Are you looking for a thrilling and memorable ski holiday in Australia? Do you want to experience the best snow conditions, the most stunning views, and the most fun activities in the country? If yes, then you should head to Mount Hotham, the highest alpine village in Australia, and the ultimate ski destination in the continent.
In this article, we will show you why Mount Hotham is the ultimate ski destination in Australia, and how you can plan your perfect holiday there. We will cover everything you need to know, from when to go, how to get there, where to stay, what to do, and what to eat and drink. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, a solo traveller or a family, a budget or a luxury seeker, you will find something for you at Mount Hotham.
Why Choose Mount Hotham for Your Ski Holiday
Mount Hotham is not just another ski resort in Australia. It is a unique and special place that offers a range of benefits and advantages for ski lovers. Here are some of the reasons why you should choose Mount Hotham for your ski holiday:
- It has the longest ski season in Australia, from June to October. This means you have more time and flexibility to plan your trip, and more chances to enjoy the snow.
- It has the most challenging and diverse terrain, with over 320 hectares of skiable area, 13 lifts, and 80 runs. Whether you are looking for gentle slopes, steep drops, moguls, bowls, or off-piste, you will find it at Mount Hotham. You can also access the neighbouring resorts of Falls Creek and Dinner Plain with a single lift pass.
- It has the best snow quality and quantity, with an average annual snowfall of 3 metres and snowmaking facilities. You can expect fresh and fluffy powder, groomed and well-maintained trails, and reliable and consistent coverage throughout the season.
- It has the most stunning views and scenery, with panoramic vistas of the Victorian Alps and the Great Dividing Range. You can admire the breathtaking beauty of nature, watch the sunrise and sunset, and take amazing photos and videos.
- It has the most vibrant and lively atmosphere, with a range of events, festivals, and nightlife options. You can join the fun and excitement of the Hotham Winter Festival, the Peak Music Festival, the Kangaroo Hoppet, and the Oktoberfest. You can also party and socialise at the bars, pubs, and clubs, or relax and unwind at the spas, onsens, and cinemas.
Mount Hotham is the most popular ski resort in Australia, with over 400,000 visitors per year. It is also the favourite destination of many celebrities, athletes, and influencers, such as Hugh Jackman, Margot Robbie, and Chris Hemsworth.
How to Plan Your Perfect Holiday to Mount Hotham
Now that you know why you should choose Mount Hotham for your ski holiday, you might be wondering how to plan your perfect holiday there. Don't worry, we have got you covered. Here are some practical and useful tips and advice on how to plan your perfect holiday to Mount Hotham:
When to go
The best time to visit Mount Hotham depends on your preferences, budget, and availability. Generally speaking, there are three seasons to consider:
- Peak season: This is the busiest and most expensive time to visit Mount Hotham, from late June to mid-August. This is when the snow conditions are the best, the events and festivals are the most frequent, and the atmosphere is the most lively. However, this also means that the crowds are the largest, the prices are the highest, and the availability is the lowest. If you want to visit Mount Hotham during peak season, you should book well in advance, and be prepared to pay more and queue longer.
- Off season: This is the quietest and cheapest time to visit Mount Hotham, from early June to late October. This is when the snow conditions are the worst, the events and festivals are the least frequent, and the atmosphere is the most calm. However, this also means that the crowds are the smallest, the prices are the lowest, and the availability is the highest. If you want to visit Mount Hotham during off season, you should be flexible and adaptable, and be ready to enjoy other activities besides skiing.
- Shoulder season: This is the middle ground between peak and off season, from mid-August to mid-September. This is when the snow conditions are still good, the events and festivals are still happening, and the atmosphere is still vibrant. However, this also means that the crowds are smaller, the prices are lower, and the availability is higher. If you want to visit Mount Hotham during shoulder season, you should plan ahead and compare the options, and be prepared to get the best of both worlds.
How to get there
The best way to travel to Mount Hotham depends on your location, convenience, and cost. There are four main options to consider:
- Driving: This is the most popular and flexible way to travel to Mount Hotham, as you can enjoy the scenic drive, stop at the attractions along the way, and have your own vehicle at the resort. Mount Hotham is about 4.5 hours drive from Melbourne, 8 hours drive from Sydney, and 10 hours drive from Adelaide. You can also rent a car from the nearest airports or towns, such as Albury, Wangaratta, or Bright. However, driving to Mount Hotham also requires some preparation and caution, as you will need to carry snow chains, pay resort entry fees, and drive on icy and winding roads.
