa Valley.
Snow Coach
The big buzz in Falls Creek is the arrival of the Snow Coach, fresh from the US. The 6.8 litre V10 beauty has more than 500 horsepower and reaches places you can't reach by lift or skidoo.
It seems to glide across the snow as you wind 1842m through snow gums to the plateau and ascend Mt McKay. You ride in heated comfort to the highest peak and enjoy something very few people are lucky enough to experience.
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