NUMBERS will be limited at the Mount Buffalo National Park this winter as Parks Victoria braces for a bumper season with many families opting to snow play there instead of Mount Hotham and Falls Creek.

The park is always attractive for tobogganing, snow play and cross country skiing and this year will provide a free alternative when the ski resorts hit capacity.

But the popular option will also be forced to run at reduced capacity to ensure all coronavirus restrictions are met.

There will be a limit on the number of vehicles and visitors permitted into the park at any one time. Once capacity is met, entry to the park will be temporarily halted.

Ranger team leader Michelle Doherty did not state the maximum capacity but said there will be regular monitoring of popular sites such as Dingo Dell to ensure social distancing is maintained.

“Parking will only be permitted along the access road to Dingo Dell and this will be monitored throughout the day and vehicles will be allowed to enter as other vehicles leave,” she said.

“Visitors are encouraged to use areas other than Dingo Dell and Cresta for snow play.

“We recommend parking at the Chalet, opposite the Monolith Track, Crossmans Mill and the Cathedral Saddle as they all provide areas to safely park and access the snow away from the road.”

The main carpark with about 300 spaces on Mount Buffalo Road will be closed.