Drop it like it's cold
Instead of hunkering down to avoid the wintry chill, layer up and head to higher altitudes for the adventure of a lifetime.
From pretty mountain villages, try your hand at everything from snowing and skiing to snowshoeing through the gums and building a snowman. But the fun doesn't end there – there's food, wine, indulgent spa experiences and star-bright skies lighting up the night.
Check out our 10 favourite things to do atop Victoria's snow-capped mountains.
1. Skiing
Hop aboard a ski lift at Mount Hotham, Mount Buller, Mount Baw Baw or Falls Creek (to name a few) and carve up the slopes all day long. Runs range from beginner to advanced and lessons are available at alpine resorts for people donning the skis for the first time.
Kit yourself in the latest gear before you go or head to a shop on the mountain to purchase or hire all the equipment you need to work up a ski sweat.
Image: Mount Hotham
A bit more advanced? Cross country skiing is definitely for you. Get fit, gaze at incredible mountain vistas and move at your own pace on cross country runs, which are scattered across alpine peaks at Falls Creek, Lake Mountain, Mount Stirling, Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain, as well as Mount Buller, Mount Baw Baw and Mount St Gwinea and range in length from 35 kilometres (Dinner Plain, Mount Buller, Mount Baw Baw) to 68 kilometres (Mount Stirling).
2. Snowboarding
Across Victoria's three biggest alpine resorts, there are a staggering 250 downhill runs and 50 lifts that novice and experienced boarders alike can use to shred up a storm. The best bit? There are also 10 terrain parks that boast rollers, berms, rails and jumps to keep you in cloud 9 from the minute you clip into your board.
Image: Falls Creek
While resorts like Falls Creek have the Fox Trail for beginners to learn on, and Hotham has the Playground Terrain Park, smaller snowboarding destinations like Mount Baw Baw have terrain parks that are a great playground for freestyle boarders and a less intimidating place to learn.
Intermediate and advanced boarders can travel 30-minutes from Mount Buller to Mount Stirling and trek to the summit and Stanley Bowl area to make the most of the area's untouched terrain.
3. Snowshoeing
Love snow-capped mountain tops? Love the crisp alpine air? Love to hike? Don't let winter in the alps deter you. Join a guided snow shoeing tour and hike across piles of frosty snow covering the countryside. Wild Adventures Melbourne offer a Great Alpine and Lakes Adventure, which includes Mount Hotham adventure sports and snowshoeing to an eco-village for a unique dinner experience with Alpine Nature Experience.
4. Dog sledding
Meet a team of exuberant Siberian Huskies and their dedicated owners on a dog sledding adventure with Australian Sled Dog Tours. See Mount Buller and Mount Stirling from a new vantage, enjoy a meet and greet, photo session, or head out on the trail with your new furry besties.
At Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain, brave the snowy mountains with the family of huskies at Howling Husky Sled Dog Tours. Booking in advance is recommended for both companies and tours can be weather dependent.
Image: Howling Huskies, Dinner Plain
5. Tobogganing
Whip out your toboggan for a spot of all ages fun and tackle the gentler slopes at major alpine resorts and lower key gems like Mount Donna Buang and Lake Mountain. While you're there, why not put your snowman building skills to the test or gather some snowballs for a bit of a laugh.
Image: Mount Hotham
6. Alpine lodges
Come for the snow, stay for the atmosphere. We're talking bars, restaurants, cosy fireplaces, shopping and all the post skiing beers or hot choccies you could possibly dream of.
Image: Rundells Apline Lodge
Some of the biggest players include Hotham Alpine Resort, Mount Buller Alpine Resort and Falls Creek All Season Alpine Resort. Treat these resorts as your fun hub, with a pumping nightlife, live music, gyms, day cares, supermarkets and Falls Creek even has a day spa. Oh and of course, they're your central location to stay for easy ski in and ski out action.
7. Wine and dine
Hungry? Refuel with a hearty feed and a refreshing drink or two at a number of restaurants and cafes that are situated in the heart of the action. If you want a hearty breakfast before you spend the day burning more calories than an Olympic powerlifter, head to Tirol Cafe for tasty Italian fare and epic views.
Image: Cloud 9, Falls Creek
For a spot of lunch, you can't look past Dicky Knees in Falls Creek. Try the pretzels, kranskys and excellent barista-made coffee. Alphhutte Restaurant and Wine Bar in the heart of Dinner Plain is the perfect spot for some grub after a day on Mount Hotham's slopes. Enjoy European-inspired cuisine and a bottle of red while warming your chilly bones by the fire.
Fancy some dessert? Scoff down some sugary waffles at Cloud 9 while looking out at the exceptional beauty of Falls Creek.
8. Snowy spa days
Take a breath and relax - it's time for you. The ultra luxe Astra Falls Creek Day Spa is your one-stop-shop for all things wellness and relaxation. Treatments are inspired by the mountain sanctuary surrounding the venue and include everything from hot stone massages to facials and pedicures. You can even reinvigorate your body in the heated pool which is infused with soothing magnesium salts, in the steam room and the sauna.
Another great option for a spot of R&R during your snowy escape is the luxurious Breathtaker Hotel & Spa at Mount Buller. The Day Spa features a lap pool, serene spa and steam room, and indulgent massage and beauty treatments.
9. Stargazing
On a clear night, limited light pollution and cleaner air in general in the Victorian alps, make the alpine resorts the perfect place to gaze at a star-bright sky. Off the mountain, the Bright Astronomy Club have monthly meet ups which are open to any keen stargazer.
Image: Mount Hotham
10. Sub-alpine stay & play
Play on the mountain, but stay in scenic surrounds on lower ground in towns bordering our high altitude winter playgrounds.
Exploring Mount Hotham during the day? Eat, drink and chill out in towns like Harrietville and Bright. Shredding the slopes up Mount Buller, Mansfield and its plethora of local provedores and breweries is where it's at. Meanwhile, Mount Beauty makes a great home base for Falls Creek and gives you great views of Victoria's highest peak, Mount Bogong.
For Mount Baw Baw enthusiasts, historic goldrush town, Walhalla will give you a dose of history and small town charm with the thrill of the snow. Or, ski cross-country up Lake Mountain, while also exploring forests, fronds, lookouts and waterfalls in Marysville. You really can get the best of both worlds.
What are you waiting for? Winter only lasts a few months, so get it while it's cold.
