Frequently asked questions
Is Dinner Plain open all year?
Yes, you can visit Dinner Plain anytime of year. Accommodation and food services are available year-round. Please note, there is a smaller range of businesses open in the off-peak season from October to May compared with the ski season between June and September.
When does it snow the most?
It can snow anytime of year in Dinner Plain, but for the most part, it snows during the ski season from June to September. The snow is often patchy at the start and end of each season and thicker during July and August. Having said that, the weather is unpredictable and the best snow days vary from year to year. To ensure our ski slope stays in good condition throughout the season, Dinner Plain has snow making machines on the Cobungra Platter Ski Slope.
Do I have to pay the Hotham Resort Entry Fee to visit Dinner Plain?
No, you do not need to pay the Hotham Resort Entry Fee to drive to Dinner Plain, and there is no entry fee to stay or visit Dinner Plain Alpine Village. To avoid the Hotham Resort Entry Fee, drive through Mount Hotham along the Great Alpine Road without stopping. If you plan to stop within the Hotham Alpine Resort area, or visit to go skiing or snowboarding, you will need to purchase a Hotham Resort Entry Permit online. Find out more here.
Is there a Hotham Resort Entry Fee in Summer?
No, the Hotham Resort Entry Fee is only applicable during the ski season. The ski season starts on the King's Birthday weekend in June each year and runs until the advertised date in late September or early October.
How much does it cost to go toboganning?
It's free to use the Pea Shooter Toboggan Slope in Dinner Plain. Toboggans are available for hire at Cafe Play, Hotham Alpine Sports or Hoys Skis in Dinner Plain.
Can I bring my own toboggan?
Yes, if your toboggan meets safety requirements. Only moulded plastic toboggans weighing less than 2kg with no pointed ends are permitted on the Pea Shooter Toboggan Slope. No skis, snowboards, wooden, metal or inflatable craft are permitted on the toboggan slope.
Can I toboggan, Ski or snowboard anywhere I like?
No. For safety reasons, please use the designated areas for each activity. Dinner Plain has a network of groomed cross-country ski trails, a beginner's ski slope with poma lift called Cobungra Platter and the Pea Shooter Toboggan Slope. For everyone's safety, please do not toboggan on the ski slope, or ski on the toboggan slope.
Can I toboggan or ski without an accommodation booking?
Yes, day trippers are welcome to ski or toboggan in Dinner Plain and to visit any of our retail or food and beverage venues. Day parking is available in marked areas near the village entrance on Horseshoe Circle or at Scrubbers End Car Park.
Do I need to pay to go cross-country skiing?
No. It is free to use Dinner Plain's cross-country ski trails. Click here to view our trail map. There is a separate network of cross-country ski trails within Hotham Alpine Resort and you will need to purchase a entry permit if you plan to ski within Hotham.
How do I get an Overnight Parking Permit?
Parking is free in Dinner Plain, with each chalet coming with its own car space. However, if you have additional vehicles that exceed the space available at your chalet, you will need to ask your accommodation provider for an Overnight Parking Permit. The Overnight Car Park is located at Scrubbers End.
For day trippers, there is a designated Day Parking site opposite the Overnight Car Park at Scrubbers End as well as at the car park on Horseshoe Circle.
It is important that you never park in a Day Parking site or on the street overnight. Snow clearing operations occur on the streets and in parking areas overnight and any vehicle found to be illegally parked may be fined.
Do I need to pay to visit Dinner Plain Mountain Bike Park?
No. It is free to use the trails at Dinner Plain Mountain Bike Park. Click here to view our trail map. Bike hire is available through The Hub at Dinner Plain.
Are the mountain bike trails open all year?
No. Dinner Plain Mountain Bike Park is open during the green season only. Season dates will be announced when the snow has melted and the trails have dried enough to ride on without being damaged. The mountain bike season generally runs from November to May. Click here for more information. During the in-between months, it is possible to bike ride on the gravel shared paths, such as the Brabralung Trail and Fitzy's Cirque.
Can I hike in the Alpine National Park anytime of year?
While the hiking trails in the Alpine National Park do not officially close during winter, it is important to understand that conditions on the trails change dramatically during the snow season. Trails are indiscernible when covered in snow and many trail markings will not be adequate alone to safely navigate your way. Weather conditions change rapidly and phone signals may drop out. We do not recommend using the hiking trails during the snow season unless you are skilled in alpine survival. For those interested in a backcountry snow experience, please contact one of the backcountry tour operators in Mount Hotham or Dinner Plain.
Contact Us
If you've been unable to find the information you need on our website, please contact us at the Alpine Visitor Information Centre on the Great Alpine Road in Bright. We can assist you with any questions you may have about your trip to Dinner Plain Alpine Village.
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