Snow Day / Mt Buller with Kids

Rilo 117 on 19/12/2023 - 07:44

Hi All,

Looking for tips and insight into a budget friendly trip I want to plan for July 2024 with myself and my 2x kids (age 6&9).

We've never been to the snow, live in central Victoria ~2.5hr drive to Mt Buller, so thought of doing a 2-night little holiday to Mansfield.
And I totally understand that snow trips/holidays are expensive, just the nature of it, probably unavoidable on some level but I want to mitigate some costs.

1st day drive up, go to the Zoo, rent out our snow gear (clothing primarily)
2nd day, drive up to mount Buller, park, catch free shuttle to resort, get taboggan passes, build snowman…etc
3rd day, return rental gear, lunch and drive home.

From my understanding, Buller Resort cost $54 per car for the day (8am-6pm), kids rental gear for 2-3 days could be $40-50 each, myself ~$70. Accommodation for 2x nights ~$350-400. Zoo ~$50.
Gloves, boots and scarfs will be purchased outright prior. Budget ~

I believe I will need snow chains for my car. Which I rent in Mansfield with the clothing. My car is a 2015 Camry, Petrol.

Initially I was thinking of catching the coaches from Mansfield to Mt Buller, however the costs were ~$200 return, so I'd rather drive and put that towards other things to make a more memorable trip for my kids. Same regarding lift passes, we're not doing any Skiing or snowboarding, so I didn't see a point. If they enjoy it perhaps in the future, we can look at the beginner classes offered at Buller that inc the passes, but for this single day trip I didn't think it was worth it.

I think I've covered everything, I've never been to the area past Buxton~, so anything great in the area or pitstops on the way to enjoy during that time of year, let me know.

Any help and tips would be greatly appreciated.

Travel Mt Buller

Comments

  • MrFrugalSpend on 19/12/2023 - 09:29

    check ebay / gumtree / marketplace for Crane / Aldi ski jackets and pants second hand particularly for anyone that isn't going to immediately grow out of them. People have probably bought them, used them for 3-4 days on a trip, maybe twice, then selling. May not be cheaper then renting for 2-3 days but for similar dollars they are yours - you can pop them in a vacuum seal bag and they are good jackets for the cold or sell them again. I've used Aldi gear for 4 ski trips now and it is fine

  • Ghost47 on 19/12/2023 - 11:28

    I haven’t been to Mt Buller in several years but (unless rules have changed) you might not need chains, it depends on the weather on the day. But since you’re staying on the mountain a few days you’ll definitely need them since things can change. I’d suggest looking up videos on how to put chains on your tyres in case you need to. Driving from Mansfield isn’t too hard or scary, it’ll be steep uphill on the way and steep downhill back. As long as you take it easy and there aren’t any irresponsible idiots on the road it should be ok.

    Mansfield is pretty good for gear, I go to Buller Sports whenever I need gear, the same place also has chain hire if needed. I don’t know if they do clothing hire though.

    If you’re going in July it’s probably best to go in late July or even early August depending on what the season is like. The best time to go is during the week and not during school holidays but if you’re just tobogganing and exploring it might be ok since you won’t be waiting in lines to use the lifts. It’ll probably be very crowded and congested though even in the tobogganing areas, I think crowds have just gotten worse over the years.

    I can’t really think of any must-sees in the area as I’ve only really stopped at Mansfield on the way there and back. The donuts at Buller were always something I would grab at the end of the day but recent reviews seem to be a bit average and it can be a long wait, but they were damn good back in the day. Nothing beats super hot freshly fried donuts in cold weather especially at the end of a long day. Food on the mountain is pretty expensive from what I remember so don’t forget to factor those costs in.

    • Rilo 117 on 19/12/2023 - 12:33
      +1

      Snow chain’s are required to be carried by all vehicals at all times when entring the Mt Buller ,Mt stirling resort. The requirements changes occured September 2022 to align with Victoria Police requirments. These snow chain requirements are released through the Alpine Resort Victoria. If you are not carring snow chains you cannot pass through the resort entry at the base of the mountain.

      • Ghost47 on 19/12/2023 - 16:00

        Fair enough, hope the other info I offered helps you.

        • Rilo 117 on 20/12/2023 - 07:52

          It does!

          The donuts sound like a winner too, I appreciate your reply.

  • pharkurnell on 19/12/2023 - 11:46

    Another good place not as packed is Donna Buang.
    Great for young kids with toboggan hire on site…. or was few years ago

    • lgacb08 on 19/12/2023 - 12:40
      +1

      Donna buang sucks big time, depending very much on the weather, you can read about snow reports from Warburton and by the time you get there it'd already melted.

      • pharkurnell on 19/12/2023 - 13:40

        Never had an issue.. went there regularly for few years.

        Everywhere is dependent on weather for good snow.

        • lgacb08 on 20/12/2023 - 12:30

          Not at Falls Creek/Mt Hotham and the other side of the Murray

  • lgacb08 on 19/12/2023 - 12:51
    +2

    Don't go mt Buller, you'll get ripped big time and snow quality isn't as good, drive another 3 hours and stay at Falls Creek, you'll have better snow quality and better protection from weather as more freedom to play around. Mt Buller only want you if you can stand on your ski/board and not falling over within a minute.

  • try2bhelpful on 23/12/2023 - 13:58

    The kids need to be dry and warm. Maybe look at buying some thermal underclothes as well as the outer clothes you hire or buy second hand. They will also need decent waterproof walking boots to avoid slipping on ice. Also decent goggles or sun glasses and sunscreen because the glare can be pretty fierce.

    Me, I would start by looking around your friends to see if the kids can borrow some kit for the weekend. Kids grow out of their kit pretty quickly so you might be able to get something pretty cheap second hand. Might be worth checking out Op shops as well.

    Also if you haven’t driven in snow before it can get hairy, even with chains.

    Enjoy your trip.

  • mrtin on 28/12/2023 - 22:26

    If you're going to the snow to just toboggan and build a snow person then Mt buffalo (or Donna) is sufficient and you'll save yourself a bit of money. Keep an eye on snow reports. If conditions are scrappy then just stay home.
    Another idea for the future is to go to Lake Mountain for some cross country. Much cheaper and loads of fun.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join