Episode 26: Snow Special

Mt Buller
Mt Buller is a bustling ski resort with it's population swelling to over 10,000 people per day during the winter months. Suzie checks out Breathtaker which offers studio apartments plus one, two and three bedroom units. It also has an luxurious resorts spa where Suzie indulged in a foot massage just perfect for a day after skiing. Aside from the luxury of the spa, the resort offers top notch cuisine in a stylish dining room. The kids are also looked after with their own play area and theres a pizzeria where you can get take-out pizza. When it was finally time to hit the slopes Suzie embarked on her first-time ever skiing lesson.

Mt Buller Ski School
www.mtbuller.com.au
1-800- BULLER

Breathtaker
All Suite Hotel & Alpine Spa Retreat
www.breathtaker.com.au
03 5777 6377

Mt Hotham
It seems like every year Mt Hotham keeps getting bigger and better. With 2008 being no exception. A new way to get out and explore the mountain is to try the guided snow shoeing tours. Soul Free adventures can take you absolutely anywhere on tours that range between one and a half to eight hours. But if you want to take it one step further and get the heart pumping then dog sledding may just be the answer with rides operating around the village at Dinner Plain. They can take one adult or two kids and its heaps of fun for those looking for something different. The Japanese inspired Onsen day spa is the perfect sanctuary if you want to be pampered. Mt Hotham is Australias highest Alpine Village so to make use of the spectacular views and jump on board a Sparkling Sunset Tour. They take you on a ride to the summit in a heated kassbora where youll feel on top of the world.

Mt Hotham
Ph: 1-800- HOTHAM
www.hotham.com.au

Mt Baw Baw & Quicksilver Clothing
Before you hit the ski slopes youve got to make sure you have all the right gear. Quicksilver has snow fashions sorted, so you dont have to sacrifice style because of a drop in temperature. With everything from tip to toe you cant go wrong at their Chadstone store. Decked out in all the right gear, Gorgi heads to Mt Baw Baw, Melbournes closest downhill ski resort. It is a favourite for day trippers and because its one of the smaller Victorian mountains it can be less intimidating for the first timer. If you dont feel confident enough to try downhill skiing, Cross Country skiing is a great alternative. Not only is this a really great aerobic activity you also get to enjoy stunning scenery. If youre after something to get your heart pumping then the Cactus Rail Park has plenty of jumps and bumps to get your adrenalin going.

Mt Baw Baw
www.mountbawbaw.com.au

Quicksilver
www.quicksilver.com

Falls Creek
Falls Creek is Victorias largest alpine resort. Its located in North East Victoria, near the Bogong High Plains which forms part of the Alpine National Park. To get there, Snowlimo offers a new service which provides luxury sedans or stretch limos to get you to and from the snow in style. Also new to Falls Creek is the St Falls accommodation and retail precinct, with retails shops now open and accommodation opening in 2009. St Falls will offer stylish apartments that are fully furnished and feature all the latest luxuries. We got a sneak peak at a three bedroom, two and a half bathroom beauty that could easily be a home away from home, and theres nothing like a bit of retail therapy before you hit the slopes, so if you plan to hit them on a board then The Board Lounge downstairs at St Falls is your one stop shop. Theyll even let you demo new boards before you buy them. Finally no snow trip is complete without great food and at Falls theres a new chef in town. Rhett Willis is fresh to Falls Creek from Icebergs in Sydney and hes cooking up a storm at Astra Lodge.

For more information on Falls Creek visit these websites:
www.fallscreek.com.au

St Falls Accommodation
www.stfalls.com.au
Ph: 1 800 630 882

Limousines
www.snowlimo.com.au
Ph: 1300 223 546

Astra Lodge
www.astralodge.com.au
Ph: 5758 3496

Endota Day Spa
www.mtbuller.com.au
Ph: 5758 3848

What's On

Alpine Junior Rangers Program 2008 Grade Five Free Skiing and Snow play*
If you are heading to the snow with a young family, then don't forget to enquire about the Alpine Junior Rangers Program, which entitles every grade five student this year to free skiing and snow play at five Victorian ski resorts!
Where: 5 Victorian ski resorts
When: Until close of the ski season
More: Visit www.alpinejuniorranges.com.au

Australian Malaysian Film Festival
The Australian Malaysian Film Festival is being held next weekend at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Federation Square.
Where: ACMI, Federation square
When: 15 - 18 August
More: Ph 8663 2583 or visit www. australianmalaysianfilmfestival.com.au

Melbourne Winter Masterpieces Art Deco 1910 1939
Why not take the time to visit the Art Deco exhibition currently on until 5 October at the NGV.
Where: National Gallery of Victoria
When: Until 5 October
More: Visit www.ngv.vic.gov.au