Hotham Heights accommodation from AU$159

You might be interested to know that skiing in Mount Hotham first began around 1863, not for fun but out of necessity, when miners living on the Upper Dargo River used skis to cross the high plains to Harrietville. In 1962, the Department of Crown Lands and Survey took responsibility for Mount Hotham and spent the next 21 years helping to build things like chairlifts and the region’s first resort. Hotham and the Victorian Alps are part of the Great Dividing Range, the chain of mountains that runs 3,000km from Queensland to Victoria. Just a bus ride from Mount Hotham is Dinner Plain, a village with over 15km of walking trails, snowgum trees and pubs with fireplaces.

Learning to ski on Mount Hotham is easy. You don’t even need your own gear, with more than eight hire spots on the mountain to pick from. Group lessons, kids’ lessons and private lessons are all available so you and the whole family can take on Hotham’s slopes in no time. The feeling of excitement as you tear through the snow with views of white-tipped mountains around you is something else! More experienced snow buffs won’t be bored either, since Mount Hotham has four terrain parks and heaps of runs from beginner to advanced.

When the weather is warm, Mount Hotham is green, grassy and still packed with things to do. Challenge yourself with a bike ride to Harrietville or explore a snowgum-lined walking track. There are plenty of bushwalks for keen hikers, including the 21km Huts Walk. This walk links three of Hotham’s most famous huts, including the one used in the film The Silver Brumby. When you’re tired at the end of the day, that’s when it’s time to head to dinner. You can choose between casual dining, cafes or fine restaurants. There are also heaps of pubs and clubs around for a relaxing drink and a bit of live music.

Mount Hotham is 381km from Melbourne and you can catch a flight to Melbourne or flight to Albury and hire a car to get there. Book your Mount Hotham hotel with us, because sunny or snowing – it’s a trip worth taking.