Mt Buffalo

Introducing Mt Buffalo

Beautiful Mt Buffalo, Victoria’s smallest ski resort, is four hours’ drive from Melbourne and managed by Parks Victoria. The resort (www.mtbuffaloresort.com.au) seems beset with bad luck: the Cresta Valley ski lodge was destroyed by fire in December 2006, and after trading at a loss for many years, the magnificent 1910 Mt Buffalo Chalet (once owned by the Victorian railways) has now closed indefinitely. A private operator still manages the ski lifts. There are a few downhill runs and some cross-country trails that are popular with beginners.

There are two skiing areas, Cresta Valley and Dingo Dell. Cresta is the main area, and has five lifts. The downhill skiing area is 27 hectares, and the eight runs are predominantly beginner and intermediate, with a vertical drop of 157m. Cresta Valley is the starting point for many of the cross-country trails. Dingo Dell is ideal for beginners and has a day-visitor shelter with a kiosk and ski school. It’s usually open only on weekends.

The admission fee to Mt Buffalo National Park is $10 per car ($13 in winter, but only if ski lifts are operating), payable at the Mt Buffalo Entrance Station. Lift tickets cost adult/child $49/29, and there are lift-and-lesson packages (adult/child $55/40).

Track information and camping permits can be organised at the Entrance Station (5756 2328) or Parks Victoria (5755 1466) in ­Porepunkah.

Last updated: Aug 27, 2009