Falls Creek: skiing and cross-country in Victoria

• Falls Creek is in the High Country of Victoria.
• The resort includes downhill runs and cross-country areas.
• The Nordic Bowl is the starting point for the cross-country network.
• Trails lead from there onto the Bogong High Plains.
• Cross-country options include classic tracks and skating technique.
• The Kangaroo Hoppet is a cross-country race that starts at Falls Creek.

Falls Creek lies in the Victorian Alps in the northeast of the state of Victoria. The name refers both to the mountain village and to the alpine resort on the edge of the Bogong High Plains. In winter, the village connects accommodation areas with pistes, lifts and other snow activities. The resort’s elevation shapes its alpine setting, while the neighbouring Bogong High Plains form a broader highland landscape with their own routes and natural areas.

Downhill runs and snowboard areas are the focus of an alpine ski day at Falls Creek. The resort also has an extensive cross-country offer. The trail network starts at the Nordic Bowl and extends across the Bogong High Plains. The 1.5-kilometre loop at the Nordic Bowl is designed as a beginner route, and the area also provides a base for cross-country instruction. The ski centre offers rental equipment for all ages and lessons from beginner level through skating. The result is a combination of a short, sheltered practice area and longer routes into the highlands.

In classic technique, skiers travel in a prepared track; in skating, they push sideways on the open trail. The difference in movement and equipment distinguishes the two approaches, although both use the Nordic Bowl trail network.

The Nordic Bowl is also a training venue: Falls Creek serves as an official training base for Australia’s national cross-country team. The resort therefore combines an introduction to Nordic skiing with performance-oriented training on the high plains. The region is also associated with the Kangaroo Hoppet. This international popular cross-country race starts at the Falls Creek Nordic Bowl and uses trails towards the Bogong High Plains. The Nordic Bowl is the Hoppet’s start and finish area, where spectators can see both race moments.

Falls Creek illustrates the variety of skiing in Australia: alpine piste skiing and Nordic routes share one high-mountain resort. For the wider regional context, see our overview of skiing in Australia; the Kangaroo Hoppet page describes the race.