The top 7 spots for the best snowboarding near Melbourne (fun guaranteed!)
When winter hits and you’re a thrill-seeker looking for an adventure, nothing can beat sweeping through the mountain air and cutting clean lines through the snow.
While there are no snowboarding spots within Melbourne, there are several resorts that offer this experience within driving distance of the region. The options are pretty diverse, offering experiences for any skill level.
If you’re ready for that thrilling and fun winter activity, we’ve got you covered here.
1. Mt. Baw Baw Alpine Resort
– Media credit: Mt. Baw Baw
Website: http://mtbawbaw.com.au/
Address: Currawong Rd, Baw Baw Village VIC
Phone: +61351651136
Operating hours: 24 hours
Mt. Baw Baw is the closest snow resort to Melbourne, with a drive of just about 2.5 hours from the city. It has a nice elevation, and you can even enjoy an ocean view on clear days.
It might be smaller than other snowy mountains, but snowboarding here is suitable for all levels, which is perfect for families and beginners.
The snow here isn’t alpine-massive; it averages less than a metre per season and relies on snowmaking to keep beginner-friendly zones operating.
The “snow guarantee” is what keeps these areas open when it rains or when the terrain warms up.
If you’re interested in honing your snowboarding skills, the resort’s snowsports team can provide lessons for all skill levels.
Pro tip:
The resort is only open from June to September. Off-peak season is around the first week of June until the first week of July.
2. Mt. Buller
– Media credit: harroart
Directions:
Mt. Buller is a three-hour drive from Melbourne, and is an accessible — and large — snowboarding destination.
The mountain has about 85 runs that cater to all levels: 25% for beginners, 45% intermediate, and 40% advanced. For freestyle, Mt. Buller offers four terrain parks with medium to large rails and jumps.
Group and private lessons are also available, which come with dedicated priority lift lane access, and are facilitated by certified global instructors.
Besides snowboarding, Mt. Buller also offers other activities such as tobogganing, sled dog tours, and spa retreats.
Pro tip:
When you head to the top of the ABOM express, follow the signs to the Burnt Hut Spur. This run is long, wide, and perfect for beginners who want a little challenge.
3. Falls Creek Alpine Resort
– Media credit: Falls Creek Resort
Website: http://www.fallscreek.com.au/
Address: 1 Slalom St, Falls Creek VIC
Phone: +61357581200
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Falls Creek is officially the largest alpine resort in Victoria, offering a wide variety of skiable terrains. Over 90 runs are available with designated spots for all levels that are accessible through lifts.
With an elevation of roughly 1,842m, you can enjoy a long run that stretches nearly three kilometres.
The resort also features four terrain parks for freeride, freestyle, and slopestyle.
With a combination of natural snow and snowmaking that covers the slopes, Falls Creek gets going early and stays open longer into spring than other resorts.
The village also offers nice accommodations, offering budget apartments and upscale lodges, with nearby bars and restaurants.
Pro tip:
The resort offers snowboarding at night, which is available every Wednesday and Saturday evening.
4. Dinner Plain Alpine Resort
– Media credit: visitdinnerplain
Website: http://www.visitdinnerplain.com.au/
Address: 3 Sorrel Pl, Dinner Plain VIC
Unlike other resorts with a variety of runs for any skill level, Dinner Plain is more of a beginner and family-friendly spot.
Dinner Plain has just one beginner slope, known as the Cobungra Platter. It’s gentle and green-rated that’s perfect for first-time snowboarders and families looking for a fun activity.
The best part? There’s no entry fee to the resort!
Accommodation is available as well. The alpine village offers around 300 private lodgings with great amenities.
Plus, it’s dog-friendly — just make sure you keep them on a leash.
Pro tip:
If you’re ready to take on a more challenging run, the shuttle buses here link to Mt. Hotham for access to more advanced terrain.
5. Hotham Alpine Resort
– Media credit: Mt. Hotham
Website: http://www.mthotham.com.au/
Address: 28 Great Alpine Rd, Hotham Heights VIC
Phone: +61357593550
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Mt. Hotham, known as Australia’s Highest Alpine Village, peaks at 1,861m. The resort sits at the top of the mountain and is the only one in the Southern Hemisphere where the village is located at the summit, providing stunning panoramic alpine views.
The terrain is a mix of various slopes suitable for any level, including some of the steepest runs in the country. Even the longest single run, Spargo, is long enough for riders to push into challenging ridges when the snow is good.
If you’re looking for a snow-sure resort, Mt. Hotham won’t disappoint you.
Pro tip:
It’s a legal requirement to carry diamond-pattern snow chains when visiting the resort during the snow season (mid-July to August). The place is pretty strict about this, and you’ll likely be turned away if you don’t follow the rule.
6. Perisher Ski Resort
– Media credit: Perisher Resort
Website: https://www.perisher.com.au/
Address: Kosciuszko Rd, Perisher Valley NSW
Perisher Ski Resort spans a large terrain over four distinct areas: Perisher Valley, Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes, and Guthega.
As you can tell, the place is built for variety and volume, which makes it ideal for visitors who want a large playground and different terrain experiences.
There are also multiple terrain parks that include beginner-friendly zones and advanced setups with rails, boxes, and jumps for freestyle riders.
The snow here is reliable enough for the resort to open early in the season and maintain consistent conditions into spring.
Pro tip:
Night boarding sessions are available around the Village Eight Express area every Tuesday and Saturday.
7. Mt. Stirling Alpine Resort
– Media credit: Mt. Stirling
Directions:
If you want a real backcountry snowboarding experience, Mt. Stirling offers just that. The natural and diverse terrain makes it ideal for intermediate and advanced riders.
You’ll get a semi-wilderness adventure where you’ll be gliding across tall ash forests, snowgum glades, and, of course, the summit area. And we said semi-wilderness because the trails are still regularly groomed and trackset.
Unlike other resorts, Mt. Stirling doesn’t offer lifts or any hotels/lodgings, so expect the experience to be more rugged and independent.
Although there’s a camping area above the snow line that provides dry shelter and fire, everything else — such as food and a sleeping bag — must be provided by you.
Pro tip:
Natural snow depth is the strongest, and trails are less tracked out during mid-August. It’s the best time to head to the resort if you want the best snowboarding conditions.