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Family Snow Day Trips from Melbourne: Mt Baw Baw & Lake Mountain
Are you looking for an easy and fun family snow day trip from Melbourne? The good news is you don’t have to travel far to enjoy the magic of the snow with your kids. Victoria offers two fantastic alpine resorts — Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort and Lake Mountain Alpine Resort — ideal for a snow day trip with kids.
These resorts are perfect for families wanting to experience snow play, tobogganing, skiing, snowboarding, and more — all within a 2.5-hour drive from Melbourne.
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Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort – A Family Favourite Snow Destination
Location: 32 Currawong Road, Baw Baw Village, Victoria
Distance from Melbourne: Approx. 2.5 hours
Mt Baw Baw is one of the most popular family-friendly snow resorts near Melbourne. It features 35 hectares of terrain with seven surface lifts, designated toboggan areas, beginner-friendly ski runs, and snow play zones—making it a great choice for a first snow experience for kids.
Tobogganing and snow play
Mt Baw Baw’s Frosti Frog Toboggan Park is a great spot for supervised tobogganing. You can bring your own toboggan (if it meets safety requirements) or hire one on-site. Snow play areas offer plenty of space to build snowmen, have snowball fights, or just roll around in the fresh powder.
Skiing and Snowboarding
The resort has 25 runs serviced by 7 lifts. The longest run stretches 750 metres, and 30% of all trails are designed for beginners—ideal for children and new skiers.
Group ski and snowboard lessons include:
- Rowdy’s Rippers (Skiing, ages 3–6)
- Gully’s Groms (Snowboarding, ages 3–6)
- Frosty Kids (Ski/Snowboard, ages 7–12)
- Teen & Adult groups
Private lessons are also available.
Tank Hill Terrain Park
Tank Hill Terrain Park is designed for beginner to intermediate snowboarders and freestyle skiers looking to build their skills. The park features a variety of elements, including boxes, rails, and small jumps. Please note, the terrain park operates only when snow conditions are suitable — be sure to check the snow report before your visit.
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Husky Sled Tours
Make it a day to remember by booking a Howling Husky Sled Dog Tour:
- Dog Sled Dash Tour (30 mins)
- Family Tour (2 adults + 2 children – 45 mins)
Nature & Learning
The Dingo Resource Centre offers interactive learning about Mt Baw Baw’s unique alpine wildlife, including the endangered Baw Baw Frog and Leadbeater’s Possum.
Cross Country Skiing
Explore 10 km of groomed cross-country trails within the resort. A lift pass is available to take you to the summit, saving you the climb.
Important Info:
- Resort entry fee applies during snow season.
- Snow chains are mandatory for all vehicles.
- Helmets are strongly recommended for skiing/snowboarding.
Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort – 2025 Season Updates
Season Dates: The 2025 snow season at Mt Baw Baw is scheduled to commence on the King’s Birthday weekend in June and conclude on 1 September 2025.
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Lake Mountain Alpine Resort – Closest Snow to Melbourne
Location: 1071 Lake Mountain Road, Marysville, Victoria
Distance from Melbourne: Approx. 2 hours
Lake Mountain Alpine Resort is the most accessible snow resort from Melbourne, making it a top choice for spontaneous snow play day trips. Although it doesn’t have chairlifts, it offers 35km of cross-country skiing trails, toboggan runs, a tube run, and lots of open space for snow fun.
Tobogganing and Snow Play
Families can enjoy three designated toboggan runs located near the village. Magic carpet passes are available to help little ones back up the slope. There’s also plenty of open snow play areas for kids to enjoy.
Cross Country Skiing
Cross country skiing is a great low-impact way to explore the alpine environment. Lake Mountain offers:
- Over 35km of groomed trails
- Beginner ski lessons for kids (ages 4+)
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Children’s Snowboarding Lessons
The Burton Learn to Ride (LTR) program is perfect for kids aged 5–14 years. A dedicated beginners slope ensures a safe environment. Lessons are available on weekends, public holidays and school holidays.
Tube Run Fun
The 100-metre snow tube run is a thrilling ride for families. Ride solo or share a double tube with the kids (paid activity).
Important Info:
- Resort entry fee applies during snow season.
- Snow chains are required for all vehicles.
Lake Mountain Alpine Resort – 2025 Season Updates
Season Dates: The 2025 snow season at Lake Mountain is scheduled to commence on 7 June 2025 and conclude on 5 October 2025.
Family Snow Day Trip Tips
Here are some essential tips for planning your family snow trip in Victoria:
- Check the Snow Report & Snow Cams before heading off.
- Hire or buy snow gear before you go – waterproof clothing, boots, gloves, goggles, snowboards, skis, toboggans.
- Book activities and lift passes in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Purchase resort entry passes online to save time.
- Hire easy-to-install snow chains, even if roads look clear.
- Bring snacks and water to keep the kids happy and hydrated.
- Pack spare clothes – kids always find a way to get soaked!
- Wear sunscreen – UV rays reflect off the snow.
- Pack a thermos of hot chocolate for the drive home.
Lake Mountain offers scenic trails, while Mt Baw Baw provides more downhill action — both are suitable for family day trips from Melbourne.
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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.
