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Getting to the snow

A Mt Buller shuttle bus

You can drive, fly or catch a bus to Victoria's snowfields. Most of Victoria's alpine resorts lie to the north-east of Melbourne. Over-snow shuttles in the skifields whisk you and your gear to your lodge on the final leg of your long journey. Just how you and your group get to that point depends on the method of transport you choose.

Drive
Driving distances from the city:

  • Lake Mountain – kilometres to the east, 2 hours drive
  • Mt Baw Baw – 160 kilometres, two and a half hours drive
  • Mt Buller and Mt Stirling – 250 kilometres, 3 hours drive
  • Mt Hotham and Falls Creek lie further to the north-east, 357 kilometres, approximately four and a half hours drive
  • Mt Buffalo – 325 kilometres, four hours drive

Mountain roads are usually cleared of snow, but you will occasionally need to fit chains tyres for better grip. It is compulsory to carry chains at all times in the mountains and fit them when directed. Mount Hotham, Mt Buller, Falls Creek and Mt Buffalo have chain-fitting bays and some resorts have staff available to assist guests to fit their chains. Chains can be hired at ski shops in Melbourne or at the towns at the base of each ski area.

Travel in daylight hours whenever possible. It is difficult to judge distances in the snow at night, even when you’re an experienced alpine driver. To avoid engine damage from low temperatures make sure there is anti-freeze in your radiator.

If you drive a diesel-powered vehicle, fill up with alpine-mix diesel from a service station close to the snowfields to prevent the fuel freezing. Dual-fuel vehicles (LPG/petrol) should switch to petrol before entering alpine areas. Before you drive up the mountain, make sure your tank is topped up because bad weather can cause delays and you may need to keep your motor running. There are no fuel stations at the top for the public.

Fly
The Mount Hotham Airport is 20 kilometres from the resort. Connection from Melbourne is 50 minutes and 85 minutes from Sydney. Flights are also available into Albury from major destinations with a bus service to Falls Creek.

Bus
Buses are also a great way to get to a Victorian alpine resort, taking the hassle out of having to organise chains, directions and car parking.