Holiday houses in Mount Buller

Australia’s most accessible major snow resort, Mount Buller (5,922 feet) draws winter-sports enthusiasts in droves over the season (early June through early October). With 740 acres of terrain, the mountain offers gentle slopes alongside challenging back runs, not to mention dozens of activities such as night skiing, scenic chairlift rides, and festivals. The après culture is strong here. Choose from more than 30 bars and restaurants, or indulge in a relaxation package at the day spa. When the snow melts, the resort village is transformed into a hub for hiking, biking, and 4-wheel driving, with epic alpine trails that weave through fields of wildflowers and across fragrant valleys of native forest.

Peak season is July and August, when steady snowfall transforms the slopes into a winter wonderland. Ski season runs early June through October, but often too little snow falls at the beginning or end to provide coverage for all of the trails. Thankfully, snow-making facilities top up the powder. At this time of year, days are generally sunny, and the only time temperatures fall below 28 degrees Fahrenheit is at night from June through August. The rest of the year, the resort village becomes a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with daytime temperatures between 45 and 65 degrees, making the destination extremely comfortable for you to spend time amid nature, working up a sweat.

Winter Sports

Skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing opportunities abound on Buller’s snow-dusted slopes. Some 22 lifts zip you to more than 80 runs, as well as to three terrain parks (replete with half-pipes), an UltraCross course, and two toboggan parks. While about half of the terrain is dedicated to intermediate skiers, there’s plenty of powder for beginners and experts to explore.

Hiking

Whatever the season, alpine hiking around Mt Buller (and neighboring Mt Stirling) doesn’t disappoint. Trails offer options for all experience and fitness levels; you can navigate these using maps from the tourist office, also a good source for information on guided tours of the countryside and local art installations you shouldn’t miss.

Biking

The Mt Buller Bike Park is paradise for those exploring the countryside on two wheels. More than 60 miles of cross-country trails beckon, including four downhill tracks with shuttle services to take you back up to the top.