TAKE the opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of the mountains in a family–friendly and affordable holiday destination this winter at Mt Buffalo National Park.
Mt Buffalo has some of the most accessible snow in Victoria as there are no resort fees to enter the park.
Located only 45 minutes' drive from Porepunkah and Bright, Mt Buffalo is suitable for all ages, especially beginners.
The best snow can be found in August and September, however the official snow season at Buffalo is July to early October.
While there is no lift–serviced skiing at Mount Buffalo (the old resort having burnt down in 2006) the old ski lift slopes are used as 'Hike Up, Ski Down' backcountry snowboard and telemark ski slopes.
Cresta Valley has extensive areas available for tobogganing with some of the old ski runs now available for snow play and tobogganing.
Cross country skiers will find plenty of groomed trails with the Cresta Beginners trail, Bogong Loop and Horn Road ski trails all accessed from Cresta Valley.
There are also the longer ungroomed four and six kilometre trails (accessed off the Bogong Loop) and the Lyrebird Plain backcountry trail from the Horn Road.
Other backcountry ski trails include the longer Reservoir Road trail, while the Mount McLeod and Rocky Creek ski trails take you further out backcountry.
There is no café at Cresta Valley, but there are portable toilets and a small day shelter (unheated).
Mount Buffalo Ski School offer snowshoe tours in more remote, off–track areas so clients can really enjoy the untouched snow areas with an awesome view of the Horn.
They also run half–day XC ski lessons and tours and they are the only tour operators doing so at Mount Buffalo.
The gorge precinct with its amazing views of the valleys below and the Alps is well worth a visit and the historical Mount Buffalo Chalet covered with snow is a great photo opportunity.
For those who would like to stay at Buffalo, free snow camping is available at Lake Catani and outstation camping areas – see www.parkweb.vic.gov.au for more information.
There is a requirement to carry chains throughout the majority of the snow season and chains must be fitted where instructed in the designated fitting bays.
The Mount Buffalo Ski School Facebook page post Parks Victoria's snow reports which outline current snow conditions and chain requirements.
Snow chains can be hired at an affordable rate from local ski hire outlets in the valley below.
Dingo Dell and Cresta Valley have snow cameras with views of the toboggan runs so you can view the snow conditions before you drive up.
Mt Buffalo in winter is a family–friendly snow experience so book your time away now and enjoy all it has to offer.
For more information and available tours, visit www.mountbuffaloskischool.com.au or follow them https://www.facebook.com/MountBuffaloSkiSchool.
