Cross Country Skiing

The Resort is Temporarily Closed

Falls Creek Alpine Resort and the Alpine National Park are closed for the duration of the stage 3 ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions for regional Victoria. This closure began at 11.59pm on the 5th of August. Only residents of Falls Creek or those with a valid permit can enter the village.

We welcome you back to visit Falls Creek again when the time is right.

Click here for further information.

Falls Creek is Australia's home of Cross Country Skiing.

XC skiing is a huge part of the unique activity base that makes Falls Creek so special, and it includes more than you may think. Skating on fast corduroy trails, exploring new terrain off-piste in the National Park, making tele carves down the lift-accessed runs - it is all part of this booming winter snowsport.

Trail fees have been free since 2011 which has resulted in huge growth in Nordic Sports at Falls Creek. Cross country skiing is now joined by dedicated snowshoeing and fat biking trails as a popular sport for beginners and those wanting to experience more on their Falls Creek snow adventure.

Through our trails gain access to corners of the Bogong High Plains rarely seen by most visitors. This is the pristine High Country at its best. Find the style that suits you and give Cross Country a turn this winter.

 

XC Trail Report
XC Community
Trail Map

Skate

Cross Country Skiing Falls Creek

Similar to ice-skating, but using fast narrow skis, and really light boots. It’s a quick way to see a lot of country when the trails are groomed.  Most people can learn to skate in a few lessons.

Track

Falls Creek Cross Country Skiing

Track is like walking on snow, but you get to slide down the hills and glide along the flats!  The boots are much lighter than downhill - more like a runner and are a really comfortable fit. The skis have a pattern on the base so you can easily walk up hills.

Telemark

Telemark Skiing Falls Creek

Telemark skiing combines elements of nordic (XC) skiing with alpine (downhill) skiing. Telemark equipment can be used both on- and off-piste and even in freestyle parks.

Backcountry

Back Country Touring Falls Creek

Get out and really see places where there is literally no one around and no ski tracks on the snow. Backcountry boots are more robust, and the skis have a metal edge.

Race

Hoppet 1

A great way to motivate yourself to go fast and train. Races are for all ages and abilities and range from 2 to 40 km long, but are typically 5-12 km.

Snowshoe

People snowshoeing at Falls Creek in Victoria

Trade the skis for snowshoes and hike the trails through spectacular landscapes. Snowshoes are easy to use and strap on over your normal boots.

Terrain

Beginners

For those new to the sport, the Nordic Bowl is the perfect learning course. The Nordic Bowl is sheltered from the weather and provides the perfect place to learn, play and have fun. This is also the base for XC ski lessons.

The Nordic Bowl has a large open base with sloping sides of different degrees of difficulty, perfect for learning basic skills. From here the 1.5km Nordic Bowl loop and Hoppet start area are good trails to progress to.

Intermediate

Local Loops

All tracks between Windy Corner, Rocky Valley Lake and Panorama Corner are commonly known the ‘local loops’. Several loops of differing lengths - these are ideal for intermediates.

From the Nordic Bowl the 2.5km "Panorama" loop has varied terrain and great views, giving access to several longer tracks. In poor weather the "Pipeline" track offers the most shelter and combines with the "Aitkens" track to form a varied 2.5km loop.

Watchbed Creek / Wallaces Hut Trail (8km / 15km return) 

The return trip to Watchbed Creek is one of the most popular trails. Often windy across the Dam Wall, the trail becomes well sheltered, flat and wide all the way to Watchbed Creek.

For an 8km return ski skiers can choose to turn around near the turn-off up the "Paralyser" on the "Heathy Spur Loop". Continuing straight on around past Langford Gap takes skiers to Wallaces Hut - the oldest standing mountain hut in the Alpine National Park.

15km is a fair trip, but when the tracks are groomed hard and fast it’s beautiful skating around the eastern end of Rocky Valley Lake.

Sun Valley Loop (7km)

The "Sun Valley" Loop meanders past the bottom of the Runied Castle ski area with great views of the western end of Rocky Valley Lake. Once in Sun Valley the track is undulating, however there is a little bit of climb back from Sun Valley to Panorama corner. This is also the track used for the Joey Hoppet 7km ski race.

McKay Loop / Stockyard Loop (5km / 3km)

It’s a steady climb up the McKay Road but it’s worth the effort. When the weather is good there are fantastic panoramic views of the Bogong High Plains, including Mt Bogong and Mt Feathertop. For a side trip you can continue past the cattle grid down to the "Stockyard Loop" overlooking Pretty Valley Lake. These upper trails have very reliable snow even in times of low snow and have been used as part of the Kangaroo Hoppet course in seasons with low snowfall.

Advanced

With everything from tough 5km and 10km championship event loops to longer trails into the Bogong High Plains, there is something for all advanced skiers.

The challenging Rocky Valley Lake and Heathy Spur loops are the benchmark (and form the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet course), while the more adventurous can venture out to spectacular peaks such as Spion Kopje and Mt Fainter.

These options are usually for heavier skis and metal edges but when conditions are right it is possible to skate out to these peaks and enjoy a different side to skiing at Falls Creek.

Starting Out

Renting Equipment

Falls Creek Cross Country is the new name for the Nordic Centre at Windy Corner - your first stop for a cross country adventure. They stock an extensive range of rental equipment for all ages plus there are plenty of accessories to purchase also.

The best part is the centre is staffed by passionate locals who know the trails better than anybody else. Stop in for a coffee and a chat on the best spots to hit before heading out.

Lessons, Clinics and Tours

Cross Country skiing is easy to pick up, even if it is your first time on snow. We recommend instruction and training to get you started. Falls Creek’s Cross Country is there to help you get your ski on – from beginners on classics through to experienced skaters.

School Groups

Cross Country Skiing offers an athletic and fun new way for school children to experience and learn about a unique part of our country’s diverse landscape. Experienced guides available for school bookings of any group size and the village is also well equipped to cater to the needs of visiting school groups.

Find Out More at Falls Creek Cross Country

Competition

Regular Calendar Events

This winter Falls Creek XC, Birkebeiner Ski Club, Discover XC and Ski and Snowboard Australia bring you a range of great XC ski opportunities that are open for any to participate and enjoy.

Kangaroo Hoppet

The Hoppet is Australia's largest international snowsports event, attracting over 1,200 competitors and the world's best elite skiers. Traditionally held on the last Saturday in August, this event is a spectacle that creates one of Falls Creek's most popular weekends.

Australian National Team

Falls Creek is proud to host as the official base for the Australian National Cross Country Ski Team and is home to a number of world class athletes and Winter Olympians.