Snow and sun
Falls Creek is a giant playground for little kids - and big kids, too - as David Nankervis found.
Sun or snow - it seems these are the two ways to go when deciding on your mid-year holiday break in Australia. But they are not mutually exclusive, as I was lucky enough to find out on my family holiday at Falls Creek, in the Victorian Alps.
The weather gods conspired to produce the perfect setting - sunshine, pure white snow and beautiful blue skies.
There is something magical to waking up and opening your curtains to a scene of bushland blanketed by a generous covering of snow, reflecting brilliant sunshine and the promise of a blue sky roof on the top of the world.
The fantastic setting at Falls Creek includes snow-draped native pines which look like Christmas trees, twinkling icicles producing stunning refractions and mountain-range views stretching to the horizon.
The weather is so inviting you can't wait to get outside and hear the crunch of snow under your boots and breathe the mountain-fresh air.
But unlike a trip to the beaches of the tropical north, you don't need sunshine to enjoy your holiday - in fact, there is only one thing better than blue skies and that's the beauty and joy of falling snow.
Of course, it's important not to be caught out by the weather - as surprising as it may seem to relative novices like me, sunscreen and sunglasses are a must on a snow holiday, as well as the obvious - warm and waterproof clothing.
But once you are properly equipped - and there are plenty of stores on Falls Creek to meet your needs - it's time to hit the slopes. The only problem you might have is deciding where to start as the list of options is seemingly endless.
Building a snowman and pelting each other with snowballs is not only priceless it's also free.
Falls Creek, which is a family-friendly village boasting accommodation for 5000, also has a free chairlift and free skiing and snowboarding for children under five.
There are also free night shows featuring skiing demonstrations and fireworks as well as a free Snow Dragon show for the chidren. For a range of prices you can also enjoy snow-tubing, take a snowmobile trip through the back country, ski at night under lights and ride a specially designed pushbike on a snow trail.
Typically, holidaymakers will head to the equipment hire outlets and then hit the slopes.
You can generate a fair sweat by tobogganing at Windy Corner or hop on one of the 13 lifts and ski down one of the dozens of trails which include exotic names like Valley of the Moon and Ruined Castle, or the more intimidating Widow Maker and Black & Blue. Younger children and parents can have a break from each other with full and half-day Snowsports School classes. Falls Creek is about 13 hours' drive from Adelaide or just over five from Melbourne, and you must carry tyre chains which you can hire from the nearby towns of Mt Beauty or Bright.
Vacationers can base themselves in these towns below the snowline and take the 45-minute drive up to Falls Creek each day.
Accommodation in the towns is cheaper, but if you can afford it, staying in the Falls Creek village has obvious advantages. One is the ease of ending your day on the slopes with a short walk to the warmth of your room at one of the many resorts. Another is the ability to ski from the front door of your resort straight to the chairlift.
Snow season prices for accommodation range from $150 per person per night twin share, to $1000 a night in a penthouse suite. Among the luxurious accommodation options is the Attunga Window To The Alps resort.
Not only does the four-star resort have beautiful views, a cosy bar and top-class restaurant, it also has a sauna and heated pool to help ease a body after the rigours of a day on the slopes. Holidaying in the snow can be physically taxing, but there are ways to make it easier.
These include wearing good boots with plenty of tread to grip the ice, hiring equipment from a store which delivers to your resort door, and taking advantage of the free village shuttle service.
The bonus of a big day in the snow for families is that the children are so tired they sleep soundly. For those without children there is plenty of night-time entertainment, with pubs offering live music.
Fast Facts
Falls Creek
Getting there:From Wodonga, outside Albury, (you can fly or drive into Albury-Wodonga area) take the Great Alpine Rd to Bright, the Tawonga Gap Rd to Mt Beauty and Bogong High Plains Rd to Falls Creek.
Stay: Options include Attunga Alpine Lodge & Apartments, ph (03) 5758 3255, www.attungafallscreek.com.au
Details: www.fallscreek.com.au
Mt Hotham
Getting there: Same directions as above, except follow the Great Alpine Rd direct to Hotham.
Stay: Options include Zirkey's, ph (03) 5759 3550, www.zirkys.com.au
Details: www.mthotham.com.au
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