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.

Head to our accommodation page to check out all available accommodation in Marsyville or 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 be sure to layer up with warm, 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 the snow-safe article on how to pack for the cooler winter climate.

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

No pets of any kind are permitted at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort as it is in a National Park.

The gate at the base of Lake Mountain opens at 8.00am, and the facilities including ski hire, retail and bistro open at 8am every day over the snow season. We suggest you arrive before 11am, this way you can 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 engage snow conditions on all wheel drive vehicles where directed. Please know your vehicle’s requirements prior to 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 or 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 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, you will be shown how to fit the chains when hiring.

For more information on chains click here

The entry fee is quite similar to paid parking, it is $59.00 per vehicle – up to and including 8 people.

A vehicle must have under 9 seats, if it has 9 seats and over it will be classified as a bus. To check out the bus pricing, click here

By car, we suggest allowing 2 – 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 situated out past the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

The only public transport option is to catch a TRAIN out to LILYDALE on the LILYDALE LINE. Time it in with the McKenzies Bus Service which runs once or twice daily to EILDON. View Bus Time Table

There is a Snow Shuttle from Lake Mountain Visitor Centre in Marysville to Lake Mountain at 9am and 10.30 on weekends and everyday during school holidays. This is a return trip and includes gate entry. If you take the 9am shuttle you return on the 1.30 shuttle and the 10.30am returning at 3pm. Bookings open late May, contact us for more info.

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

A long light narrow plastic molded sled (a vehicle that slides over snow) sometimes curved up in front, used for sliding down slopes. Here at Lake Mountain, we have 4 dedicated toboggan runs. For more information on tobogganing, read this article on how to stay safe while on a toboggan.

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

Yes! 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, this is 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.

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 37KM’s 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.

View Cross Country Skiing page

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.

Unfortunately, there is no on-mountain accommodation available at Lake Mountain, as the facility is for day visitors only. The gate will be locked from 4 pm every night, so visitors will 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, contact us.

Depending on your riding ability and alpine experience, but the average time is between 3 to 5 hours.

Cascades is defined as an intermediate trail with some advanced sections, but the ascents can be a challenge if you’re used to riding non-alpine trails. If you’re at all worried about the ascents, think about renting one of our e-bikes to flatten the rise.

Always bring your own water as there is no potable water on the trail. We also strongly advise that you bring high energy snacks for a power boost along the way. Puncture kits are a must, plus warm and waterproof outwear in case the weather suddenly turns.

Our dual suspension bikes are for endurance and trail riders, our e-bike dual suspension bikes are great for those who want to ride the trails but might not have the endurance, plus we’ve got hard-tail bikes for those looking to tour our upper trails.

All rental bikes are collected on-mountain except for the touring e-bikes in Marysville. For those riding Cascades, park your car in Marysville, catch the Shuttle up to the mountain, then drop the bike off at the Lake Mountain Visitors’ Centre in Marysville. Don’t forget to book your Shuttle seat before you come!