Snow/Skiing around Albury/Wodonga

[iceman]

Hi all

My family and I are heading down to Albury Wodonga in August (10th - 12th) for the Border Stargaze (http://www.asaw.org.au/?pid=&p=15) star party, and we're hoping to do some sight-seeing around the place either before and/or after the star party.

In particular we want to visit the snow, as the kids have never been and it's been almost 20 years since I've been to the snow! :eyepop:

So a couple of questions to the skiing types, in particular people from around that area..

1. What's the closest snowfields from the star party location (Great Aussie Resort at Albury)?
2. How far away is it?
3. What's the best way to get there? Organised bus trip or self-drive?
4. Should I look for accommodation closer to the snow fields, or should I extend my accommodation at the Great Aussie Resort?
5. What costs are involved? How much is hire for appropriate winter wear? We have none of the gear that's required (gloves, goggles, suits, etc).
We'd probably just go for a day or two taboganing.


What other touristy type things are there to do around Albury Wodonga in the middle of Winter?

Thanks for your help.

[erick]

Strange, no answers yet from the locals. I'm sure they'll come.

Mike, I would think you drive to Wangaratta, then along the Great Alpine Road to Bright - 2 comfortable hours drive? Probably try and get accommodation in Bright. You'll be able to hire all you want in Bright - including chains for tyres. Then it's a 45 min drive up the wonders of Mt Buffalo.

http://www.ski.com.au/resorts/buffalo/

http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm

[xstream]

Mike, the closest intermediate to advanced ski field to here is Falls Creek, about 120km but a good 2hr drive in the winter and you must carry chains which you can hire. Or you could go by one of the organised bus trips like Paul's Ski Shop.
(http://www.paulski.com.au/winter_range.php?PHPSESSID=a2085886 139f48eea2bb252c0bc21c0a)

[John K]

G'day Mike,
If you are feeling a bit more advetureous and want to ski Falls Creek is way better than Buffalo and more likely to have better snow as well.
I think that the cheapest way to do it for a family will be to book yourself on a day trip from one of the operators at Albury/Wodonga. For something like $120-$150 per person you will get entry to the mountain, ski hire, your lift ticket as well as a begginers lesson. If you go on your own, a ski lift ticket is worth around $85 on it's own.
You will then need to hire pants, jackets etc (around $15 to $20 each) and you can buy el cheapo gloves for as little as $15.
Makes for a long day but the best way to experience Victorian skiing.

Enjoy!

John.

[xstream]

Another alternative just came to mind.

If you want to do it a bit cheaper Mount Buffalo (about the same distance and time as Falls) are only charging $10.00 a car this season after losing the chalet at Cresta to the fires this summer. It is more for snow play and Tobogganing so may be more suited to you for the kids.

If you need some more info let me know and I'll do a hunt around for you.

[toetoe]

We have a "Wayne Ritchie's Skiers Edge" shop here in Albury which is 1 of a few in the Alb/Wod area, this site has the price of all the gear you want to hire for little ones up to adults. Prices are there for chains, toboggans, snowboards and skis. Check it out Mike and it will give you an idea of the cost. http://www.skiersedge.com.au/winter/rental.html Click on the Albury link on the web page.:thumbsup:

[iceman]

Thanks for the suggestions so far guys. After having a look at some prices and the bus tour from Albury/Wodonga, i'm not sure that we're too keen on a 2-hour bus ride there and back each day. It's still a possibility though.

John, do you know if the Great Aussie Resort will let us stay extra nights (1 before and several after)? Would the rate be the star party rate, or more or less?

Eric - the suggestion of staying in Bright sounds like a good one so far. Only 45 minutes to the snow fields is better than 2 hours. $30 or so for chains isn't that bad. I'm sure it's not rocket science to put them on :)
Do you have any suggestions of hire places or accommodation in Bright where I can look up?

Less than 2 months now! Getting excited!

[erick]

Modern ones are a cinch - good hire places will give you a demo - just remember - on the driving wheels, whether front or back.

[Starkler]

Bright is a lovely little spot and a very popular tourist town. Be sure to book ASAP!

I'll echo what the others have said. Falls creek for serious skiing, and Mt Buffalo for snow play for the kids as its much cheaper. You can ski at Buffalo, but there aren't many runs and they are quite short.

[iceman]

Thanks guys - Mt Buffalo is the place for us. I've PM'd Rob_K to see if he can add any input re Bright.

[xstream]

I don't think you'll find a problem staying extra nights before or after but I'm sure they will charge you at their Low Season rate.

If you're happy to stay in self contained cabins in a caravan park at Bright, give me a ring during the week and I'll give you a few contact details.

[Rob_K]

Sorry guys! Lost track of this thread, and I feel like I'm letting the team down! :P

I think Mt Buffalo is a great choice - cheaper, awesome scenery and views, and great snow fun for kids. :thumbsup: There are lots of places to stay in Bright, as you could imagine - at peak times, the immediate district can accommodate around 20,000 people!

Lots of motels, from up-market such as the Bright Colonial Motel to economy such as Bright Motor Inn & Bogong View. Cabins are available at all the Caravan Parks - the Bright Caravan Park probably has the most and biggest range. Nice & central too. Lots of units, lodges etc. Forest Lodge is quite good. Because it's peak ski season, you might have to look around a bit Mike, and the best place to look is:

http://brightvictoria.com.au/?id=accommodation

This gives masses of info on nearly all of the accommodation places, and prices. You can book from here too.

You'll have to hire your gear off-mountain, and there are a myriad of hire places. Chains have to be carried by law in Victoria, and I usually get mine at Adina Ski Hire, in central Bright (not that I'm a skier at all - hate the snow - but occasionally I have to go over the 'top'!). They also hire out all the ski gear, toboggans etc.

Bright itself has lots of restaurants, take-away, supermarkets etc, so you're well catered for in the tucker line. Hope this helps Mike, and if you have any more specific enquiries, just PM me again. Good luck!

Cheers -

[iceman]

Thanks John and Rob, much appreciated.

I've booked at the Bright Caravan Park for the 2 nights following the star party.
Should/Does the hire gear have to be arranged beforehand?

[xstream]

No Mike not normally, I would though go to one of the hire outlets the day before you're going up the mountain to organise your gear, you'll find it will save you time on the day.

[Rodstar]

I have a related question. I am bringing the whole family down and was planning to stop off along the way to Albury, or on the way back, somewhere where there is snow, just for an hour or so (basically so the kids can pelt each other and me with snowballs). I am wondering if there is somewhere reasonably accessible on the way between Canberra and Albury where I could do this without getting caught up at all with the whole snowfields things. Any suggestions?

[xstream]

Sorry Rod you're out of luck on that one, unless there is a blizzard :cold: in Canberra when you're there.