Come on an adventure with Falls Creek Cross Country
Falls Creek Cross Country (FCXC) is a ski centre with everything you need to hit the cross country trails. Managed by Y Victoria and based within the Windy Corner Day Shelter, FCXC is your one-stop shop for ski gear hire, ski lessons, repairs, retail and trail information.
Our passionate and knowledgeable staff are made up of ski champions and highly experienced skiers and instructors. We can provide you with information about the latest snow and trail conditions, where to ski, and the waxing recommendations for the day.
Drop by for a chat before heading out and ensure you’ve got all the right gear and advice. Hire some cross country skis and go at your own pace, or book our ski lessons!
Got a question about FCXC? Chat with our friendly and knowledgeable staff about what you need:
- Email: fallscreekxc@ymca.org.au
- Phone: (03) 5758 3408
Location: Falls Creek Cross Country (FCXC), Bogong High Plains Rd, Windy Corner Falls Creek, Victoria 3699
Our services
Cross country skiing at Falls Creek: What you need to know
Falls Creek is the premier destination for cross country skiing in Victoria. With 65km of groomed trails throughout the winter months, this vast trail net provides plenty of options for complete beginners through to advanced cross country skiers.
Cross country ski trails
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Beginner Trails
Falls Creek has a range of trails to suit all skier abilities. All trail access is from the Windy Corner Car Park up Bogong High Plains Road. Beginner trails are identified by the green circle on the trail map and signage.
The Nordic Bowl: The first stop for skiers is the Nordic Bowl. The large flat base with varying degrees of sloping sides provides a perfect place to learn the basics and perfect your skills. The surrounding snow gums offer great shelter from the wind and weather. The Aqueduct trail around the Nordic Bowl and Hoppet start area are great trails to progress too.
Ropers Lookout: More adventurous skiers can venture across to the Dam Wall and follow the 2km trail towards Ropers Lookout. This trail provides stunning views of Falls Creek Village and Rocky Valley Dam.
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Intermediate Trails
Once you are comfortable with the basics, the intermediate trails provide skiers with the opportunity to explore and challenge their skills. Blue squares identify intermediate trails on the trail map and signage.
Sun Valley: Following the base of the downhill runs, the 4.4km Sun Valley trail provides views of the Rocky Valley Dam and the Rocky Knolls. You can access this trail from Panorama Corner.
Pretty Valley Road and Mt McKay: Following Pretty Valley Road offers a 2.4km sheltered trail on those less than perfect weather days. Once at the top, skiers will find themselves at the top of the downhill lifts at Ruined Castle. The 4.5km Mt McKay loop offers excellent views of the Mount Bogong, Spion Kopje, Pretty Valley, the Falls Creek Summit, the Kiewa Valley and, on clear days, Mt Buffalo.
Watchbed Creek: Skiers looking for a longer adventure can cross the Rocky Valley Dam Wall and out to Watchbed Creek. From the Nordic Bowl, this 4.5km flat trail follows the road to Omeo. Once at Watchbed Creek, skiers can choose to traverse back along Pauls track, climb the Paralyser to Healthy Spur or continue towards Langford’s Gap, historic Wallace’s Hut and Cope Hut.
Heathy Spur Loop: Amongst the best cross-country ski trail in Australia, the 12km Heathy Spur Loop takes skiers above the snow gum tree line to the top of the Bogong High Plains. Here you will find some of the best views of Rocky Valley Dam, Falls Creek Resort and the Victorian Alpine region. Skiers will tackle the fun, twisty and turny Blade Runner on their way back down to the Dam Wall.
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Advanced Trails
Advanced skiers can test their skills on several challenging trails. Push the limits of Nordic skis on the fast and steep downhills on the Atkins, Little Canada, Pines and Boomerang trails. Another feature trail is down the road from the Mt McKay loop to Pretty Valley and the Stockyards. Finally, skiers looking for a great day adventure should follow Bogong High Plains Rd past Watchbed and around to Wallace’s and Cope Huts.
When to visit us
Late June, July and early August is a great time to ski through the frosted snow gums, snow flurries and cold fast snow.
Late August and early September offer prime spring skiing conditions that are perfect to take your skis off the tracks to explore the Victorian High Plains.
Getting to Falls Creek
There are lots of ways to get to Falls Creek, including car, bus, train and even helicopter! Below is some information about the most common options.
