The trick to saving hundreds at the Aussie snow
There's a certain kind of love that grips skiers. 'I love watching the snow groomers,' my husband drools into the darkness, tracing the heavily lit machinery.
His love is euphoric and a bit tragic, glass of red in hand, body weary after a day skiing. He's imagining the crisp corduroy lines the groomer leaves behind and the runs he'll carve tomorrow.
But like all great passions, this one comes at a cost – and not just frost-bitten fingers. Skiing is expensive and costs can snowball, particularly for a family of five.
But there are ways to make it cheaper, and the Epic Australia 4-Day Pass (EADP) – new this season – is the best I've seen yet.
I found a way to ski on a budget. Picture: Mt Hotham
It offers any four days access at Mt Hotham, Falls Creek or Perisher – either consecutive or spread out – and delivers big savings compared to purchasing lift tickets. It also includes 20 percent off rentals and lessons, and 15 percent off certain cafes and retail.
We skied two days each at Mt Hotham and Falls Creek, rented gear and took two private lessons. My workings show we saved $556 on lift tickets, $180 on lessons and $246 on rentals – and over $1,000 in total.
Like powder, our love grew deeper.
Mt Hotham
We find a giddy, child-like sense of adrenaline-fuelled fun at Mt Hotham. Intermediate and advanced runs peel away from a village on top of the mountain, commanding jaw-dropping views on the bird-bird days we're gifted.
Our best experience of this is when the kids corral us to ski First Tracks (free with EADP). Heavenly Valley stuns in a display of quiet majesty for those up early enough to see it.
Our teens lose a day and night (free with EADP) to the new all-terrain park at the Big D. Jumps, in the dark, with a DJ – I get it and leave them to it.
Jaw-dropping views at Hotham. Picture: Mt Hotham
Lessons are centralised around the beginner slopes of Hotham's Summit. We're decent skiers but welcome the chance to refresh and explore barrels we otherwise wouldn't venture to.
When hunger takes over, Hoff's Hutt, hidden halfway down Milky Way is full of charm. We return for chunky beef pies and 'fireball' coffee with tunes on the deck. Bird Café at the base of the Summit is convenient, tasty and pass holders get 15 percent off.
We stay at Kicking Horse Chalet, a step into luxury made affordable because it sleeps 15. Families and groups will want to stay here for exceptional amenity, large spaces and beautiful interiors – only superseded by the views.
See also: What's new at Australian ski resorts in 2025
Falls Creek
Falls Creek village steals hearts with its picturesque European style that is ski-in ski-out, decorated with snow gums and car free. It's also the ultimate progression mountain, suiting all levels.
Our kids do more skiing here off the groomed runs than on. They're between trees and jumping off nature's ledges, while we're frolicking in the back bowl around Ruined Castle.
My love of skiing is equal parts downhill and après by the fire. Falls Creek's dining scene doesn't disappoint.
Picturesque Falls Creek. Picture: Falls Creek
I discover the magnificent Astra for a cocktail, while our youngest toasts marshmallows on their huge fire. Cozy Feather Top Lodge fills us with baked brie, hanger steak and churros. Lunch at Falls Creek Hotel is a must.
We stay at family-run Cooroona Alpine Lodge. It's warm, freshly renovated and perfect for families. Cooroona's Mexican Cantina and bar are a highlight. The menu is extensive, the food fresh and affordable – a welcome reprieve. Frozen margaritas take on new appeal in front of the roaring fire.
Top tip
The pass also unlocks the expanses of Australia's largest ski resort, Perisher.
The writer travelled courtesy of Mount Hotham Skiing Company and Falls Creek Ski Lifts.
Originally published as The trick to saving hundreds at the Aussie snow
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