Fall in love with Falls Creek
By: Bec Mowbray, Yahoo!7 Travel

Win a Cool Winter Getaway in Queenstown, New Zealand The lucky winner will be flown to Christchurch where they will get a fully equipped 'Jucy Chaser' campervan to explore the region for five days. They'll also get a ski pass to Wanaka's Treble Cone resort and a Milford Sound Cruise. ENTER the competition and you could be hitting New Zealand's picturesque slopes in style.

My first snow adventure!
The first time I saw snow was on a school trip to Canberra when I was 11 years old. Needless to say, I didn't have a whole lot of freedom and from what I can remember of the one-day trip, the only snow activity I got to take part in was a snowball fight somewhere on the side of the road in Thredbo.

So as far as I'm concerned, my recent trip to Falls Creek was my first real snow adventure! And what an adventure it turned out to be!

Ski in, ski out
Falls Creek is a European-style village which offers ski-in, ski-out convenience. This means that no matter where you are on the mountain, all you have to do is veer off onto one of the 'Home Trails' and you are on your way back through the village and amongst any number of cafes, restaurants, bars or accommodation.

Family-friendly
The thing that sets Falls Creek apart is how family-friendly the area is. It's a compact and safe area with all of the accommodation, shops and facilities right on the mountain (no shuttles necessary). The accommodation options also cater for families and groups, offering mainly self-contained, private apartments.

Gear Hire
Don't fret if you don't have your own gear. There are a number of rental options where you can pick up everything you'll need at the start of your trip and simply return it at the end! Choose from Falls Creek Sports (where I got my gear), Gebi's Ski Hire, Viking Hire or Village Hire.

Snow Making
Falls Creek has the largest snowmaking system in Victoria, spread over 110 hectares and covering a wide range of runs from beginner to advanced. The area is world-famous for its snow-making facilities, investing over $8 million in snow making operations since 1985. The resulting snow is comparable to, and in some instances better than, natural snow.

These snow-making facilities together with natural snowfalls, that the area is famous for, ensures that Falls Creek can guarantee the 'most reliable snow in Victoria.'

Hit the slopes
The resort has an integrated network of 14 lifts covering more than 90 trails. There are five main areas for skiing and snowboarding at Falls Creek.

The Village Bowl: The skiing in the Village Bowl provides some of the most challenging advanced riding in Australia. There are long bump runs, steep groomed runs and cornices to jump off. At the base of the bowl you will find a beginners area and the adventure park (offering a snow bungee, snow tubing and snow biking activities) - this 'kids' area is where I hung out the most!

The Maze: Fast, narrow tree riding amongst snow gums for the advanced enthusiast. This terrain is 'steep and adventurous with spectacular views,' or so I heave heard. I stayed well away from this one.

Sun Valley: There are many runs in the Sun alley area, catering for the beginner, intermediate as well as advanced riders. Wombat's Ramble is the largest beginner run in Australia. This is the most popular (and populated) area of the resort.

Terrain and Rail Parks: These terrain parks are located in the Sun Valley, on the 'Drover's Dream,' 'Fox Trail,' and 'Ruined Castle' runs. Here you'll find jumps, rails, boxes and obstacles to practice all of your tricks.

Mt McKay: Here is where you will apparently find 'some of the greatest advanced and expert terrain in Australia.' I was scared just looking at the sheer size and depth of this run. You couldn't pay me to give that one a try. My hat goes off to anyone that has the guts to do so.

Snowsports School
With over 90 qualified instructors, the Falls Creek Snowsports School is a great place to learn some new skills - whether you are a first-timer (like me) or an advanced skier or boarder looking to pick up a few new tricks.

I decided to give snowboarding a go, against the advice of my friends (apparently it's a lot easier to master skiing first - but I opted for the 'cool factor' over 'easy to learn'). I'm definitely not a natural on a snowboard, spending about 95% of my lesson on my butt in the snow. But I had a smile on my face the entire time, and can't wait to give it another try next winter!

The instructors are amazing (or amazingly patient, in my case). They are great at encouraging you to keep getting up and trying again, and they definitely know how to make sure you're having the best time possible, even when your ego is being crushed to a pulp.

While I didn't get past the Level 1 boarding class, the lessons here cater for all standards, from beginner to advanced classes in: free ride, skiing, snowboarding, bumps, racing, cross country, children's classes and teenage groups.

For the kids
The cutest thing I saw while on the mountain were the 'Milo Kids.' This is the nickname given to the children enlisted in the Kids Snowsports School (catering to kids 3-14 years), who get looked after - kind of like day-care on the snow - and taught to ski or snowboard. This is a great choice for parents looking to enjoy a day on the snow, without having to worry about what the littlies are up to. Plus they are just so adorable in their Milo jackets skiing single file down the baby slopes.

There are also plenty of other supervised activities available and plenty of other kids of all ages for them to hang out with. Also, the official Falls Creek mascot, Pete the Snow Dragon, is a hit with kids young and old and they go absolutely nuts at his free live shows!

Adventure Activities
For those of you out there who, like me, are not born with natural abilities on the snow but still want to get out there and have lots of fun, then these activities will get your adrenaline racing (and keep your dignity in tact.)

Snow tubing: For snow tubing, you grab a round, blow-up tube, ride the 'magic carpet' to the top of the hill, where you sit in your tube and slide all the way back down at outrageous speeds!

Snow tubing is fun, but it won't keep you occupied for more than 30 minutes if you are above the age of 12 - conveniently though, that's exactly how long each session is! 30 mins tubing will set you back just $18. But still make sure you give it a go when you visit!

