Falls Creek

Falls Creek (fallscreek.com.au) is the jewel of the Bogong High Plains but it owes its existence to chance. Specifically, to a group of hydroelectric workers who defied authorities back in 1947 by secretly constructing a hut when they spied the mountain’s skiing potential. Today, it’s Victoria’s largest ski resort. About 400 kilometres from Melbourne, there’s a picturesque ski-in, ski-out village, a wealth of great drinking and dining options and a vibrant après-ski culture. And with a chairlift capacity greater than the number of beds in the village, you’ll rarely be forced to cool your heels in a queue.

Stay

Overlooking the village heart of Slalom Plaza, the QT Falls

Creek (hotel.qantas.com.au/ qtfallscreek) has timber- and steel-clad style and all the amenities a skier could want, including a spa and cocktail bar. Housing modern one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, QT is just a quick ski from the main chairlift and once you’ve had your fill of the slopes, the balcony hot tubs await.

Eat and drink

Plan on hitting the slopes early? First make a pitstop at The Pass, an alfresco gem tucked into a corner of Slalom Plaza, where coffee from Evoke roaster in Shepparton and egg and bacon rolls will set you up for the day.

Milch Cafe Bar (milchcafebar. com) makes a compelling case for mooching up the hill at lunchtime for smoky chicken burgers, pulled pork tacos and fresh juices – or to start your après-ski session early with mulled wine or an Espresso Martini. Special occasions – or any occasion at all, really – are celebrated with Summit Ridge’s (summitridge.com.au) Europeanleaning menu of winter classics, such as roast duck breast, with the best wine list on the mountain.

Off-piste

It’s not all about hurtling down the mountainside at high speed.

Take some time out to discover the beauty of the Falls Creek backcountry with a guided snowmobile tour (fallscreek. com.au) – and yes, you can be the driver. And for indulgence of a more pampering kind,

Astra Lodge’s opulent day spa (astrafallscreek.com.au) boasts a heated magnesium pool, steam room and sauna, along with a bumper menu of massages to soothe skiweary muscles.