Faqs

This is always a tricky question as every snow season is different from the last; there is no certain way to know weeks or months in advance what the conditions will be like. When planning your visit, make sure you check the snow reports and weather forecast!

View live cameras here

Funnily enough, there is no Lake at Lake Mountain! The mountain was named after the surveyor George Lake.

Unfortunate for those planning on bringing their boat!

Marysville is the closest town to Lake Mountain. Located just a short thirty-minute drive from the top of the mountain, this beautiful little town offers a wide array of accommodation, with options suitable for all situations.

If you’re after accommodation in Marysville, give Marysville Visitor Information and Regional Arts a call on (03) 5963 4567.

A good base layer (such as thermals) is key to keeping warm in the snow. If you don’t have thermals, don’t stress! Just make sure to layer up with warm and comfy clothing. The weather conditions are constantly changing up on the mountain, layering your clothes means it’s easy to add or remove clothing as needed. For even more protection, it’s wise to pack a waterproof layer just in case.

For more information about what to wear at the snow, read our article on clothing essentials for your first trip to the snow.

Tip: Avoid dressing kids in gumboots/wellingtons as they do not have any insulation; kids feet will freeze after a short amount of time in the snow.

Lake Mountain Alpine Resort is in a National Park, which means no pets of any kind are permitted.

The gate at the base of Lake Mountain opens at 8.30am.

Facilities including ski hire, retail and bistro also open at 8.30am every day over the snow season. We suggest you arrive before 11am to make the most of your day pass and have a full day in the snow.

Lake Mountain Alpine Resort is subject to closure for periods of time during peak periods on weekends throughout the snow season when maximum capacity is reached in the carparks. It is recommended that visitors arrive before 11am to avoid disappointment.

On occasions, due to heavy snow fall, it is necessary to carry and fit snow chains to two-wheel drive vehicles, or engage 4×4 or snow conditions on all wheel drive vehicles. Please check your vehicle’s requirements before heading to the snow. Check out the daily snow report before you leave in the morning  on the home page for chain requirements for two-wheel drive vehicles.

You can also contact the resort directly on (03) 5957 7201.

Traffic advisory signs are also located at Marysville where chains can be hired. Chain days are called on the day before where possible. Alpine conditions can change quickly and if necessary chain days may be called on the day.

Chains can be hired from any of the Ski Hires in Marysville or Narbethong before you begin the climb to Lake Mountain. The cost is approximately $30 for the day and you will be shown how to fit the chains when hiring them.

For more information on chains click here

The resort entry ticket is quite similar to paid parking. For the 2022 winter season, it is $54 per vehicle (8 seats or less) when pre-purchased online.

A car resort entry ticket is $60.00 if purchased at the gate on the day via EFTPOS (no cash), if spaces are available. Please be aware there is no phone reception or WIFI at the resort gate if choosing to pay via online EFTPOS services. We recommend you pre-purchase tickets to avoid disappointment.

A vehicle must have under 9 seats, if it has 9 seats and over it will be classified as a bus which is $19 per passenger.

By car, we suggest allowing between 2 and 2.5 hours when travelling from Melbourne CBD.

Here’s a link to a few helpful maps and driving directions – View resort maps

Public transport is fairly limited, as Lake Mountain is located past the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

The only public transport option is to catch a train to Lilydale on the Lilydale Line, then catch the McKenzies Bus Service, which runs once or twice daily to Eildon.

You can view the bus timetable here.

There is a Snow Shuttle from Lake Mountain Visitor Centre in Marysville to Lake Mountain.

It runs at 9am and 10.30 on weekends and everyday during the school holidays. This is a return trip and includes gate entry.

If you take the 9am shuttle you will return on the 1.30 pm shuttle and the 10.30am returns at 3pm.

Please contact us for more info.

Lake Mountain is a Cross Country Ski Resort only, so there are no chairlifts.

Pronounced TO-BOG-GAN,  a long light and narrow plastic-moulded sled (a vehicle that slides over snow) sometimes curved up in front, used for sliding down slopes. It’s a lot of fun!

At Lake Mountain, we have 4 dedicated toboggan runs. For more information on tobogganing, you can read our tobogganing safety tips article here.

Toboggans are available for hire from our on-mountain Resort Shop for $15 each per day.

Yes, you can! Our on-mountain equipment and clothing hire outlet stocks a large range of sizes in both PVC and padded outerwear. As well as snow boots to keep your feet nice and dry.

The only things you cannot hire are gloves and beanies, due to hygiene regulations.

Don’t stress though, we have a range of kids through to adults gloves and beanies for sale in our retail outlet up on the mountain. With gloves starting around $20, you’ll be set to tackle the wintery conditions.

Yes! Our bistro is open 7 days a week over the snow season.

Serving up delicious hot meals, from fish & chips, to pies, soups, and more! We also offer hot drinks including barista coffees and hot chocolates.

Gluten-free and Vegetarian options are also available.

As there are no lifts at Lake Mountain, skiing here takes a little more effort as you need to propel yourself up and down the ski trails.

Don’t worry though, the trails aren’t steep like regular downhill ski trails. There are over 37 kilometres of trails winding their way through trees covering Lake Mountain. If you’re new to Cross Country Skiing, book in for a lesson at our Snow Sports Centre, they will get you skiing in no time.

If it’s your first time, you can read our cross country skiing tips for beginners here.

Resort Entry tickets need to be pre-purchased prior to your arrival.  If you do not have a ticket, you will not be permitted to enter the resort.

The closest accommodation is located in Marysville, but there is no on-mountain accommodation available at Lake Mountain, as the facility is for day visitors only.

The gate gets locked from 4 pm every night, so visitors have to make their way down the hill to Marysville before lockout at 4 pm.

For more information about pricing and packages available for midweek school excursions, click here.