If there’s one thing you absolutely want on a snow holiday, it’s snow! Some years it buckets down, and others, weather patterns, El Niño, the Southern Annular Mode, and climate change align to make the powdery white stuff thin on the ground. But, here in Dinner Plain, we’ve got a secret weapon that makes our toboggan slope one of the most reliable in the Alps—the Dinner Plain Snow Factory!
“The Snow Factory is a fantastic piece of technology because it allows us to make snow almost regardless of the weather,” says Dan Gough, Senior Mountain Operations Manager for Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain.
The snow is excellent quality and once mixed in with natural snow, most people would not be able to tell the difference.
Unlike traditional snow machines that need low humidity and temperatures below –2.5°C to function, snow factories rely on internal chillers, meaning snow can be made in all sorts of weather.
“That’s what gives us confidence that we can keep the Dinner Plain toboggan slope operating, even during warmer periods,” says Dan.
The Pea Shooter Toboggan Slope and Snow Factory is located at the bottom of Scrubbers End, Dinner Plain, just a short walk past the Cobungra Platter beginner ski slope. It is worth noting that because of the snow factory, snow on the toboggan slope is even more reliable than the ski slope, which is assisted by traditional snow machines, commonly called snow guns because of the way they blast snow into the air.
Dan’s snow-making team works through the night to ensure the snow on the toboggan slope, as well as the ski runs of Dinner Plain and Hotham, is plumped and groomed by first light.
“The team is constantly monitoring conditions, checking equipment, moving snow where it’s needed and making sure we’re producing the best quality snow possible,” he says.
“At Dinner Plain, that also means making sure the toboggan slope stays in great condition, so families have a safe and enjoyable experience every day.”
A day pass to the Dinner Plain toboggan slope allows you to come and go as you please, which is particularly handy because everything at Dinner Plain Alpine Village is within easy walking distance.
“My biggest tip is to make a full day of it,” says Dan. “Spend some time on the toboggan slope, then head into the village and warm up with a hot chocolate or coffee. If you’re staying a little longer, Dinner Plain has some great places to eat and drink, and the local Big Muster Distilling Co. is well worth a visit if you’re after a local whisky or gin.”
Big Muster Distilling Co. is located at the base of the Cobungra Platter Ski Slope. Its restaurant, Nonna’s Kitchen, is a family-friendly venue that opens for dinner during the ski season.
When out in the snow, Dan says to dress warmly, wear waterproof boots and gloves, and listen to the staff.
“They’ll help make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience,” he says. “The goal is simple: have fun, stay safe, and make some great family memories.”
Before You Go
The Pea Shooter Toboggan Slope operates from 10am to 4pm throughout the snow season (weather dependent).
Tickets are $10 per person. Children under 3 years old are free. Tickets can be purchased online via the Hotham Website.
Before booking, check the Dinner Plain Snow Report, which is updated daily and contains all the latest snowfall information and open and closed status of the Pea Shooter Toboggan Slope, Cobungra Platter Ski Slope, and Dinner Plain’s cross-country ski trails. Please note, the live snow camera depicts the ski slope only. The toboggan run will always have more snow than the ski slope due to the snow factory as mentioned above.
BYO toboggan, or hire one in Dinner Plain from Café Play, Hoys Skis, or Hotham Sports.
(August 2026)