Falls Creek and Mt Hotham alpine resorts have their best spring snow conditions in years, after more than 70cms of fresh snowfall blanketed both resorts last week in the best dump of the season.
"There are incredible conditions here at Hotham," enthused Alex Pankiw, Hotham's field marketing specialist.
"We've had 77cm of fresh snow after the storm of the season; the base is up to a whopping 165cm.
"It's excellent snow for this time in the season, shaping up for the best spring skiing and riding in years.
"The base of 165cm is the deepest we've had all season, which is fantastic news for skiers and boarders."
Latest Stories
It was a similar story at Falls Creek, where the ski-in, ski-out village resembled a white wonderland, with all lifts and terrain opened, and mountain businesses hopeful a busy season to date would continue until the scheduled Sunday, 5 October closure.
"It's looking fantastic and there has never been a better time to visit than this spring," said Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce president Michelle Lovell.
"The ski lift company has announced some fantastic September packages, including multi-day lift tickets and lift and lessons bundles for varied skill levels from children to adults.
"Most of the accommodation providers have some big discounts too, with up to 50 per cent off stays, dinner vouchers and there are a lot of apres specials too including more happy hours."
Mt Hotham Chamber of Commerce president Steve Belli said last week's falls had provided the mountain with the best start to spring he could recall in the past 15 years.
"It has set us up perfectly for September...we have superb snow conditions and now just need the visitation, which can typically drop off in September.
"However, mountain operators and businesses have been working together to incentivise visitation and there are some really good deals and discounts, including bundles with resort entry, lift tickets, hire and lessons and accommodation.
"Even food and beverage discounts and deals are being offered.
"We've had a lot of day trippers this season, and September, with everything on offer, is a great chance to stay overnight and experience all the mountain has to offer."
Mr Belli said while visitation to the resort had been strong this season, economic pressures had seen a reduction in overnight stays.
But he said spring, with its generally warmer and sunnier weather, together with deal offerings, offers great value and an ideal snow escape.
This includes to Dinner Plain, with its Cobungra Platter ski lift for beginners, tobogganing on Australia's longest run, and a network of cross country trails.
According to Victoria Alpine Resorts official visitation statistics for the first 12 weeks of the season up until Sunday, 24 August, Falls Creek had 197,729 visitors which was its most in the past decade, well above the record 2022 season with 149,059.
It's visitor days total of 265,763 was, however, its sixth lowest in the past decade, well behind the record 403,207 of season 2022.
Mt Hotham has had 152,561 visitors so far, which is its second highest in the past decade, behind 171,971 in 2022, while its total visitor days of 312,294 is its third highest in the past decade, behind 365,299 in 2022 and 351,480 in 2023.
• For the latest resort information, including snow reports, activities and spring deals available, visit: mthotham.com.au and skihotham.com.au; fallscreek.com.au and skifalls.com.au; visitdinnerplain.com.au; and for Mt Buffalo go to https://www.facebook.com/VisitMountBuffalomndk/
Don't forget if you're visiting an alpine resort you must carry chains and fit them when and where directed.
POLICE OPERATION IMPACT
The current Victoria Police operation in and around the Porepunkah area currently sees Mt Buffalo National Park closed, which includes the Dingo Dell and Cresta areas.
Hotham is following all advice provided by Victoria Police.
At this time, guests are advised to avoid travelling through Porepunkah when en route to Hotham.
If you are approaching from Myrtleford, Porepunkah can be avoided with a detour via Running Creek/Tawonga on Happy Valley Rd > Kiewa Valley Hwy > Tawonga Gap Road. This will add approximately 30 minutes travel time to your journey.
