Episode 24: Falls Creek

This week, the Postcards team enjoy the delights of Falls Creek in the ski season from first class accommodation and dining, to pampering, snowmobiles and, most importantly, skiing and snowboarding.

Snowmobile Tours, Jerry's stall, Elk restaurant
Snowmobile Tours have been operating on the mountain since 2000 and with experienced guides you're guaranteed to explore some exciting new terrain. Travelling through wide open spaces and fun windy tracks, the hour-long tours take in some amazing views.

When it's time to warm up, make your way down to Jerry's. At the bottom of the Falls Express ski lift, the Czech style food stall complements the European atmosphere of the resort.

For dinner, head up to Elk at Falls, sit by the bar for a cocktail and warm up by the huge fire that takes pride of place in the middle of the room. With its rustic timer walls, funky lighting and stylish table settings, the contemporary interiors of the restaurant are accompanied by a menu of modern cuisine.

Snowmobile Tours
Ph 1800 20 44 24
skifalls.com.au/snowmobiletours

Jerry's stall
At bottom of falls express lift

Elk at Falls
elkatfalls.com.au

Fjall, Peter the Snow Dragon show, Winterhaven Restaurant
Look for Pete and you'll find smiling kids. Every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon, the Pete the Snow Dragon show rolls into the village bowl. It's a great way to finish off a fun day on the slopes.

While the kids are entertained, it's time to wine and dine at one of the many restaurants. Winterhaven bar and restaurant is a long-time favourite and the ideal refuge for lunch, dinner or an après-ski drink while watching the sunset. The 30-minute lunch express menu is a hit on weekends and there's no shortage of winter warmers on the dinner menu.

And for accommodation, look no further than newcomer Fjall. Its Scandinavian alpine influences offers a mix of rustic tradition and contemporary appeal, and with three-bedroom apartments that can sleep up to eight and have stunning views across the Kiewa Valley, it is the perfect stylish home away from home right on the mountain.

Peter the Snow Dragon show
skifalls.com.au

Winterhaven Restaurant
Ph 03 5758 3888

Fjall
fjall.com.au

Back Country Tour, Attunga Lodge, Three Blue Ducks
Steve Lee is one of only three Australians to have won at Alpine World Cup level and he was born and bred on the mountain. Now Falls Creek's favourite son has come up with an innovative way for the adventurous to get out and explore another side of the mountain with his Back Country tour. With Steve's local knowledge and custom built snow mobile, you get a personal guide and chauffer who will drop you off at the top of the run and once you've carved your way down, will pick you up at the bottom – and then you get to do it all over again.

When you're on the slopes, there's plenty of time for a casual catch up with friends over a drink and something to eat at Attunga Lodge. The award-winning lodge is a Falls Creek institution and was the first accredited local accommodation to offer a range of options only found in the best hotels. The big attraction is Lee's restaurant and lounge bar, where you can enjoy dinner overlooking the slopes or kick back with a drink in front of the fire and enjoy live music on the baby grand piano.

Another place to visit for a bite is Three Blue Ducks. The team have set the bar very high on the mountain with the type of quality regional produce you'll find in fine dining restaurants with a relaxed cafe atmosphere.

Back Country Tour with Steve Lee
Ph 1800 20 44 24
skifalls.com.au

Attunga Lodge
attungalodge.com.au

Three Blue Ducks
threeblueducks.com

Women's ski program, Quay West resort, Summit Ridge restaurant
The Falls Creek Snow Sports School caters to everyone from tots and absolute beginners to more experienced skiers and snowboarders who want to fine tune their skills. Their programs also include She Ski that's just for women. With expert instructors and up to six hours of daily instruction, assessment, analysis over the three- and five-day courses, it'll leave you looking fit, fast and fabulous. It also includes a range of après activities like fashion parades and cocktail parties.

After an energising morning, head to the Quay West resort for some relaxation and rejuvenation at Mii Spa, the only day spa on the hill.

Then it's time for dinner at the sophisticated Summit Ridge restaurant. Start with a drink by the open fire in the lounge bar, then into the dining room where head chef Kaz Shimamoto has created an la carte menu of modern Australian cuisine. Your meal could include an entree of marinated salmon and beets with a fennel and citrus salad on a bed mashed potato, with a main of roasted duck breast with leek, roast beetroot and a cranberry, fig and red wine sauce

She Ski, Mim Sodergren Women's Program
Ph 03 5758 1000
skifalls.com.au

Summit Ridge
Ph 03 5758 3800

Mii Spa at Quay West
Ph 03 5732 8016
mirvachotels.com

Cafe Milch and Quiksilver
Cafe Milch is under new management for the 2012 season and they're already winning hearts and tummies with their warm menu and great coffee. If you're on the mountain midweek, don't miss T42 Tuesdays.

Yet again the team at Quiksilver have a wicked winter range for all snow bunnies. If you're going to spend hours on the mountain, you want to make sure you've got the right equipment to stay dry and comfortable – and look great. The 2012 range features plenty of colour and is packed full of practical features for everyone who wants to look, and ski, like a pro.

Cafe Milch
4 Schuss Street, Falls Creek
Ph 03 5758 3407

Quiksilver
quiksilver.com.au

Postcards diary

Look.Stop.Shop: Hidden Gems and Rough Diamonds
Pay attention when walking through the CBD as designers around the city have created unique window displays and in-store installations from fashion, accessories, books, furniture, lighting and objects.

Where: Melbourne, various
When: to 29 July
More: melbourne.vic.gov.au/whatson

Melbourne Open House
And while you're in the city, Melbourne Open House unlocks the city and invites you to explore 75 great contemporary, historic and sustainable buildings and spaces for free.

Where: Melbourne, various
When: 28–29 July
More: melbourne.vic.gov.au/whatson

Hot Spots, free booklet
Hot Spots is your essential guide to to what's new and reinvented in Melbourne. Get your free copy from the Melbourne Visitors Centre or online.

Where: Melbourne Visitors Centre
More: melbourne.vic.gov.au/hotspots