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Best Family Snow Trips in Victoria: Top Alpine Resorts for Kids
The Victorian snow season typically runs from the King’s Birthday long weekend in June through to late August or early September. For families looking to experience the magic of snow in Victoria, there are five main alpine resorts to choose from — Mt Baw Baw, Mt Buller, Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, and Lake Mountain. Each resort offers unique experiences like skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and snow play.
If you are planning a weekend getaway or a school holiday adventure, here are some of the best family-friendly snow destinations in Victoria.
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Falls Creek – Best All-Round Family Snow Resort
Drive time from Melbourne: 4.5 hours
Terrain: 450 hectares, 90 runs, 15 lifts
Difficulty: 17% beginner, 60% intermediate, 23% advanced
Falls Creek is one of the top destinations for family snow holidays in Victoria, offering everything from snow play to ski school. It’s known for its scenic alpine village and wide variety of kids’ activities.
Falls Creek Highlights for Families:
Snowplay & Tobogganing: Two toboggan slopes—one at the Village Bowl (Junior Slope) and one at Windy Corner for older kids and adults. Snow depth is monitored daily for safety.
Snow Tube Park: Open daily 2–6pm, offering fun tubing runs with a conveyor lift. Kids must be 90cm+.
Ski & Snowboard Lessons:
Snowclub 4 Kids (ages 3–5) – indoor/outdoor sessions with skiing
Junior Workshop (ages 6–12)
Ride Tribe (ages 13–17) – for beginner to intermediate skiers and boarders
Falls Creek Childcare: Licensed centre catering for children aged 12 weeks to 5 years. Offers both care-only and snowplay packages.
Village Activities:
Pete the Snow Dragon show and fireworks every Thursday night
Night skiing at Wombat’s Ramble (Wednesday and Saturday evenings)
Easy access to cafes and snow gear hire shops within walking distance
Cross-country Skiing: 65km of groomed trails available at Windy Corner, suitable for families with older kids.
Good to know: Resort Entry and parking fees apply and must be booked online. A free village shuttle operates throughout the day. Be sure to check the Falls Creek snow report before your trip.
Season Dates: The 2025 snow season at Falls Creek is scheduled to commence on the King’s Birthday weekend in June and conclude on Sunday, 28 September 2025.
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Mount Hotham – Best for Snow Adventures and Lessons
Drive time from Melbourne: 4.5–5 hours
Terrain: 320 hectares, 80 runs, 13 lifts
Difficulty: 20% beginner, 40% intermediate, 40% advanced
Mt Hotham receives some of the highest snowfall in Victoria, making it perfect for adventurous families. It offers diverse terrain for skiers and snowboarders, as well as family-focused fun.
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Mt Hotham Family Activities:
Tobogganing at Possum Flat: Dedicated slope near the Wire Plain car park. Groomed and supervised.
Snow Stuff Park: Unique to Hotham—hire snow bikes, snow scooters, sleds, and mini snowmobiles for fun on the flat.
Hotham 365 Indoor Ski Centre: Great for first-timers and younger kids, offering indoor lessons on a ski slope treadmill.
Kids Lessons:
Mighty Mites (3–5 years) – includes indoor play and outdoor ski lessons
Kids Club (6–14 years) – for all ability levels
Burton Riglet Program (3–6 years) – snowboarding for young children using balance-based activities
Family Entertainment:
Harry the Snowdragon Show – music, dancing and a meet-and-greet
Big D Slopes – beginner-friendly area with a café for parents and a magic carpet lift for learners
Daycare: Half-day and full-day childcare available with play-based learning and naps.
Good to know: Parking is limited near the village. Arrive early or plan for off-site parking with a shuttle. Resort Entry and snow chain use are mandatory. Check the latest Mt Hotham snow report be arrival.
Season Dates: The 2025 snow season at Mount Hotham is scheduled to commence on the King’s Birthday weekend in June and conclude on Sunday, 28 September 2025.
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Mount Buller – Best Snow Day Trip from Melbourne
Drive time from Melbourne: 3 hours
Terrain: 300 hectares, 80+ runs, 20 lifts
Difficulty: 25% beginner, 45% intermediate, 30% advanced
Mt Buller is the most accessible family snow resort from Melbourne, making it ideal for day trips to the snow. It features excellent beginner areas, toboggan parks, and top-notch ski schools.
Mt Buller Snow Fun for Kids:
Snowplay & Toboggan Parks:
Village Toboggan Park – beside Alpine Central, near the ski school
Celia’s Toboggan Park – at the Horse Hill Day Car Park
Both areas use SnowFactory technology to guarantee snow even in low-snow weeks.
Gnome Roam Adventure: Self-guided treasure hunt through the village where kids follow clues to find hidden gnomes. Great non-ski activity.
Scenic Northside Express Chairlift: Take in panoramic views from Spurs Lookout—no skis needed.
Buller Kids Lessons:
Bunyips (3–6 years) – includes childcare and ski lessons
Buller Kids (7–14 years)
Group or private options for teens and adults
Buller Kids’ Centre: Offers full-day and half-day childcare for kids aged 3 months to 3 years. Includes age-appropriate snow play.
Village Entertainment:
Twilight skiing
Free movies and family activities during school holidays
Snowshoeing and guided village tours
Good to know: Use the Snowplay Express for convenient park-and-ride access to the village. Book lift tickets, gear rental, and lessons in advance online. Pay your Resort Entry online in advance. Always check the Mt Buller snow report before heading up.
Season Dates: The 2025 snow season at Mount Buller is scheduled to commence on the King’s Birthday weekend in June and conclude on Sunday, 28 September 2025.
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Tips for Visiting the Snow with Kids in Victoria
Make your family’s snow day or weekender a breeze with these practical snow travel tips:
- Check snow cams and weather reports before you go.
- Hire or buy snow gear in advance – waterproof clothing, gloves, boots, goggles, and helmets.
- Book lessons and lift passes online – it saves time and guarantees your spot.
- Carry snow chains – most alpine roads require them during winter.
- Pack snacks, water, and a thermos of hot chocolate for the car ride.
- Bring spare clothes in case the kids get wet.
- Use sunscreen – snow glare can cause sunburn even in cold weather.
- Book childcare early if needed – spots fill up fast in peak season.
Main image: Grace Walkley, 10 and Ava Moegel, 5, enjoying snow play at Falls Creek.
Whether you are looking for a quick snow play day trip from Melbourne or a multi-day alpine family escape, Victoria offers some of the best snow destinations for families in Australia. From the accessible slopes of Mt Buller to the action-packed adventures at Falls Creek and Mt Hotham, there’s something for kids of all ages to enjoy.
Plan, book early, and most importantly, have fun in the snow!
Planning a quick day trip to the snow? Check out our guide to family snow day trips from Melbourne, featuring Mt Baw Baw and Lake Mountain: Read the blog.
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We try our best to provide accurate information on kid-friendly events around Victoria but do recommend parents check details directly to confirm dates, times, prices as some details may be subject to change.
