Exploring Victoria...Inspired by the Winter Games...

The 2010 Winter Olympics Games are currently underway in Vancouver, Canada (currently Australia has one silver medal, woot woot!)

I don't know about you but for those of us sweltering in the Australian summer, the images of all the supporters frolicking in the snow and more so, the fairytale Whistler resort...

makes me yearn for a skiiing holiday with the family.  Such a fairy tale setting!  Makes me want to pack my suitcases and grab the next flight to Canada. 

Until I realised I'd have to spend 22 hours on a plane.  With my children.

Um...maybe not. 

Time to check out what's available in good ol' Oz.

We took the kids on a snow trip a few years back and it was one of the best family holidays that we've had.

Although there is great skiing in New South Wales too, I think Victoria offers a better variety of snow fields and the snow is within easy access of Melbourne.  Whether you're a beginner or a pro, or simply want to throw a few snowballs at the kiddies, there are plenty of options to satisfy your inner snow bunny.  

We chose not to stay on the actual resorts (it can get pretty pricey), but picked a few different destinations so that we could drive around and explore the region.  That way we had the option of hitting the ski fields for a day and then relax doing other activities the next.  Snow is lots of fun but it can also be wet, miserable and cold.  Keep your options open!

Basically, the higher the mountain, the better the snow quality and the more chances of there being snow.

The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges let you enjoy some of the best cross-country skiing in the country, tobogganing, snow play and alpine landscapes at Melbourne's closest snow fields.

In Gippsland, Mt Baw Baw and Mt St Gwinear offer the chance for you to enjoy skiing or snow boarding.

The High Country has some of Australia's most beautiful and accessible alpine regions.  Mt Buller, Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt Stirling, Lake Mountain and Dinner Plain give you a variety of destinations to choose from.  

You just need to know what sort of activities tickle your fancy and let someone recommend the best destination and accommodation.

PS.  And if you're not a fan of snow, the Australian Alps are great to explore in summer too!

Time to check the medal count, Go Australia!