DINNER PLAIN

Trail: Sir Jax Pump A Lot Local Tip: Switch o and enjoy. Total Descent: 82m Shuttle Cost: snacks

Dinner Plain is the anomaly of the High Country. It’s relatively flat, and its primary purpose in winter is off-mountain accommodation to its older sibling, Mount Hotham. But during summer, it somehow crams 9 descents into a small backyard strewn with snow gums and wattles. These are all beginner friendly trails, and the perfect place for kids – and adults - to gain confidence these summer holidays.

Unlike most alpine villages, Dinner Plain is not built on National Park. It can be viewed as a regular suburb, meaning your beloved fluffy children are permitted in the resort. Situated between Bright and Omeo on the awe-inspiring Great Alpine Road, pet-friendly accommodation is available year-round and is particularly good value in the warmer months. Pubs and restaurants abound, and cafes such as The Hub transform into gin and whiskey bars in the evening. But as a first-time visitor to Dinner Plain, the first thing you’ll appreciate is the peace and quiet. While the valley towns and gravity parks will be bustling with lockdown-weary tourists this summer, Dinner Plain provides a secluded and down-tempo environment in which to enjoy nature.

After a 2 minute ride through town, the aptly named Sir Jax Pump A Lot begins from the North Trailhead. It’s one of the faster running trails at Dinner Plain, offering plenty of opportunities to find rhythm through berms and tables. While there’s a handful of different line options, no features will catch you off-guard. On the first ride, Sir Jax gives you that hometown confidence to relax and switch-off while snaking through the dense, alpine bush.

Because all trails are connected by a 1.2km gentle climb, you’ll definitely be itching to explore more. For this reason, the Jabber Wookie trail deserves an honorable mention. Slightly more technical than Sir Jax, it offers another level of progression with several rocky A-lines. Again, a speedy climb will carry you back to either the North or South Trailhead, where you can continue your tranquil day of stress-free descents.

“ON THE FIRST RIDE, SIR JAX GIVES YOU THAT HOME-TOWN CONFIDENCE TO RELAX AND SWITCH-OFF WHILE SNAKING THROUGH THE BUSH.” DENSE, ALPINE