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Image - Alpine Resort - Mount Hotham
Swap city life for an experience in winter like no other by heading to Australia's highest alpine village, Mount Hotham, to snow ski and snowboard. Waking up with breathtaking views of the mountain ranges and riding down perfectly groomed slopes on a bluebird day is an incredible feeling like no other. Visiting the snow is one the best short holidays you'll ever have but can be daunting if it's your first time going. To help, we have gathered together everything you need to know about Mt Hotham including the best restaurants, top après spots, best accommodation on the mountain, and everything else you need to know before heading to Mount Hotham's snow season.
Ski Level – 20% Beginner / 20% Intermediate / 40% Advanced
Lift Serviced Skiing Area – 245 hectares
Vertical Metres – 395m
Peak Elevation – 1861m
Longest Run – 2.5km
Lifts – 13
Snowmaking Area – 38ha
On Mountain Beds – 7000
Longest Run – 2.5km
Image - Alpine Resort - Mount Hotham
Mount Hotham is in north-east Victoria, about 360 kilometers from Melbourne or 700 kilometers from Sydney. It's accessible from Melbourne from two directions, first option takes approximately 4.25 hours (380km), traveling along the Hume Highway to Wangaratta, then following the signs onto the Great Alpine Road, which takes you directly to Mt Hotham. The second option is slightly longer (460km) however, it's ideal if the weather is poor and snowing heavily; taking you on the Monash Freeway/Princess Hwy to Bairnsdale then Omeo where you merge onto the Great Alpine Road, finishing at Mount Hotham.
Tip – Ensure you carry chains and drive with caution at all times.
Mount Hotham is the perfect mountain no matter your ability, from beginners to advanced riders it caters to everyone. If it's your first time on the snow or you haven't been in years, you'll love the gentle slopes Mt Hotham has to offer - the Summit and Big D are perfect with wide-open space to gain confidence going down. The Road Runner and Orchard Quads runs are perfect for intermediate riders looking to up their ability with perfectly groomed blue runs for the ultimate ride.
Image - IG / @hothamalpineresort
Advanced riders are in their own league at Mount Hotham, finding all the secret hidden gems the mountain has to offer. On a 'powder day' head straight for Heavenly Valley, then finish the morning with a lap on 'One Tree Hill' accessed from the Orchard Chair. The Extreme Zone beneath the Gotcha and Keogh's lifts has some of Australia's steepest terrain making it very rewarding for those skiers and snowboarders who like that particular challenge.
You can't beat The Bird for seriously good food, great coffee, and outstanding craft beer. The atmosphere is always buzzing and is home to après entertainment up to 3 afternoons per week with music by acoustic performers. The Bird at Mt Hotham is the best place for a ski-in hot lunch and chilled beverage, conveniently located just meters from the Summit chairlift.
Image - The Bird / Hotham Alpine Resort
A popular favourite by locals, located at the top of Black Snake, Hoff Hut is the perfect spot for a mid-day break as it's ski-in ski-out. Hoff Hut offers hearty soups, locally baked bread, delicious Harrietville quiches, and other sumptuous delights along with all your favourite drinks. Hoff Hut is one of the best restaurants Mt Hotham has to offer.
Image - IG / @hoff_hut_hotham
Zirky's Café, Bar and Bistro offer a range of delights, with a touch of European atmosphere and hospitality. It overlooks incredible mountain views and has big booth tables that accommodate large groups. Zirky's Café, Bar and Bistro in the heart of Mt Hotham's village offers quick takeaway meals, perfect if you want to have a relaxing night back at the accommodation with no fuss.
Image - IG / @zirkys
Miss Mary's provides signature cocktails and an Asian fusion 'share or not to share' eating concept that is a must-try this season. Located downstairs in Mt Hotham Central, it's taking over what was formally known as Yama. Miss Mary's provides intimate nooks to hide away from the crowds or open spaces for social butterflies. With three taps, a craft fridge, and signature cocktails, you'll fall in love with Mount Hotham's newly designed restaurant Miss Mary’s.
Image - IG / @missmaryshotham
The General Store is known for great food, live music and a friendly atmosphere. Located next to the Big D, it’s the perfect afternoon stop once you pick the kids up from Mt Hotham Ski School. The General Store offers an extensive pizza and takeaway menu for the nights you don't feel like cooking and the General Store also incorporates a supermarket, stocked with everything you need to make Mt Hotham feel like home.
Image - FB / The General, Mt Hotham
Blizzard Brewing Company is Australia's highest brewery located in the Dinner Plain, serving craft beer made from snow, yep that’s right – beer made from snow! Blizzard Brewing Company is the perfect spot after riding Mt Hotham's slopes all day to kick back and relax while enjoying a beverage with friends or family. Sit in the beer lounge or on the deck looking over the incredible scenery that Mt Hotham has to offer.
Image - IG / @blizzardbrewco
The Chill Bar and Café offers incredible food, but also the perfect place for a beverage with friends after a long day on the slopes at Mount Hotham. The Chill Bar has awesome music playing a variety of genres suited to everyone on the mountain and is stocked with great beer on tap, local wines and can make you any spirit to suit your taste.
Image - Chill Bar & Cafe | Hotham Alpine Resort
Swindlers Bar & Bistro is conveniently located downstairs in Mt Hotham Central. Swindlers Bar & Bistro offers one of the best pizza menus at Mt Hotham, and is also available for take-away. Take in the magnificent views surrounding the bar and enjoy the live music with friends and family.
