Falls Creek Resort | Mountain Review | Australia
Nestled in the picturesque Australian Alps you will find Falls Creek, a ski resort and winter sports haven that offers everything you need for an unforgettable snow-filled holiday. With over 450 hectares of skiable terrain, 92 runs, and 21 lifts, the resort is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. But there's more to Falls Creek than just skiing and snowboarding. From snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to tobogganing and après-ski activities, there's something for everyone at Falls Creek.
Today in this article we will go through a complete overview of Falls Creek and cover everything from the history, the resort zones, the lift and terrain, lift ticket pricing, lodging options, après scene and location. If you have visited Falls Creek let us know your thoughts in the comments and if you want to learn more keep watching or check out Falls Creek along with plenty of other ski resorts on our website.
History:
Falls Creek was originally a cattle grazing area in the Victorian Alps. In the early 20th century, a group of skiers from Melbourne discovered the area and started using it for skiing. In the 1930s, the Victorian Ski Club built a ski lodge in Falls Creek and the area become a popular winter destination. Falls Creek Ski Resort officially opened in 1957, and quickly became one of Australia's premier ski destinations. In the 1960s and 1970s, Falls Creek continued to grow and develop as well as hosting several major ski competitions, including the Australian National Championships and the World Cup. Today Falls Creek is one of the most visited ski resorts in the region and is home to a bustling winter village and is the only place in Australia where you can ski and snowboard next to a largest alpine lake in the country.
Resort Zones & Terrain:
Falls Creek has three distinctive zones which all offer great terrain and riding through your the season. Above both of the village areas riders will find a collection of trails to suit all skill levels. The largest zone at the resort is the lakeside region which is all south facing and holds better snow conditions throughout the season. The last major zone at Falls Creek is a region known as the maze which is predominantly an advanced only region packed full of challenging terrain and tree runs.
Beginner: Falls Creek offers a great range of beginner terrain, with 17% of the runs classified as green (easiest). These runs are wide, gentle, and perfect for those who are new to skiing or snowboarding. The beginner terrain is primarily located at the top of the Cloud 9 lift where you will find ski school and dedicated learner zones. Once you are ready you can take on Wombats Ramble which is Victoria’s longest beginner trail and is home to Falls Creek’s night skiing.
Intermediate: Intermediate skiers and snowboarders will find plenty to enjoy at Falls Creek, with 60% of the runs classified as blue (intermediate). These runs are varied and offer a good mix of groomed runs, off-piste skiing, and mogul fields. The intermediate terrain is spread across the resort but mostly found off the Scott’s and Ruined Castle lifts as well as some perfectly groomers in the summit region of the ski resort above the village bowl.
Advanced: Advanced skiers and snowboarders will love the challenging terrain at Falls Creek, with 23% of the runs classified as black diamond(advanced). These runs are steeper more technical, and offer plenty of opportunity for challenging and tree runs. The advanced terrain is primarily located in the Summit Bowl and an area known as the Maze to the far north west of the resort.
Lift System:
Falls Creek is home to 16 lifts which are a collection of express and fixed-grip quads, some Poma lifts as well as a triple and some magic carpets. The lift infrastructure is well placed to ensure crowds are spread out nicely around the resort. The only major choke hold we have ever experienced at Falls Creek is the bottom of Drovers Dream which is the base of the most popular beginner trail as well as Towers chair, which again is the base of the most popular intermediate trail. Our favourite lift at Falls Creek would have to be the legendary International Poma that is the gateway to the Maze and offers the longest vertical at falls creek. Spring time laps on International is a favourite past time not just of ours but many riders at Falls Creek
Terrain Parks:
Falls Creek is home to the best terrain parks in Victoria plus they are perfectly positioned to take in the glorious views of the lake below. The Panorama Park is set up to the left hand side of Drovers Dream and offers small to large features with an exceptional flow. During the later stages of the season the Castle Terrain park is established under the Ruined Castle chair and this large to extra large terrain park is home to serious jumps and is on par with a competition worthy slope style course.
