Mt Hotham offers Australia's finest intermediate terrain, with runs like Bushwacker and the Milky Way combination providing the perfect balance of challenge and reward. This comprehensive guide ranks the top 5 intermediate runs that make Hotham superior to other Victorian resorts for progressing riders.
Mt Hotham's Best Intermediate Runs: Why This Victorian Resort Leads Australia
Mt Hotham delivers Australia's finest intermediate terrain, combining genuine pitch with alpine views that rival international destinations. After riding slopes across Australia, Japan, North America, New Zealand, and Europe, one thing becomes clear: Hotham's intermediate runs offer the perfect balance of challenge and reward that keeps riders progressing.
Why Mt Hotham Has Australia's Best Intermediate Terrain
The Top 5 Intermediate Runs at Mt Hotham
5. Tele Treat
More gateway than destination, Tele Treat serves as your entry point to The Orchard area - arguably the best intermediate zone in Australia. The run drops 96 vertical metres from 1785m to 1689m, starting with a mandatory straight section before climbing toward sweeping valley views. While the run itself is brief, it connects you to eight different intermediate options in Hotham's most scenic corner.
Perfect for logging multiple laps, Sun Run delivers consistent intermediate riding from the Road Runner chair. After crossing Sun Run Upper, the trail opens into proper blue terrain dropping 143 vertical metres from 1818m to 1675m. Morning sessions offer freshly groomed perfection, while afternoon runs develop natural bumps that provide gentle progression into more technical terrain.
3. Upper & Lower Imagine
Despite the black diamond marking on Upper Imagine, groomed conditions make this combination ideal for intermediates ready to test advanced terrain. The steeper upper section builds confidence before mellowing into Lower Imagine. Sitting beneath the highly regarded Heavenly chair, this 226-metre vertical descent from 1762m offers engaging pitch with valley views stretching toward Mt Feathertop.
2. Milky Way + Blue Snake + Snake Gully
This combination delivers the most comprehensive intermediate experience on the mountain. Starting at 1757m with expansive Alpine views, Milky Way flows into Blue Snake's genuine pitch and natural mogul development. The sequence continues through Snake Gully, creating 221 vertical metres of varied terrain that showcases why Hotham outclasses Mt Buller and Falls Creek for intermediate riding.
1. Bushwacker
Located in Hotham's back corner and accessible via both Gotcha and Orchard chairs, Bushwacker claims the top spot for good reason. This 109-metre vertical descent from 1817m offers perfectly pitched terrain with minimal crowds. The isolation means fresher snow longer, while the surrounding area provides eight different intermediate options once you've made the journey.
The Victorian resort's advantage lies in combining genuine pitch with alpine scenery and variety. Unlike other Australian destinations that prioritise beginner-friendly cruisers, Hotham's intermediate runs challenge riders while maintaining comfort zones. The terrain encourages progression rather than complacency.
The Orchard area particularly stands out, requiring multiple lift rides but rewarding committed riders with uncrowded slopes and diverse terrain options. When conditions align, these back-corner runs deliver experiences that justify the extra effort.
For intermediate riders planning Victorian Alps trips, Hotham should take priority over other regional options. The terrain here pushes boundaries in the right ways while delivering the alpine views that make Australian skiing special.