Image - FB / Swindlers Bar
Adding onto the amazing food available at Mt Hotham, The General Store is another that provides the goods. As the sun goes down the bar lights up, making it a popular destination for a drink and a dance at Mount Hotham. The General Store includes sets from the legendary DJ Eddy on Monday nights, with a buzzing atmosphere and great service, it’s the place to be during Mt Hotham’s snow season.
Image - FB / The General, Mt Hotham
Arlberg Bar & Bistro is the perfect stop to enjoy a drink and a hearty meal at Mt Hotham. After a jam-packed day on the mountain, the Arlberg Bar & Bistro is a great place to wind down, enjoy a beverage with mates and a pizza slice or two while looking over the beauty of Mt Hotham.
Image - Arlberg Bar & Bistro
The Chalet Hotham is well-known for its incredible service and enjoyable stay, offering breathtaking views with modern facilities. The rooms have been fully refurbished making it one of the best places to stay at Mt Hotham mountain; the Chalet also provides luggage transport from the Corral Day carpark to your front door. Further adding to the endless amount of features at Chalet Hotham, spa baths are available for use in each room and trust us, it’s the perfect way to relax the muscles after a hard day on the slopes.
Image - Chalet Hotham | Hotham Alpine Resort
Mountain Dreaming Apartments are perfect for couples that want a weekend getaway with luxury facilities and a balcony that overlooks Mount Hotham's picturesque mountains covered in snow. These six-star energy-rated apartments are fully self-contained and offer spacious living, giving you the feeling of being in the comfort of your home. Mountain Dreaming Apartments are located behind The General and found only 100m from the Big D Ski Lift and Mt Hotham's Ski School.
Image - Mountain Dreaming Apartments | Hotham Alpine Resort
The McMillan Ski Club is a non-profit member lodge with 9 bedrooms/bunk rooms, two lounge areas, two kitchens, and two dining areas; located directly behind Jack Frost in the heart of the club area at Mt Hotham. The McMillian Ski Club has quick and easy access to all village facilities making your stay stress-free. It is also a cheaper option for families staying on the mountain at Mt Hotham but still perfect to adhere to all your needs.
Image - McMillian Ski Club | Hotham Alpine Resort
The perfect ski-in ski-out accommodation at Mount Hotham, Gotcha Chalet is located adjacent to the Basin trail run and only a short distance from Mt Hotham Central. The Gotcha Chalet has large 5-bedroom rooms that boast insane views overlooking Mt Hotham's snow slopes, allowing you to sit back and watch people rip up the mountain from your balcony. The multi-level chalet offers a spacious living area, ideal for large groups of up to 15 people, with a wood fireplace – making the Gotcha Chalet at Mt Hotham one to look into.
Image - Gotcha Chalet | Hotham Alpine Resort
This magnificent chalet will blow your mind; with its James Bond style and stunning architecture, it is one of the best places to stay at Mt Hotham. Under the Moonlight chalet has 2 bedrooms with 1 king bed and 2 singles, both having an ensuite and the master featuring its very own spa. To add to this insane stay, the property has large double-glazed windows that bring the outside in, the perfect ambience in the perfect location. Under the Moonlight chalet does not come cheap, but if you're willing to splurge a bit of money for your weekend away at Mt Hotham it's certainly one to consider, and one you will surely remember.
Image - Under the Moonlight - Dinner Plain
Peak ski season at Mt Hotham is between July and August when the mountain receives most of its snowfall, and it can get quite busy during the peak snow season. That's why a big tip from us at Auski is to be an early bird! Mt Hotham opens its Heavenly Valley lift at 7.30 am, Wednesday to Sunday. That means nearly three hours of minimum line-ups and no busy crowds on Mt Hotham's slopes; take your lunch break at 11:30 am getting in before the crazy rush and get back on the mountain when everyone starts heading in for lunch. The perfect way to schedule your day that makes skiing and snowboarding at Mt Hotham a little more stress-free and enjoyable.
Image - IG / @hothamalpineresort
Image - Scenic Flights & HeliLink | Hotham Alpine Resort
Book a tour ride with a team of stunning Siberian Huskies that take you into the winter wonderland of the backcountry trails of Mt Hotham. Located behind Wire Plain Hut the service offers a variety of bundles that you can book, but make sure to get in fast as Howling Husky sled dog tours is a popular experience and sells out fast at Mt Hotham. It’s also a great experience for kids and one they’re sure to love.
An insane experience like no other is to fly high over Mount Hotham and witness the beauty of the alpine region. The helicopter link can take you from Mount Hotham and drop you off at Falls Creek, where you can continue to ski the slopes, a once-in-a-lifetime experience skiing two different mountains in one day.
Mt Hotham offers multiple-day spa retreats for you to enjoy after a few days of hard work on the mountain. The Onsen Retreat and Spa at Dinner Plain has an outdoor pool heated to 40 degrees for soaking the muscles, as well as a range of relaxing treatments. The Sodashi and White Spa are also other locations at Mt Hotham where you can switch off and relax.
Now that you have the inside scoop to Mount Hotham's snow season head into one of our Auski stores and talk to our team on getting the right gear for you. Whether you are a beginner or expert we have everything you need to make your snow trip comfortable, safe and, stylish.
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