Dinner Plain is a fantastic destination for a snow holiday and this year there are a range of activities sure to keep just about everyone happy - including something new - ice skating!
Dinner Plain Alpine Village, sitting 1580 metres above sea level, is the highest permanently inhabited freehold village in Australia. Founded 31 years ago, the village is very accessible, allowing you to drive right up and park at the village centre, or your chalet. Furthermore, everything in the village is within walking distance from your accommodation if you are staying there, or if you are just there on a day visit.
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A small mutli-purpose centre at the car park, and near a playground, makes it easy to change in to your snow gear, use the toilets and get organised before your foray into the snow. From here you can walk to hire your gear, buy a coffee or have a beer at the pub.
Because Dinner Plain is a freehold village, you never have to pay an entry fee to visit. And if you’re approaching from Bright, you don’t need to pay the Mount Hotham Resort entry fee to go there – just continue to drive through Hotham Resort without stopping (you will need to pay if you would like to stop).
WHAT'S NEW
Ice skating – For the first time ever, Dinner Plain will offer winter visitors the opportunity to go ice skating in the snow! A pop-up ice skating rink will operate in the village centre during the July school holidays. Ice skates and penguins (to help young children learn to skate) are available at the rink.
When: Saturday 8 July to Sunday 16 July. Where: Dinner Plain Snowgum Tennis Courts. Time: 12pm – 8pm (eight 45 min sessions per day starting on the hour. Last session starts 7pm). Contact: visitdinnerplain.com
Alpine Laser Skirmish – Play laser skirmish in the snow! This new activity by Great Alpine Adventures (founders of Howling Husky Sled Dog Tours) gets you out and rolling in the snow. Three people per team.
When: All year (even in the snow!). Where: Meet at Crisps Hut at the front of Dinner Plain. Time: From 9am to 4pm. Bookings essential| ph: 0488 040 308. Free tubing with all DP lift passes – This year, all Dinner Plain lift passes include the tube slide.
FREE ACTIVITIES
Tobogganing at Pea Shooter - The Pea Shooter Toboggan Run at the base of Scrubbers End (just past the ski slope) is free to use. BYO toboggan, or rent one from one of our ski hire shops.
Snow shoeing and cross country skiing – Dinner Plain has a variety of cross country ski trails around the village that are free to use. BYO skis or snow shoes, or rent them from Hoys Skis, Dinner Plain.
Snow Play – There’s nothing quite like building your first snow man. With each chalet coming with its own yard, there is plenty of space to build and dress up your own snowman.
WINTER ACTIVITIES
Howling Husky Sled Dog Tours – Dinner Plain’s ever popular sled dogs are back again in 2017, with a number of tour packages available around Dinner Plain and Mount Hotham. When: June 10 to Oct 1. Where: Meet at Crisps Hut at the front of Dinner Plain. Time: From 9am to 4pm. Bookings essential 0488 040 308.
Learn to ski – With a gentle slope and easy-to-use poma lift, the beginners ski slope on Scrubbers End at Dinner Plain is one of the easiest and most affordable places to learn to ski. Lift passes are available from the base of the slope, Alpine Life ski shop in Dinner Plain or online from Hotham Sports. Group lessons are available on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 10am – 12.30pm. Private lessons are also available at any time. To book, please call 03 5759 4450.
Night skiing – Ski under the stars, as the Cobungra Platter Ski Slope lights up every Wednesday and Saturday night during peak season. Lift tickets are only $10 between 6pm and 9pm.
Snow tubing – The Dinner Plain tube slide is open every day during winter. Tickets are just $19 for a session, or included with all Dinner Plain lift passes.
Onsen Retreat & Spa – Soak in the 39°C outdoor hot pool, enjoy an Onsen Signature Massage, body treatment, facial or get active in the lap pool and gym. Open every day during winter. Click here to find out more.
RESTAURANTS/BARS/CAFES
Brewery: Blizzard Brewing Company – Australia’s highest brewery (5 Cattle Pen Dr, Dinner Plain). Click here to read more about Blizzard Brewing
Restaurants: Stones Throw (dinner) and Cobungra Burger Bar (lunch) at Hotel High Plains, Element at Ramada, Alphutte Pizza & Wine Bar, Dinner Plain Hotel
Cafes: Mountain Kitchen Café (village centre) and Café Play (at the base of the ski slope)
