Does Australia’s Powder Capital Deserve Its Title? Hotham Mountain Review
Situated atop some of Victoria's highest mountains, Hotham proudly holds the title of the state's powder capital and stands as the sole upside ski resort in the southern hemisphere. Perched along the Great Alpine Road at an elevation of 1,750m, the central village serves as a gateway to the resort, with 80% of its ski trails nestled in the valleys below. Hotham is home to an unconventional experience when it comes to ski resorts, where instead of boarding a chairlift at the base village, you park you car at the top of the resort and then drop into one of the many runs located below the village.
But do these unique aspects make Hotham one of the best ski resorts in Australia? In this video we will go through a complete overview of Hotham and cover everything the resort zones, the lift system and the terrain, lift ticket pricing, lodging options and the resorts location.
Hotham Resort Zones & Terrain:
Although Hotham is a single ski resort, it can be effectively divided into separate zones, each offering its own unique experience. For beginners seeking gentle slopes, the summit of the resort and the dedicated beginner zone called "Big D" provide the ideal terrain. The central area of the resort caters to intermediate and advanced skiers, boasting a plethora of fantastic trails to explore. Additionally, tucked away in the far corners of the resort, you'll discover the Orchard, which boasts some of Australia's finest intermediate trails with jaw dropping views of Mt Feathertop and the surrounding alpine national park.
Beginner: When considering an ideal destination for learning to ride, Hotham might not be the first place that comes to mind, as it primarily caters to intermediate to advanced riders. However, it does offer a few options for beginners to get started on their riding journey, along with an incredible ski school operation. Approximately 10% of the beginner terrain is concentrated in a dedicated area known as the Big D, which stands alone from the rest of the resort, this area is also where night skiing takes place as in available during the peak of the winter season. Additionally, beginners can find suitable terrain at the summit area of the resort, served by the summit quad and summit Poma lift. However, it's important to note that there are no beginner options available in the main part of the valley. Despite this, with the presence of the beginner zone and the support of the ski school, newcomers can still have a rewarding and enjoyable learning how to ride at Hotham.
Intermediate: The resort truly comes alive for intermediate riders with blue runs constituting 40% of the overall resort experience. If you can confidently navigate a blue trail, Hotham becomes an absolute paradise, as it boasts numerous intermediate trails that lead into the main valleys of the resort.
One of the highlights is the Australia drift, an excellent spot for taking laps, which is conveniently serviced by its own T-Bar lift. For those seeking continuous vertical, Varsity & Hogsback deliver 263 meters of thrilling descents, with the Blue Ribbon chair providing seamless access to non-stop laps when its running, sadly this chair is sometimes the last one to open and first one to close during the season. Venturing out to the far edges of the resort may take some effort, but the rewards are unparalleled. When the Orchard area is open, it unlocks the best intermediate terrain you can find in all of Australia, well in our opinion that is. With two lifts and eleven enticing intermediate trails, riders can spend hours our here in this zone zipping down impeccably groomed trails or riding among the iconic Australian gum trees.
Advanced: Approximately 25% of the trails at Hotham cater to advanced riders, and when the resort experiences a good snowstorm and the blue ribbon chair is operational, the six advanced trails become unbeatable. These runs offer a challenging upper section that gradually eases into a somewhat gentler terrain in the lower parts. The Heavenly Valley chairlift is the epicentre of advanced riding at Hotham and possibly Australia. This chairlift services a remarkable collection of 17 advanced trails. Here, you'll discover everything you could wish for – from moguls, steeps, rock jumps to technical tree runs and a natural halfpipe. The Heavenly Valley chair operates from 7:30 am on Wednesdays through to Sundays (subject to conditions) and is often the busiest chairlift in the entire country, drawing riders from all around.
Furthermore, scattered throughout the resort, you'll find a handful of other advanced runs that offer a challenge and these are handy when the lines at Heavenly Valley become more crowded.
Expert: Fifteen percent of Hotham's terrain caters to experts, boasting the largest collection of expert trails in Australia, doubling what any other resort has to offer. Two main areas stand out as havens for expert riders.
The first area, aptly named "Wall of Death," lies directly under the Village Chair. This area presents a challenging ride, demanding speed to surmount the second rise and avoid a hidden creek that could necessitate hiking out. Caution is crucial here, and following open and closed signs is advised, as there have been instances of avalanches in this section.
The second and more extensive area is known as the "Extreme Zone," situated to the right side of the Gotcha chair. As you approach this zone, a steep gully is present leading down into the valley plus you are required to enter through designated gates – a unique feature for Australian ski resort. Among the best trails within this zone, "Gotcha Face" and "Mary's Slide" are our top picks. It's essential to note that this area is not conducive to lapping, exiting involves navigating a narrow trail above a creek. Only confident and skilled advanced riders should venture into this high risk high reward domain.
Another expert trail, “One Tree Hill”, is less tracked out as it’s harder to get too. Accessing this trail involves an extensive traverse, which demands ample speed, especially challenging for snowboarders. However, the reward is well worth it – untouched snow and an expansive open bowl that sometimes remains pristine until after lunch.
Hotham trail map showing all the zones. Credit: Hotham Resort
Hotham Lift System:
The lift system at Hotham is primarily functional, though it may not be known for its comfort or glamour. The resort employs fixed grips for all its chairlifts – a total of 8 fixed grip quads and one triple chair. While these lifts may lack opulence, they are strategically positioned to disperse riders across various corners of the resort, effectively minimising congestion. The only notable instances of extensive queues tend to form at the base of the Heavenly Valley chair during busy weekends and holidays.
Apart from the quad and triple chairlifts, the resort features a single T-Bar lift located off the summit, catering to more experienced riders seeking exceptionally well groomed terrain. Additionally, a beginner-friendly Poma lift can be found in the summit region, ideal for newcomers to skiing and snowboarding.
