With wholesome farm stays, romantic escapes, and cool camping spots, there’s lots of fun choices to try around Victoria if you need a quick getaway. But, have you ever tried glamping in the snow? Escape to an enchanting snow gum forest on Mount Hotham, where you’ll find a hidden eco-village, complete with a fire-heated tipi, an outdoor bar, an outdoor fireplace and three luxurious Hypedomes. Stay overnight in one of the toasty domes, where the stars will watch over you while you sleep. This unforgettable adventure is run by Alpine Nature Experience, who won the Gold in Eco-Tourism and Unique accommodation at the 2022 VTIC Tourism Awards. Bookings are available now.
Glamping in the snow on Mount Hotham, with Alpine Nature Experience
Embark on a guided snowshoe tour through the snowy forest. After an easy 30 minute walk, you’ll find the eco-village at the end of the Dargo lookout trail. Warm up with a glass of Glühwein or hot chocolate outside by the fire, and take in gorgeous views over Dargo valley. Then, pop into the central tipi, where you’ll heat up with soup, fondue filled with imported French cheese and cake. A curated selection of wine, craft beer, French liqueurs and soft drink is also available for purchase.
Then, get nice and comfy in your very own Hypedome. These luxurious domes are made with transparent and reflective hexagonal panels, which offer complete privacy from the outside while delivering breathtaking views from the inside.
Get nice and cosy on the comfortable double bed, which comes stacked with blankets and -8° sleeping bags. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also an indoor fireplace to keep you toasty. The Hypedome also comes with a double trundle, a sink with drinking water, LED lighting and a charger cable. Watch the stars twinkle away, and then drift off to sleep.
For an extra dose of luxury, upgrade your experience to include the hot tub. Rest your weary muscles in Australia’s highest wood-fired hot tub. Soak in views of the alpine wilderness and the Dargo Valley, sip on a glass of wine, and find bliss in the heated water.
In the morning, enjoy a hearty breakfast with tea, coffee, toast, muesli, eggs and bacon rolls. Then, hop on a skimobile for a 15 minute ride back to town.
What else can you expect?
This is an off-grid experience in the wilderness, and the team at Alpine Nature Experience carry everything in and out to reduce their impact on the fragile environment. As a result, there is no shower in the eco-village, and they use a shared dry toilet, which is located about 10 to 20 metres away from the domes.
The menu is vegetarian. Only vegan and gluten-free dietary requirements are available on request, although this does come with an extra cost. BYO is not available, as this is a licenced venue.
The domes are most suitable for two people, making them perfect for a romantic trip away, but they can fit four people. Please note that this experience is not suitable for children under five.
Other experiences
If you don’t feel like staying overnight, but you’d still like to try some of the activities, that’s ok! You can also book shorter experiences, such as the guided snowshoe tour on its own, the snowshoe walk followed by fondue, or even just a dip in the hot tub!
Getting there
This experience is located on Mount Hotham, over four hours away from Melbourne. You’ll meet up with the team at the Wire Plain car park (bus stop number 12), in front of the ski shelter. If you’re staying overnight, you will need to purchase a resort entry permit, and park at an overnight car park like Corner carpark. The Wire Plain car park is for day visitors only.
If you’re taking public transport, catch the V/Line to Wangaratta or Bright, and organise a transfer from there.
For more information, including prices and availability, head to the Alpine Nature Experience website.
