We’ve just spent several days at Howmans Gap, and think it has to be the best Falls Creek family accommodation on the mountain – and here’s why…
You may not think it’s possible to take the family on holiday to the Victorian snowfields without spending a fortune on accommodation, but we’ve found a fantastic family budget option for you – without having to compromise on location or comfort. It’s the YMCA Howmans Gap Alpine Centre!
Howmans Gap is the perfect accommodation choice for families heading to the Victorian Snowfields. This comfortable and warm Falls Creek accommodation centre is a beautiful place to stay. Surrounded by stunning mountain ash bushland, it’s hard to believe this peaceful setting is located right before the main entrance to Falls Creek Resort.
Here are just a few reasons why you should consider Howmans Gap for your next family skiing holiday!
Staying at Howmans Gap makes visiting Falls Creek easy
Howmans Gap runs its own shuttle bus to Falls Creek several times a day during the Victorian ski season. The trip only takes ten minutes to get to the centre of Falls Creek Village. Just climb aboard the bus to be dropped off at your Falls Creek skiing area of choice – easy! No need to worry about purchasing a car permit or fitting chains to your car to enter Falls Creek Village. You don’t have to leave your car stranded at the side of the road for a week if you stay at Falls Creek Village, either. At Howmans Gap there is free parking near your accommodation.
Howmans Gap dining hall
Another bonus for staying at Howmans Gap is their big communal dining room. Hot cooked breakfasts are served every morning, and three-course hot dinners are on the menu every night. The dining room is a fantastic place to meet the super-friendly Howmans Gap staff, as well as other guests. There is a wonderful, friendly community atmosphere that will have you all chatting – and the kids playing together – in no time!
Howmans Gap facilities
A large lounge adjoins the main dining room, with plenty of room to relax and unwind after your day in the snow. There’s also a large games room with lounges, board games, ping pong, table soccer, air hockey and more. The kids aren’t going to get bored at Howmans Gap!
Storage rooms for your skis and snow boards are available, plus drying rooms to dry out all of your wet snow gear after all those snowballs, snowy walks and learning-to-ski tumbles! Simply pop your snow and ski gear in at the end of the day, and by the next morning everything is warm, dry and ready for another day of snow fun!
Howmans Gap family accommodation options
There are accommodation choices to suit everyone at Howmans Gap.
Melaleuca Cottage
Take a look inside Melaleuca Cottage
There are two cottages offering accommodation to families or small groups at Howmans Gap, and we were lucky enough to spend several days in one of them – the picturesque Melaleuca Cottage.
This private, secluded cottage is surrounded by beautiful native forest and features stunning mountain views. Sleeping up to eight people, Melaleuca Cottage is perfect for small to large families, or even two sharing families. There are three cosy bedrooms, and a modern bathroom with a shower. A laundry contains drying hooks, and both a washing machine and dryer.
A fully equipped open plan kitchen makes it easy for families to self-cater, and there is an adjoining large dining and lounge area. A cosy wood fire is located in the lounge room, which also features a large balcony opening off of it. The lounge room has a TV and DVD player, plus family games to play.
Linen is provided for the queen sized bed in the main bedroom, and you will need to bring your own sheets and pillowcases for the other rooms, plus towels and toiletries for the bathroom.
Private group family rooms
Down the hill from Melaleuca Cottage you’ll find the main reception, communal dining room, lounges and accommodation blocks.
There are numerous accommodation bed and bunk configurations to choose from. Private group bunk rooms accommodate small to large families, many with shared modern bathroom facilities. Some rooms have their own private bathroom facilities.
Accessible accommodation
Howmans Gap prides itself on being a fully inclusive community. Their accessible accommodation for the disabled is state-of-the art, and fully caters to a wide range of mobility limitations. All of Howmans Gap facilities are wheelchair accessible.
To find out more about which accommodation option may suit your family, you can find out more at the Howmans Gap family snow accommodation information and specials here .
Howmans Gap Falls Creek Cross Country skiing and snow-fun discounts
Another bonus of staying at Howmans Gap is that you get a 30% discount when hiring snow-shoes or cross-country skis at Falls Creek Cross Country, located at Windy Corner, Falls Creek.
Here you can hire cross country skis, organise cross country skiing lessons for adults or ski school for the kids.
You can also hire waterproof snow boots and toboggans to play with on the family fun area next door.
The cosy Windy Corner Café adjoins the hire and retail shop, and is perfect for a quick snack or delicious hot lunch.
Find out more about Falls Creek Cross Country at the official website here.
For more information about Howmans Gap, you can visit their official website here.
All information is correct as at September 2018 – please check the above website link for relevant, up to date information and accommodation prices. Let’s go Mum were hosted guests of YMCA Howmans Gap, however all opinions remain firmly our own.
Have you ever visited Falls Creek, or do you plan to go one day? Tell us in the comments below…