Drive
Snow chains are a legal requirement for all vehicles entering Falls Creek alpine resort. You'll also need to buy a Falls Creek resort entry permit which covers the cost of day and overnight car parking. In summer, parking is free. The resort entry permits are charged per vehicle per day.
Bus
Coaches depart from Melbourne and nearby capital and regional cities. Falls Creek Coach Services has many routes and drops you off at the Falls Creek accommodation transfer terminal which is a five to 10 minute walk to the Falls Creek Cross Country centre and Windy Hill shelter. Bus, coach and private transfer tickets usually include the resort entry permit cost (vehicles with 13 seats or more are charged resort entry per person).
Drive, park and bus
Drive to Mount Beauty, then catch the Falls Creek Coach Service from their Mt Beauty bus terminal which is attached to the Caltex Service Station. Secure parking is located behind the Mt Beauty bus terminal. Snow chains are not needed on cars to access the Mt Beauty bus terminal.
Cost
Access to the Falls Creek Cross Country trails is FREE. You can enjoy skiing, mountain views and the great outdoors with no need to buy lift snow passes.
There may be transport costs (see above).
Prices for ski gear hire and lessons at FCXC can be found on our ski gear hire and ski lessons pages.
Accessibility
Falls Creek Cross Country and the Y value diversity and inclusion. FCXC centre is wheelchair accessible from the carpark via a ramp. FCXC is also the base for many Disabled Wintersport Australia events and camps.
What to wear
We recommend wearing:
- Windproof and waterproof outer layer of clothing to protect you from the elements
- Light and breathable overpants and jackets (you can hire these at FCXC)
- Warm, thin layers
- Woollen socks, a beanie, gloves, neck gaiter (neck warmer) and sunglasses or goggles
Do not wear: jeans, cotton and nylon fabric tops and pants.
What to bring
What you should bring will depend on the type, time and duration of the cross country trail you plan to go on.
Generally, you will need to bring a small backpack to carry some essentials including food, water, sunglasses, sunscreen, trail map and first aid.
The Falls Creek Cross Country team can provide you with the right information and advice. Visit our centre or contact us in advance for assistance.
Where to stay
There are a variety of accommodation options at Falls Creek, including lodges, apartments, self-contained apartments and hotels, from luxury to budget options.
If you’re after an affordable, comfortable place to stay near Falls Creek, the Y-managed Howmans Gap Discovery Camp provides a cosy and friendly experience.
Howmans Gap has self-contained cottages and communal or private bunk rooms. Bunk room accommodation prices include packages for 2 or 3 meals. From Howmans Gap you can drive to Falls Creek or catch the Falls Creek Coach Service from their driveway.
Find us at the Windy Corner day shelter
Windy Corner is the home of cross country skiing at Falls Creek.
Located at the end of the Bogong High Plains Rd, Windy Corner is your last stop before heading out on the ski trails.
The heated public shelter and bathrooms offer a warm and dry space to escape the weather, put your boots on and change into your ski clothes.
A public waxing bench is also available for all of your ski care and tuning needs.
Windy Corner Café
Looking for the best coffee and food on the mountain? Windy Corner Café is a cosy place to take some time out, meet your group, or grab refreshments between runs.
Our small but nourishing menu offers a range of breakfast and lunch options, including homemade pies and sausage rolls.
We also serve locally roasted Sixpence Coffee to keep you warm and energised!
We pride ourselves on providing healthy and nutritious food that will keep you fuelled while you’re out and about on the ski trails.
Skate skiing at Falls Creek with Mt Bogong in the background. Photo by Tom Gilmour.
The Nordic Bowl cross country trail is great for beginners.
Freshly groomed cross country ski trail from Windy Corner, Falls Creek.
Two cross country skiers skating the High Plains at Falls Creek.
Skiers using the classic cross country skiing technique at Falls Creek. Photo by Tom Gilmour.
A group of cross country skiers at Wallace's Hut, on Wallace's Heritage Trail, Alpine National Park, Falls Creek. Built in 1889 Wallace Hut is oldest hut in the Victorian Alps.
High quality Madshus cross country skis are available for rent at Falls Creek Cross Country.
Cross Country skiing specialist Madshus skis and boots can be hired at FCXC centre.
Early season skiing by the Rock Valley Dam at Falls Creek.