Hotham spotlights its recreational and wellness off-piste options

Victorian ski resort, Hotham is spotlighting some of the different way to experience the mountain’s off-piste options from sled dog rides to spa treatments.

Jake Greaves’ Howling Huskys are celebrating their 10th season at Hotham in 2023. Greaves offers tailored tours from the Wire Plain snow play area which last from 20 minutes to an hour, all involving plenty of hands-on cuddles and pats with the stars of the show.

Howling Huskys is now one of the only commercial operations of its kind in the world which employs rescue dogs deemed ‘unrehomeable’. Greaves’ kennel now boasts 72 huskies, kelpies, malamutes, blue heelers and cross-breeds, including 56 still working and the rest living out their days in retirement.

For those that prefer to self-propel, exploring Hotham’s incredible alpine terrain on snowshoes is another way to enjoy a trip to the snow. 

Shannon Dunbar’s Alpine Running guided snowshoeing adventures include twice weekly 12 km return, women’s only hikes to Derrick’s Hut, including lunch and snowshoe hire. Dunbar’s hikes have become so popular that this season, she has added shorter, five kilometre guided snowshoe adventures for mixed groups, through some of Hotham and Dinner Plain’s most picture-perfect snow-covered landscapes.    

Hotham guests can also now enjoy Mountain Wellness Co’s sublime spa treatments using pure Australian botanicals at the Dinner Plain Onsen, which has reopened for the 2023 season. 

Treatments include massages, facials and hot stone therapy, and for something really special guests can enjoy a full spa experience, like the Malpara. This luxurious 4-5 hour experience for two includes a Mountain Wellness signature massage, a Serene Mizu Geisha Bath and salt scrub, topped off by a local grazing platter and glass of local bubbly.

Treatments longer than 75minutes also include complimentary access to the outdoor heated Onsen, sauna, spa, gym and indoor heated lap pool. 

More information on Howling Huskys 

More information on Shannon Dunbar’s Alpine Running guided snowshoeing adventures 

More information on Mountain Wellness Co’s spa treatments