The Definitive Guide to Mt Hotham's Top 5 Intermediate Runs

Mt Hotham Delivers Australia's Premier Intermediate Terrain

After riding intermediate slopes across Australia, Japan, North America, New Zealand, and Europe, one thing becomes clear: Mt Hotham offers the country's best intermediate terrain. While it may not compete internationally, Hotham's blue runs provide the perfect combination of challenging pitch, alpine scenery, and variety that keeps intermediate riders progressing.

The Victorian resort's intermediate trails stand apart from competitors like Mt Buller and Falls Creek through genuine terrain variation and engaging descents that reward technical improvement. Here are the five runs that define why Hotham should top every intermediate rider's destination list.

5. Tele Treat - Gateway to Excellence

Tele Treat earns its place not for the run itself, but as your access point to The Orchard area - arguably Australia's finest intermediate terrain pocket. Departing from the Gotcha chair summit, the trail begins with a straight-line section building momentum for the connecting climb.

During this traverse, riders witness exactly why The Orchard has become a favourite zone. The terrain opens dramatically with sweeping valley views and Mt Feathertop commanding the background. From the 1785m starting elevation, the 96-metre vertical descent flows toward the Orchard lift base, weaving between snow gums while maintaining perfect intermediate pitch.

The real value lies in what Tele Treat connects you to - eight different intermediate options in an area that consistently delivers uncrowded, high-quality terrain.

4. Sun Run - The Session Master

Sun Run claims fourth position through sheer repeatability. Accessible via Road Runner chair and connected through Sun Run Upper, this trail transforms throughout the day while maintaining intermediate accessibility.

The 143-metre vertical descent from 1818m to 1675m starts each morning as perfectly groomed cruising terrain - ideal for opening up or practising clean turn sequences. By afternoon, natural bump formation provides gentle mogul introduction without intimidating intermediate riders.

This progression from smooth morning cruising to technically engaging afternoon riding exemplifies quality intermediate design. The only downside involves the bottom funnel into Playground and Gully Catwalk, which suffer from overcrowding and insufficient pitch.

3. Upper & Lower Imagine - Confidence Builder

Upper Imagine appears marked black on trail maps but rides like steep blue terrain when groomed - perfect for intermediate riders testing advanced slopes. The combination showcases why the Heavenly chair area earns recognition as Victoria's premier lift zone.

Starting from 1762m, the upper section provides steeper pitch for building black run confidence before mellowing through the lower section. The 226-metre vertical descent offers engaging terrain while maintaining intermediate comfort levels, with valley views extending throughout the descent.

Wide trail design handles crowds effectively while preserving that technical challenge essential for skill development. This combination successfully bridges the gap between comfortable intermediate riding and advanced terrain progression.

The summit of the Milky Way trail at Hotham. Credit: SnowStash

2. Milky Way + Blue Snake + Snake Gully - The Complete Experience

This three-run combination delivers the mountain's most comprehensive intermediate experience. Beginning at 1757m, Milky Way provides expansive valley views including perfect Mt Feathertop sightlines that rival any alpine scenery in Australia.

Rather than following crowds onto Lower Imagine, experienced intermediates should veer left onto Blue Snake. This short connector maintains genuine pitch and develops natural moguls by late afternoon - perfect first bump run introduction for progressing riders.

Snake Gully continues this engaging terrain back to Heavenly chair base, completing a 221-metre vertical descent that demonstrates Hotham's intermediate superiority over competing Victorian resorts. Weekend and holiday crowds can impact the experience, making weekday timing essential for optimal conditions.

1. Bushwacker - Australia's Best Intermediate Run

Bushwacker claims top honours as Australia's finest intermediate trail. Located in the resort's remote back corner, accessing this run requires both Gotcha and Orchard chair rides - a journey that naturally filters casual riders and maintains uncrowded conditions.

From its 1817m starting point, Bushwacker delivers 109 metres of perfectly pitched intermediate terrain. Fresh grooming transforms this trail into incredibly fast riding while maintaining blue-level comfort zones. The isolation ensures longer-lasting fresh conditions compared to any other intermediate run on the mountain.

The true advantage extends beyond the single run. This corner houses eight different intermediate trails, each offering distinct character and challenges. Several advanced runs become accessible when groomed, providing natural progression opportunities for confident intermediates.

Why Hotham Leads Australian Intermediate Terrain

Mt Hotham's intermediate superiority stems from genuine pitch variation, consistent alpine views, and terrain variety that promotes skill progression rather than mere cruising. Unlike Falls Creek and Mt Buller, Hotham's blue runs challenge riders appropriately while rewarding improvement with quality alpine scenery.

For intermediate skiers and snowboarders planning Victorian Alps trips, Hotham should receive priority consideration. The resort's terrain challenges riders constructively while delivering some of Australia's finest mountain vistas.

The combination of technical variety, scenic rewards, and progressive difficulty makes Mt Hotham the clear choice for intermediate riders seeking to advance their skills while experiencing Australia's premier alpine environment.