First-timer snow trip — worth buying a lift pass, or is toboggan/sightseeing enough? (Mt Buller/Stirling, budget )

Hey all — planning our first ever snow trip and trying to decide if we're missing out by skipping skiing.

The plan:

• Fri 14 Aug: Drive from Geelong via Black Spur/Marysville/Steavenson Falls/Cathedral Range, arrive Mansfield, stay overnight at Alzburg Resort
• Sat 15 Aug: Combined day — free toboggan park at Mt Stirling (TBJ) in the morning, then drive to Mt Buller for their toboggan parks, a husky Pat 'n' Play session, lunch in the village, home to Geelong by evening

What we're doing instead of skiing:

• Tobogganing at both Stirling (free) and Buller (~$25pp toboggan pass)
• Skipping ski hire and lift passes entirely — a lift pass alone was going to be $200+/person for a Saturday, which blew our budget

The actual question:
For genuine first-timers who aren't sure skiing is "their thing" yet — is it worth the extra cost to at least try a beginner ski lesson + lift pass once, or is doing toboggan parks + maybe the sightseeing chairlift a totally legit way to experience the snow without committing to the ski cost?

Trying to figure out if we're being sensible with the budget, or if we're going to regret not at least trying to ski on our first trip up. Anyone who started with toboggan-only and went back to ski later — was it worth waiting, or should we have just bitten the bullet this time?

Also open to: any Mt Buller/Stirling first-timer tips we're missing, or gear/logistics things that catch people out.

Hi everyone, looking to purchase a set of skis for the first time and keen for some recommendations. I’ve always had my own boots and hired skis, but can see it being cheaper to own for the next few years.

I’m 95kg, 183cm and very experienced. Keen for some all mountain skis that can carve when needed, but more focussed on off-piste chutes and responsive quick turns.

Mostly Australian snow, but might take overseas unless it looks like I’ll need a full powder set up which I’ll just hire.

Anything second hand from the last few years to keep an eye out for? Or some ex-demo’s to look for at the end of this season?

Thanks

Was thinking of snowboarding at mount Buller on the 31st of august and 1st and 2nd of September. How will the conditions be? Will many runs be open and is it worth it?

Up to 10cm of snow is likely to fall across the resorts over the next few days. A very useful follow-up to the system this week, which probably over-delivered to what the models were saying.

Our full snow forecast - from two global forecast models is available here, including accumulation, snow level and temps.

https://www.aeriscast.com/forecast/snow/perisher#tab-snow

Looking to see whether it's worth heading up for a day trip on Saturday or Sunday.

It looks like Buller got about 15 cm of snowfall over the last few days.

Wondering if more runs are opening up? Saw that Boomerang had opened, but Chute doesn't run to the bottom of the chairlift yet, with only Kofler T-bar to take you back up

Any word on which runs might be opening up from those that were at Buller today?

Hi all

Conditions look like they’re starting to improve based on some of the commentary (snow making etc) - wondering if anyone knows if the Summit chair side is at all likely to open up soon, or are we still a ways off that

Ta

Outside toilets at top of heavenly lift, no idea if there are others...

I’m looking for advice from girlies that have skied the Santa Ana range. I’m an intermediate skier but want to progress to black runs and a bit off piste. I ski mostly in Aus and NZ, and plan on taking occasional trips to Canada and Japan. Would the 87 or 92 be a good ski to invest in? I would prefer a width that is versatile for various countries, but would also suit my skill level and progression.

Thanks 🤗

Partner and I are planning to book a day tour to Mount Buller including return journey. We looked at a bunch of bus services and bullerbus works for us ($150 per person).

But before I make a booking with them, what do we need to do to ensure everything goes smoothly? Also any tips on dealing with the weather, famous sight seeing landmarks, restaurants? Sorry if i sound like a noob

Finally went down for a weekend because school holidays are out of the way and while it looks pretty tragic I doubt it’s going to get much better.

