AUSTRALIA
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Mt Hotham, Victoria- SNOWCENTRAL
Mount Hotham Website
QUICKSTATS
> Closest Airport: Hotham 15 mins
> Closest Town: Harrietville 35 mins
> Terrain Area: 605 acres + cat ski
> Vertical Rise: 364 m
> Lifts: 10 (incl. 6 high speed quads)
> Terrain Park: YES Halfpipe: YES
> Avg Annual Snowfall: 3m (OZ highest)
> How Dry: Variable
> Snowmaking: YES
RUN ALLOCATIONS
> Beginner: 27%
> Intermediate: 36%
> Advanced / Expert: 37%
Mt Hotham is located under 4.5 hours by car from Melbourne via the great Alpine Rd, a scenic drive through meandering valleys and characteristic villages. If you choose to fly however you will experience a magic 35min flight from Melbourne, 1.5 hour flight from Sydney or just over 3hrs flying time from Brisbane across Australia's spectacular alpine vistas. In fact Hotham is the most accessible resort in Australia, not too mention unique. Why? Well, the first thing you'll notice is that the village is on top of the mountain! The trails run outwards down the valleys meaning that the skiing is truly ski out...no waiting for first lift on a powder day, the first one up is definitely best dressed.
THE SNOW AND WEATHER
Mt Hotham has the highest naturally snowfall in Australia. The variation of dryness comes with continent; Australia is known for its extremes of light dry powder snow one day then rain the next. It's not all gloom though, even in a bad year Hotham still can open most runs. This is because the Australian terrain type is not so rocky and hence even with just 30 centimetres the majority of the mountain will remain open while resorts in the Northern Hemisphere and NZ wouldn't even dream about opening.
The weather with the snow is also variable. Perfect one day and absolutely abysmal the next. It's best to dress in layers so you can strip off or cover up as need be. Average temperatures in the dead of winter don't get much below -8 degrees Celsius but the humidity can make it seem a lot colder. Spring is a beautiful time to be here though so bring the sunscreen, t-shirt and sunglasses.
THE TERRAIN
Hotham's terrain is certainly something different. A series of ridges and peaks make up the main bulk of the ski able area with the trails winding from the top to the bottoms. With this in mind Hotham's terrain cannot be placed into the usual "rolling hills" category that is usually affiliated with Australia's resorts. Instead you'll find a Mecca of chutes, gullys, natural half pipes, ridgelines and nicely spaced glades for your pleasure. There are also the areas for beginner's where you can find your feet on some really nice cruisers runs down the wide open summit area.
Hotham's main beginner area though is located on the Bid D, a few minutes via the "zoo train" shuttle from the main village. Here you'll find 3 runs including an easy intermediate to hone your skills. Mainly cruisers here but fun never the less as this is the centre of the mountain's night skiing which takes place on a Tuesday and Saturday night. Hang out here if you are just learning.
The second most noticeable area of Hotham is the Summit. A really wide open run (beginner) with no speed limit. A nice vertical run from here via the "road runner" bridge, "gully" catwalk then into slalom gully will make you think again about Australia not having long leg burners. On the left hand side of the Summit you can find "Australia Drift"; the freestyle epicentre. A super pipe, terrain park and boarder/skier cross track is set up here for some real fun; jibbers area definitely well catered for.
The "Heavenly Valley" is one of my favourites. Rising from "Slalom Gully" up a series of spurs, gullys and natural half pipes we find a meaner side of Hotham. Its pure adrenaline which ever line you choose up here. The fast and furious "Imagine" for intermediates is magically groomed on a beautifully steeped pitch. "Gun Barrel" and "The Canyon" are as they seem and bring life to the sensation of all mountain fun with their natural half pipe walls and fluid tightness. The wonderfully steep bump run of "purgatory spur" will challenge the hot dogger in you "the cornice" is great for advanced skiers and boarders to huck off.
Right, if you keep moving along the top of the heavenly valley ridgeline you'll see come upon the devil of Australian skiing. If there's powder and your pretty good, get here for the "Gotcha chair" is awaiting your challenge. Lurking here you'll find the famous Aussie run so named "Mary's slide". Jump the cornice and stick it for if you don't it will be a long fast ride into the creek at the bottom. A big open bowl that funnels into some mean bumps...lost of fun. While you're here acquaint yourself with "the Chute" for some even tighter turns that are steep and deep, and did I mention tight? Head check, am I in Canada? Check out the ghost gums, nope this is Aus...Wow! This whole area will blow your mind and if you're an expert skier you can't miss it, you'll not believe that Australian skiing or boarding could be so cool.
The "Keogh's" and "Orchard" conjure up images of trees and that's exactly what this place is. Powder snow through the ghost gums, fantastic. Lots and lost of terrain features here for Intermediate above to avoid or hit depending on your person. Adventure to be found so explore and just point your skis or board down for you'll eventually get back somewhere close to civilisation. Recommendations? Try the "Watershed" and the trees surrounding or for the fast and the furious give "Spargos" a go. For a little something extra (but free of charge) try the cat skiing and get towed to the top of "one tree hill" where you can venture into some very technical and narrow gullys hidden within tight trees. Its backcountry without being backcountry.
ACCOMMODATION
There is also the option of staying in diner plain, which is located about 20 minutes from the summit. This architecturally award winning village has an amazing feeling about it. Made up of a few hotels but mainly beautiful chalets, Dinner Plain has a pub and some exquisite restaurants; it's all set back in the ghost gums and if you want a true alpine experience with the big log fires and stone brick lodges then look no further. Complimentary shuttle runs from here regularly from the Hotham Village to this quaint and more relaxed environment.
FACILITIES & GOING OUT
The village area caters for your every need. There are multiple ski boutiques offering the latest in retail, rental and services (like boot fitting). A general store, fast food outlets, bars and cafes operate in the village.
Hotham has some great night spots too such as the local favourite "Swindlers" which offers gourmet pizzas, grill and live bands and "The Isobar" which has a lat night "club" atmosphere playing all the latest in dance, trance and techno.
The "Snowbird Inn" is a favourite among backpackers and regularly holds theme nights. "Jack Frost", "Fountains" and "Chione" are some of the restaurants that you'll find at Hotham servicing the upmost quality dishes from round the world. Hotham also has some 'on-slope' eateries including the "Brockoff" and "Snake Gully huts which are basically located mid run and provide snacks, drinks and even deck BBQ's during nice weather.
SKI SCHOOL, GUIDING & CHILD CARE
Hotham's ski and board school is of world class standard. They have many different programs to cater towards everyone including; private lessons, "afternoon extreme", group lessons, carving clinics and the Hotham free riding program not to mention girls only days and ski/board camps.
There is guiding at Hotham and the snow sports desk will be able to advise you on pick times and meeting spots.
The MILO kids' club and children's centre offer special programs for the kids and includes games, lessons in skiing and boarding and lunch. Its well priced and a must to get some ski time to yourself if you have kids.
BOTTOM LINE
Hotham is the most unique and accessible alpine resort in Australia. It's terrain is refreshing and its nightlife more than adequate. Discover it to find a truly different experience while avoiding the crowds. Buckets of Variety.
For the latest information and deals call;
SNOWMAN TOURS & TRAVEL
07 3855 1264 / 07 3855 4000
For the best deals and experience...
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