Low cost snow fun
Posted by RSVP on
Delving into price and proximity issues made me realise that having a wonderful time in the snow is more affordable than I'd thought. Only once before had I enjoyed thick snow, sliding down a hillside outside Kabul during my Big Trip of the 70s. More recently, I'd frozen my feet in leaking, inappropriate shoes on slush in northern France. But having spent most of my life in NSW and WA, snow had always seemed remote and expensive. Here's what changed my mind.Mount Donna Buang - a white wonderland
I'll be back - with a toboggan next time! This mountain in Yarra Ranges National Park is ideal for a snow experience if you're in Melbourne in winter or early spring. It's an easy drive and you'll soon be throwing snowballs. Approaching the summit - 1245m above sea level - we passed by massive tree ferns, layer upon layer. Winding around the bends we started seeing icy piles of cleared snow by the roadside, then snow blanketing the ground under the huge trees, then finally a white expanse of snow everywhere. Luckily we didn't need to put on snow chains, although you are meant to carry them.
Schoolchildren were tobogganing on steep runs and I was tempted to ask for a go. I later discovered it's $10 to hire one at Shell Snowview garage in Warburton en route. Some older folk were taking a stroll so there's pleasure for all ages. You can't ski but you can sightsee and play.
Bearing in mind my frozen wet feet experience in France, I dressed defensively in snow boots, thermal underwear, thermal beanie and thermal socks. The boots were certainly waterproof and the thermal items kept me warm, although I should have had proper snow gloves for my snowball throwing.
Earlier visitors had constructed an igloo and several snowmen in the picnic area, so we added a nose and a crooked twig mouth to one. Well, that's what people do in midlife, isn't it?
It cost nothing to visit last Monday because the park entry booth wasn't staffed, but normally there would be an $8 fee. The kiosk was closed too but luckily we had packed lunch. On the way back we explored historic Warburton where the upper Yarra River runs through a park sprinkled with white daisies and frequented by very fat ducks.
Mt Baw Baw - more affordable skiing
Just 2.5 hours from Melbourne this alpine resort has a CEO, Leona Turra, who knows there's no business like snow business - despite the current squeeze on leisure spending. So Mount Baw Baw slashed lift prices in August, with a daily lift ticket down from $71 to $49 for adults and from $41 to $29 for children.
Car gate entry is $35 on weekends and $25 midweek but there's a $12.50 early bird special before 9am weekdays.
Despite the unspectacular views the park is very easy to access. Vital statistics are:
- 1564m high
- Ski area of 30ha
- Terrain is 25% beginners, 64% intermediate and 11% advanced
- Longest run is 750m
- Six lifts (platters and T-bars)
- 700 beds on the mountain and various deals on the website
During the declared snow season, chains must be carried when driving up Mount Baw Baw. Diamond chains can be hired at Icy Creek and Erica from around $25 a day. For people who don't want to bother with chains the 'Baw Baw Betty' service meets the train at Warragul most days.
If tackling the slopes you can hire skis, boots and poles ($40 for one day at the resort hire shop). Jacket and pants are $27, while a toboggan is $8 and snowboard and boots are $50 a day. Walking boots are $16 for an adult. Hire prices are less if you're staying a few days.
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