Lift Tickets:
All riders will need a lift ticket to access the lifts and terrain at Falls Creek with a lift pass giving complete access to the whole resort. A single adult lift ticket will range between $180AUD to $200AUD which is about $125USD, whilst a child lift ticket will range between $100AUD to $110AUD which is around $75USD as per the time of filming. The real cost saving can be found with the Epic Pass for which Falls Creek is a fully owned and operated Vail Resort. The Epic Australia pass will cost anywhere from $899 to $1100 AUD depending on how far in advance you purchase, and the pass will be paid off in 5-6 trips. Epic Pass holders get unlimited access to Falls Creek, Hotham and Perisher in the Australia snow season plus during the northern winter Epic Pass holders can head north to use their Epic pass in Japan, Canada, Europe and North America.
Seasons:
The aussie ski season will kick off during the Queen’s Birthday long weekend and go through till the first weekend of October, this is obviously conditions permitting. The last few years we have seen a strong system move through just before opening weekend however typically opening weekends it’s only a single lift and a single wide trail, perfect for locals to get back on snow but not exactly worth making a trip for. The peak of the season is the July school holidays and you will find the best winter conditions in August and early September. From mid September onwards the sun comes out for perfect spring conditions in the last few weeks before closing in early October.
On Mountain Amenities:
Falls Creek is the most established ski resort in Victoria with the best on mountain ski village (in our opinion) which is a hub of ammenities. There are two central hubs that offer lift tickets, food and beverage options as well as somewhere to get warm on the stormy days. Out and about in the resort you will find a great central lodge at Cloud 9 which is an amazing spot for lunch. Smaller kiosk style food and beverage can be found at the base of the towers lift as well as Scott’s lift.
Lodging:
Falls Creek is home to undoubtedly the best on snow accomodation is all of Australia. The village sits at nearly 1,500m which means during the peak of the season all accomodation is ski in ski out. Whilst staying on the mountain has its perks it does come at a cost with a one bedroom apartment typically costing $800 per night. Those looking to save a little on their accomodation can find more budget friendly accommodation down in nearby Mount Beauty or Bright, this will mean you will need to drive about an hour up to and down from the resort each day.
Après Scene:
Looking for the best Apres scene in Australia? You will find that at Falls Creek thanks to the expansive patio at St Falls which is located at the base of the Halley’s Comet Express lift. On the weekends the live DJs have the crowd enjoying the sunshine with perfect Lo-Fi techno tunes or if that’s not your vibe there are plenty of bars with a band playing. After a day on the slopes, there's nothing better than relaxing and enjoying some après-ski activities. Falls Creek has a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars where you can unwind and refuel. Whether you're in the mood for a cozy fireside dinner or a lively evening of drinks and dancing, Falls Creek has something for everyone.
Location:
Falls Creek is the the most remote ski resort in Victoria however this is something that keeps the crowds lower at the resort. Situated near the only alpine lake in the state the resort is easily accessed on a well maintained road just one hour up into the mountains from Mount Beauty or 1.5 hours from Bright. Visitors coming from Melbourne will be up for a 4.5 hour drive which is a bit too long for a day trip, however we think you need a whole weekend to experience Falls Creek. Those coming from New South Wales will be looking at driving 5.5 hours from Canberra or 7.5 hours from Sydney.
Conclusion:
Falls Creek is not only our favourite ski resort in Victoria but it’s also what we would call our home resort. We are typically up at Falls Creek for 15 days a season and there is just something that keeps us coming back. Whether you are a first time skier or snowboarder, an advanced rider or someone who is just simply wanting to experience a picture perfect alpine setting we would recommend Falls Creek. What do you think about Falls Creek Resort, have you been? Is it on your ski bucket list? Let us know in the comments and make sure you check out all of the other ski resorts in Australia on our website SnowStash.com
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