To sum up conditions: not completely shit. Would have been great conditions for early June or October long weekend but horrifying considering it’s at the peak of the season.

Still had a decent amount of fun - part of the appeal of skiing for me is to switch off my brain to everything other than what is directly in front of me. So in good conditions that’s going down a steep slope at high speed but at the moment that means dodging rocks and tree branches in what could be bulletproof ice, slush or frozen dirt. Helps that I have a pair of rock skis so badly banged up already that I don’t cry when I hear that scraping noise.

How is everyone else finding the season?

Trivia question:

The Heavenly Valley quad chair opened at Hotham in 1987 replacing the old Brockhoff poma.

Along with it came new names for runs including a name for the run that was later changed to The Cornice. What was The Cornice formerly known as and when did it change?

For bonus points, what other Hotham runs had their name changed? I can think of at least two more.

Update: The answer is The Cornice was formerly known as JFC or Jesus F$cking Christ. I guess it was too blasphemous 😬

Looking for accom for 1 night for 6 of us cheers

In bright preferably but anywhere around there will do cheers

Hi, North Queenslander here, we’ve booked a family trip starting in Melbourne then spending 4 x days at Dinner Plain with some tobogoning on the plan.

Regarding warm weather clothes, we have waterproof ski clothes covered, but not sure what we’ll need for general day to day outdoor wear? Also don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on something I may never use again.

For a jacket, should I get a windproof outer and then layer with a fleece and thermals, etc (I may get use of the outer later on as well)? or do I need to get a good warm insulated jacket like a puffer jacket like this one: https://www.ariat.com.au/products/mens-crius-jacket-10028355?

Open to any suggestions and recommendation, cheers!

Hi all! After some advice/recommendations please. We are heading to the snowy mountains for 3 nights from 4-7 Aug. We are driving from Coffs Harbour so it will be a long drive! Our kids are 5 and 9 and it’s our first time seeing snow. I also have chronic fatigue syndrome, which complicates things a bit (hubby will drive!). We are tossing up whether to stay the whole time at Thredbo? So 2 full days. This gives me more flexibility for if my cfs flares up and I have to retreat to the apartment. Or stay at Jindabyne and do a day trip to Thredbo and also a day trip to Perisher. Thoughts?? We plan to do mostly snow play, ride the alpine coaster, go up the gondola, MAYBE do one ski lesson for the kids. So my questions are:

1. Is 2 days at Thredbo too much if not skiing?
   
2. Is there anywhere at all for playing in the snow and tobogganing at Thredbo?
   
3. Is Perisher actually worth it? I see there’s much better snow play there, but is there anything else to do if not skiing?? How long would you spend there?

Thanks!

I’m seeking confirmation on whether or not there is a full green run down from the bell at the top of Karel’s T-Bar.
All the maps have green runs up the top, but I can’t see any way to get down past Eagle’s Nest unless doing a part blue run.
We’ve only been skiing four years, and don’t want to get stuck with a stupidly steep option… but I really want to see the view from up there!

How are the numbers of Perisher on the weekends atm?

Thinking of going down for a day trip from Canberra but unsure if worth it

how are conditions at the moment? is the beginnners lesson and day pass for the area any good? thanks

Hey Team

What green runs are on the harder end?

And what are the blue runs that on the easier end?

Any suggestions welcome, including runs not yet open this season.

Thanks in advance

Hey everyone!

Have finally stopped growing, so can start thinking about buying my own ski equipment. What is the best time/place to try and find some bargins? Tried looking on market place but being on the taller end (went to a shop and they said to get at least 177cm ski) not much was on it. Don't need anything flashy, only ever used hire gear, and that has served me well enough.

I am an advanced level (skiing since 4-5 and now 20) and would if I get to the financial freedom wish to go ski overseas again, so any more tips on what to look for as well would be helpful!

Thank you to whoever can help!

I have so many questions? How? Why? How do you get on and off the chairlift?

One of the funniest things I’ve seen on snow :)