THIS summer Dinner Plain is emerging from a year like no other. The quiet mountain village, just 10 minutes beyond Mount Hotham, has endured everything from bushfires to lockdowns and a cancelled snow season to boot. But just like the resilience of its iconic twisted snowgums, Dinner Plain Alpine Village is bouncing back in a big way.

With Christmas around the corner, Dinner Plain is planning to light up in the most literal way possible. For 10 days from December 23 to January 2, the village’s high country huts and snowgums will be transformed into a dazzling interactive exhibition of light. When the sun goes down, be prepared to be astounded by the spectacular scene set by thousands of fairy lights, festoons, colour washes and glowing towers. The installation has been designed by the suppliers of White Night and is set to be a stunning exhibition unlike anything seen in the high country before.

During the daytime, mountain biking is king! Dinner Plain’s mountain bike park is the quiet achiever, a true low gravity park with fast, flowing trails and super easy return climb. The big difference is the layout and trail profile has been carefully planned to give options for younger and less experienced riders too. With in-village bike rentals, free trail maps and no fees to pay, it’s a no brainer for an adventurous getaway.

Dinner Plain’s backyard is the Alpine National Park so you can expect loads of exciting options to get away from the beaten track. In close you can experience camping under the stars at the historic JB Plain cattleman’s hut, or hike to the plunging 25m basalt cliff at Precipice Plain. If you’re looking for something more intensive, the Razorback walk to Mt Feathertop, or Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing are both essential items for any bucket list. From Dinner Plain you can set your base and explore to your heart’s content.

With all of this comes the excitement of a new look to eating and drinking in the Village. Already having welcomed the new café Stables @ DP, this coming summer will see the introduction of another new boutique restaurant, The Hub. Blizzard Brewing Company’s tap room will be beginning a new life in the village roundabout region and Hotel High Plains have revamped their entire food and beverage experience.

If you thought you knew Dinner Plain, it’s time to make a return visit and see what’s new. It’s fair to say, this old dog has a few new tricks to show off.