Mt Hotham Resort opens for winter notwithstanding lack of snow

This long weekend marks the start of Victoria’s snow season, and while there is little snow coverage, new restaurants, events, a new carpet lift and new, state-of-the-art day shelter and car park are just a few things in store this weekend that sees Mt Hotham ready to welcome guests for the 2024 winter season.

This weekend also marks the opening of the eagerly awaited Alpine Gateway, which will operate as a new trailhead for the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing and a visitor facility to enhance year-round access to outdoor activities. With a multi-level car park and strategically positioned at the Loch Car Park site, the site provides direct ski field access and is fitted out with fully accessible amenities including lockers, showers, and heated community areas.

Lyndsey Jackman, General Manager Alpine Resorts Victoria Mt Hotham enthused “we’re excited with the opportunity to welcome back friends, families, locals and guests to our resort and embrace the unique mountain culture that we have at Mt Hotham on King’s Birthday weekend. With snow on the horizon, we can’t wait to get the resort into full swing this winter.”

The impressive day shelter will also provide Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA) with a 20-square-meter storage and workshop area, along with a transfer room for intermediate-to-advanced sit skiers to transfer themselves seamlessly to the snow fields. These areas are in addition to DWA's new space in Hotham Central. Supported with funding by the Victorian Government, the facility will also serve as an ideal starting point for exploring the area’s network of walking trails in the warmer months.

Phil Knight, Resort Services Manager Mt Hotham for DWA adds “This new development will be an absolute game changer for our intermediate to advanced sit skiers, as it will allow them direct access to the ski fields, largely independently. With automatic sensor doors, ample storage facilities and an artificial snow surface connecting the transfer room to the ski area, we are beyond excited with this new addition to the resort.”

In addition, this season is also seeing a number of exciting additions to the resort for guests to enjoy. A new carpet behind Hotham Central will re-imagine the beginner experience. When paired with an improved Beginner Bundle or Beginner Lift Ticket, this provides a great option for new skiers and snowboarders at Hotham.

There are also several new and improved dining options this season for guests to enjoy, from a new steak restaurant courtesy of the crew at Bright’s famous Sir Loins restaurant, to expansions at The Bird and The General enabling more seating for guests during busy periods.

Finally, the event line up this season is filling up with plenty of options for every type of snow enthusiast. Returning events this season include weekly fireworks displays through July and August (Wednesdays in July and Saturdays in August), demo days, rail jams, ski/snowboard cross events and women’s ski week, to name a few. And with new DJs gracing the decks at Snake Gully Hut and the inclusion of Pride Week into the September events calendar, Mt Hotham is set for another vibrant and exciting winter.

Image. Credit: Mt Hotham Resort