Snow biking: Snow biking was definitely my favourite activity of the entire trip! The snow bikes look and function similarly to regular bikes, except they have skis where the wheels would usually be and you don't peddle - you simply rest your feet on a bar and use the handlebars to navigate your way around the circuit.

It's so quirky and fun. I guarantee it's impossible not to have a great big smile on your face the entire time you are on one of these 'bikes.' The snow bikes are available to use on a designated circuit through the village and each circuit will set you back just $17.

Apres Ski activities
After spending all morning on the slopes, getting my confidence crushed, my ego (and butt) heavily bruised and just generally having a ball of a time, I definitely needed to unwind and have a little fun off the snow!

Casual cafes and bars: There are plenty of small bars and cafes around, whether you're in the mood for a hot-choc, delicious latte, or a glass of beer, wine or traditional shot of schnapps to warm up your belly. These bars and cafes are conveniently scattered around Falls Creek. I definitely recommend 'Milch' for coffee and hot chocolate.

Nightlife: Later on in the evenings, 'The Man' is where most of the young staff and visitors go to have fun and let off steam after long tiring days on the slopes. Here you'll find some great pizzas, live entertainment, strong drinks and a lively crowd all looking for a good time!

Relaxation: After a day or so on the slopes, you will start to feel your body's wear and tear kick in. What better way to recover from those aches and pains, or end a snow trip, than a visit to the best health spa in the area - Mii Spa!

Seeing as I was covered head to toe (or so it felt) in bruises, I opted for the hour-long relaxation massage. Any plans I had to head back out onto the slopes one last time vanished after that amazing massage. I felt like I had gone to heaven, and I wanted to preserve that feeling as long as possible.

Fuel up!
The Falls Creek village offers over 30 outlets to choose from when you need to fill up your tummy after an energy-zapping day on the snow. These range from casual cafes, snack bars to a variety of informal and formal restaurants.

Huski Produce Store: Huski Produce Store is a casual cafe providing breakfast, lunch and dinner, surrounded by regional gourmet produce for sale. Don't be fooled by its casual atmosphere though, whether you are after essentials or a special treat, this is the place to check out If you are a foodie. I recommend the hotpot, but really, every dish I saw exit the kitchen looked even more mouth-watering than the last.

The Summit Ridge: The Summit Ridge offers a great selection of modern Australian fine dining in an intimate atmosphere - perfect for a romantic dinner. I started off with honestly the best Gnocchi I have ever tasted, followed by a simple main dish of grilled fish and asparagus on a fluffy bed of mash, and finished off with an apple and berry crumble and sorbet. It was the perfect meal to compliment a rough day on the snow. On most nights, you'll also be treated to some great live entertainment. They also boast a prized selection of over 200 fine wines.

Where to stay
At present, Falls Creek offers around 5000 beds in the village from economy style to luxury, ranging from commercial lodges to self-contained apartments and hotels.

Quay West Apartments: I was lucky enough to stay in the newest luxury apartments from Mirvac, Quay West Apartments. The apartments in this building are all self contained, and come as either two- or three-bedroom apartments (big enough to hold anywhere from four to eight people - great for families.)

Each room comes with its very own private spa on the balcony, and every balcony has an amazing view of either the snow-covered mountains or one of Falls Creek's gorgeous snow runs.

It is in the most perfect location, right above the 'Falls Creek Express,' the main chair lift up to the top of the mountain, and within easy walking (or skiing) distance from the supermarket, post office, health spa, and a number of cafes, bars and restaurants.

A warning about staying here though, it is one of the most luxurious and newest accommodation options, and you will pay the price tag to match - but if you have the money, or plenty of time to save up, I definitely recommend this place!

Getting there
Situated in North East Victoria, Falls creek is located 356kms from Melbourne in the heart of the Victorian snowfields.

Coming from Sydney, I flew from Sydney domestic airport to Melbourne's Albury airport. From here, I simply jumped aboard the Falls Creek Coach service which took us on a scenic (and slightly scary) two-hour drive through Mt. Beauty and all the way up the mountain, finally dropping me off in the heart of Falls Creek.

If you choose to drive to Falls Creek yourself, then you are braver than I am! Just watching from the window as the coach driver expertly yet cautiously navigated the steep, slippery road made up my mind that I would never, ever drive to Falls Creek myself.

However, if you are planning to brave the roads, make sure you fit your car with the necessary extras (tyre-chains and anti-freeze n the radiator), and rest assured that you will be met by great parking facilities with space for over 2000 cars.

Fun Facts about Falls Creek:

Founded: More than 65 years ago Number of lifts: 15 Lift capacity: More than 20,000 per hour Highest altitude: 1842 metres Village altitude: 1600 metres Snowline altitude: 1100 metres Average snowfall: 4 metres Average days open: 128 days Number of ski runs: 92+ Types of runs: Beginner 17%   Intermediate 60%   Advanced 23% Longest advanced run: Wishing Well - 3kms Longest beginner run: Wombat's Ramble - 2.2kms   (longest beginner run in Australia)

For more information, visit www.FallsCreek.com.au.

Win a Cool Winter Getaway in Queenstown, New Zealand The lucky winner will be flown to Christchurch where they will get a fully equipped 'Jucy Chaser' campervan to explore the region for five days. They'll also get a ski pass to Wanaka's Treble Cone resort and a Milford Sound Cruise. ENTER the competition and you could be hitting New Zealand's picturesque slopes in style.