One of the most distinct lifts at the resort is Keoghs and The Orchard. Despite appearing as two lifts on the trail map, it's actually a single lift wiht a top terminal on each side. Riders load in the middle of the lift at the base, making it a unique and efficient setup which we have never seen anywhere else so far on our travels. In summary, while Hotham's lift system may not boast luxury, it efficiently serves its purpose, spreading riders across the resort and allowing them to access the diverse terrain the mountains have to offer.
Hotham Terrain Parks:
Hotham proudly boasts the highest terrain park in the country, and it’s often where you can see some of the best riders at the resort. The advantage of its elevated location means there is more snow to play with and build incredible jumps. However, this prime position also exposes the park to occasional extreme winds, given its openness.
Every season, the park builders at Hotham work their magic, creating an incredible setup under the summit chair. This terrain park is a true playground, offering a comprehensive range of features, from small to extra-large jumps and rails. As spring arrives, the park truly comes alive, and in abundant snow years, some jumps have been known to reach heights surpassing the chairlift itself. While the terrain park is a thrilling attraction, it shares the lift with a beginners' area, which can lead to congestion during peak times.
The terrain park set up at Hotham Summit. Credit: Hotham Resorts
Hotham Lift Tickets:
To access the lifts and terrain at Hotham, all riders are required to purchase a lift ticket. A standard lift pass provides complete access to the entire resort. For a single adult, the lift ticket typically ranges from $170 to $211 AUD, equivalent to approximately $140 USD at the time of filming. Children's lift tickets are more affordable, ranging from $90 to $120 AUD, which is around $93 USD.
For those looking to maximise cost savings, the Epic Australia Pass offers exceptional value. Hotham is fully owned and operated by Vail Resorts, which means unlimited access is included in the Epic Australia pass. Depending on how far in advance it is purchased, the Epic Australia pass can cost anywhere from $899 to $1299 AUD. On average, this pass pays for itself after 5-6 trips to the resort. The main perks of holding an Epic Pass extend beyond Hotham, granting unlimited access to Falls Creek and Perisher in Australia throughout the snow season. Additionally, during the northern winter season, Epic Pass holders can explore various international destination resorts in Japan, Canada, Europe, and North America. We have used our Epic Pass to ride in Utah, Lake Tahoe, Whistler and most recently Japan.
Hotham Seasons:
The Aussie ski season commences during the holiday weekend in June and extends until the first weekend of October, subject to weather conditions. In recent years, there has been a favourable trend of a strong snow system passing through just before the opening weekend. However, during the initial opening weekends, only a single lift operates in the beginner part of the resort, while the main canyon may not have full access to riding.
The peak of the ski season falls during the late July school holidays through to the end of August, offering excellent winter conditions. August and early September stand out as the prime months, providing the best snow conditions. As mid-September arrives, the sun begins to shine through, bringing about perfect spring-like conditions. These last few weeks leading up to the early October closing are sometimes the most fun as the snow base is deep, the sun is out, the resorts are less busy and the lift tickets and accommodation options are all much cheaper as the season winds down.
A view of Heavenly Valley from the Road Runner chair. Credit: SnowStash
Hotham Lodging & Accommodation:
All lodging options at Hotham are located amidst the snow, but they are not strictly ski-in ski-out accommodations. The majority of lodgings are situated either at the summit of the chairlifts or in lodges and houses along snow-covered roads. To access these lodgings, guests need to take a bus as driving to these locations is not permitted.
Hotham provides diverse accommodation choices to suit all types of snow travellers, from cozy shared ski lodges, hotel rooms to spacious apartments and full-sized multi-room houses, which are options to accommodate multiple families comfortably.
While staying on the mountain offers its advantages, it does come at a cost, with a typical one-bedroom apartment priced around $800 per night. For those seeking more budget-friendly options, accommodations can be found in nearby Harrietville or Bright. However, opting for off-mountain accommodations means driving approximately an hour up and down the resort each day, navigating potentially challenging road conditions, and this area is known for some of the country's trickiest roads.
Hotham Location:
Perched at what feels like the top of Victoria, Hotham proudly claims the highest point on the Great Alpine Road. As the only upside down ski area in the southern hemisphere, the resort offers a unique experience, where, once you park your car, you can practically drop right onto a ski trail. However, reaching Hotham does come with its challenges due to its remote location. The journey involves navigating what we believe could be one of the most treacherous roads in the country, often leading to a white-knuckle experience for most drivers. Snow chains are frequently required for vehicles, adding to the adventurous nature of the drive. But, the resort manages the road, providing guidance on when to put on or remove the chains to ensure a safe journey.
Hotham is approximately a 4-and-a-half-hour drive from Melbourne, though travel time may vary depending on weather conditions. Visitors coming from Sydney are in for an 8-hour drive, but they might also consider other destinations like Perisher or Thredbo along the way. For those coming from Adelaide, the trek becomes a gruelling 11-hour cross-country journey, making it more suitable for longer trips rather than day or weekend getaways. While the drive to Hotham may be a challenge, the rewards that await skiers and snowboarders at this scenic and adventurous resort are undoubtedly worth the effort.
Hotham Conclusion:
Hotham Resort certainly has a lot to offer despite a few potential drawbacks. The drive up to the mountain may present challenges, but the rewards are undoubtedly worth it. With its high altitude, excellent snow conditions, breathtaking views, and a significant portion of advanced to expert terrain, Hotham proves to be a paradise for experienced riders seeking a thrilling and challenging ski experience. Whether you're a seasoned skier or a beginner looking for new winter destinations, Hotham Resort is one to consider, promising an unforgettable winter escape in the high alpine of the Victorian mountains.
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