We’re halfway through the snow season and hasn’t it been divine! It’s been wonderful to see a lot of new faces about, too. First trips to the snow are special memories that last a lifetime. We have, however (ah… how do we put this delicately), noticed a few embarrassing mistakes that have landed some in a pickle.
“Probably the biggest thing is to make sure you know a little bit about what you’re getting into before you leave,” David Chitty from Mount Buffalo Ski School says. And he’s not wrong. So to avoid being rescued, we’ve made you this list of the five most common mistakes first time snow goers need to avoid.
- Snow isn’t just about downhill skiing
Don’t make the mistake of throwing yourself straight onto a downhill ski run without a lesson. You’ll have a terrible time and you may even get hurt. Book a group or private lesson at Dinner Plain, Hotham or Falls Creek. Having said that, there are plenty of other easy activities to do in the snow, like snowshoeing, tobogganing and cross-country skiing. They’re also more affordable because they don’t require lift passes. David says Mount Buffalo is perfect for first timers. The drive up is shorter and generally easier than other nearby mountains and entry to Mount Buffalo National Park is free. “It’s an ideal place for beginners who haven’t got a lot of experience to come and get a feel for what going to the snow means,” he said. “It’s not as cold and it’s a little bit more protected than say Hotham or Falls Creek.”
During the snow season, Mount Buffalo has a number of groomed cross-country ski trails, which are free to use, and two great toboggan slopes: Dingo Dell and Cresta Valley. There is also a small downhill ski run (although you will need to walk up it). Gear hire is available in the valley. Buffalo Ski School offers cross-country ski lessons and tours as well as snowshoeing tours. Snowshoeing is so easy, you won’t need lessons and it’s a great way to explore Mount Buffalo with the safety of an experienced guide. “They’re fairly easy to use because, basically, you’re just walking on top of the snow,” says David.
2. You really do need Snow Chains
We’re pretty sure you don’t want your snow memories to include your vehicle sliding uncontrollably across the road and crashing into an embankment. Don’t be tempted to skip this step. Fines apply if you fail to carry snow chains, and for a good reason: they improve traction and safety significantly. They’re also easy to put on. You need to hire snow chains BEFORE driving to Mount Buffalo, Mount Hotham, Dinner Plain or Falls Creek. Hire them in Bright, Porepunkah, Myrtleford, Mount Beauty, Harrietville and Omeo. The assistant will ensure the chains are the right size for your tyres and demonstrate how to use them. Traffic signs along the road will notify you if and when you need to fit chains. “Bright & Surrounds has got an excellent snow driving video and a chain fitting video, too,” says David.
HOT TIP 1: If your vehicle runs specialty tyres, like ones with a low profile, standard snow chains may not fit. Call ahead and check to avoid disappointment.
HOT TIP 2: Drive slower than the speed limit. Black ice is dangerous and difficult to see. Braking or accelerating quickly on icy or snowy roads can cause you to spin and lose control of your vehicle, so drive at a calm and even pace.
HOT TIP 3: If driving in the snow makes you nervous, there are buses and coaches that run to Hotham, Dinner Plain, and Falls Creek. Private transfers are also available.
3. Warm clothing is a must
Hypothermia and frostbite aren’t fun; they can be deadly. If your wardrobe isn’t warm and waterproof, hire some snow clothing in the valley. If you have kids, it’s a good idea to take spare clothing, too. “Kids will jump up and down in the snow, fill their boots with snow that’s going to melt. They’ll go through two or three pairs of gloves,” David says. Ditch the sneakers! A beanie, gloves and warm waterproof boots are essential. Sunglasses or ski goggles are important, too, as snow can be blinding when it reflets the sun. On long days, make sure to rest somewhere you can warm up, like in a shelter, pub or café, or even in your vehicle. If you’re going to Mount Buffalo, David notes that the only adequate shelter is at Dingo Dell. “That’s where families with small children should go. You’ve got lots of tobogganing. You’ve got lots of places you can build a snowman.”
4. Get the right fit equipment
Skiing is fun, but be wary of borrowing other people’s equipment. Size matters and you can be severely injured by poor fitting skis, snowboards and boots. Our local retail outlets have a large range of sizes to make sure you’re snug and secure.
5. Beware where you take your dog
We know your dog will probably love snow as much as you do, but you can’t take them into a National Park, which includes Mount Buffalo, Falls Creek, and Mount Hotham. Fines are being issued. The good news is, the area inside Dinner Plain Alpine Village is freehold land and doggos are welcome. Please keep your furry friend on a lead and clean up after them. Some pet friendly accommodation is available.
Don’t skip the prep and we’ll know you’ll have a fantastic time!
Image Credit; feature banner image thanks to Puppy Tales Photography