- Flying: This is the fastest and easiest way to travel to Mount Hotham, as you can save time and hassle, and enjoy the aerial view of the mountains. Mount Hotham has its own airport, which is only 20 minutes drive from the resort. You can fly to Mount Hotham from Melbourne, Sydney, or Adelaide, with Qantas, Rex, or Sharp Airlines. You can also fly to Albury, which is 2 hours drive from Mount Hotham, with Qantas, Virgin, or Rex. However, flying to Mount Hotham also requires some planning and budgeting, as you will need to book your flights early, pay for your luggage, and arrange your transfers.
- Bus: This is the most affordable and convenient way to travel to Mount Hotham, as you can relax and enjoy the ride, and avoid the hassle of driving or flying. There are several bus companies that offer regular and reliable services to Mount Hotham from Melbourne, Sydney, or Adelaide, such as Snowball Express, Falls Creek Coaches, or Alpine Spirit. You can also take a bus from Albury, Wangaratta, or Bright, with Hotham Bus, Snowlink, or Omeo Bus. However, travelling by bus to Mount Hotham also requires some patience and flexibility, as you will need to follow the schedule, share the space, and make some stops.
- Train: This is the most scenic and eco-friendly way to travel to Mount Hotham, as you can admire the landscape, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy the comfort and amenities of the train. There are two train options to consider: the V/Line train from Melbourne to Wangaratta, which is 2.5 hours drive from Mount Hotham, or the XPT train from Sydney to Albury, which is 2 hours drive from Mount Hotham. You can then take a bus or a car from the train station to the resort. However, travelling by train to Mount Hotham also requires some coordination and compromise, as you will need to book your train and bus tickets separately, pay for your luggage, and change your mode of transport.
Where to stay
The best place to stay at Mount Hotham depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. There are four main types of accommodation to consider:
- Hotels: This is the most comfortable and convenient type of accommodation at Mount Hotham, as you can enjoy the facilities, services, and amenities of the hotel, such as restaurants, bars, spas, pools, gyms, etc. You can also choose from different styles, sizes, and locations of the hotel, such as modern, rustic, or boutique, single, double, or family, ski-in ski-out, village, or valley. However, staying at a hotel at Mount Hotham also requires some splurging and booking, as you will need to pay more and reserve early. Some of the best hotels at Mount Hotham are:
- Arlberg Hotham: This is the largest and most iconic hotel at Mount Hotham, with 170 rooms, a heated indoor pool, a spa, a sauna, a steam room, a games room, a ski hire, a supermarket, a bistro, a bar, and a pizza restaurant. It is also located in the heart of the village, with direct access to the slopes and the lifts.
Zirky’s: This is the most luxurious and elegant hotel at Mount Hotham, with 40 rooms, a ski valet, a day spa, a sauna, a steam room, a gym, a library, a lounge, a bar, and a restaurant. It is also located in the centre of the village, with stunning views of the mountains and the valley.
The General: This is the most lively and fun hotel at Mount Hotham, with 18 rooms, a ski hire, a supermarket, a bakery, a cafe, a bistro, a bar, and a nightclub. It is also located on the summit of the mountain, with easy access to the slopes and the lifts.
Apartments:
This is the most spacious and flexible type of accommodation at Mount Hotham, as you can enjoy the privacy, comfort, and convenience of your own apartment, with a kitchen, a living room, a bathroom, and a balcony. You can also choose from different styles, sizes, and locations of the apartment, such as studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or three-bedroom, ski-in ski-out, village, or valley. However, staying at an apartment at Mount Hotham also requires some self-catering and cleaning, as you will need to cook your own meals, wash your own dishes, and tidy up your own space. Some of the best apartments at Mount Hotham are:
White Crystal: This is a collection of modern and stylish apartments, with a range of facilities and services, such as a spa, a sauna, a laundry, a ski locker, a concierge, and a reception. It is also located in the heart of the village, with direct access to the slopes and the lifts.
Moritz: This is a collection of spacious and luxurious apartments, with a range of amenities and features, such as a fireplace, a jacuzzi, a dishwasher, a microwave, a DVD player, and a stereo. It is also located in the centre of the village, with spectacular views of the mountains and the valley.
Absollut: This is a collection of cosy and comfortable apartments, with a range of options and prices, such as budget, standard, deluxe, or premium. It is also located on the edge of the village, with easy access to the slopes and the lifts.
Chalets:
This is the most cosy and charming type of accommodation at Mount Hotham, as you can enjoy the warmth, character, and atmosphere of your own chalet, with a fireplace, a lounge, a dining area, and a balcony. You can also choose from different styles, sizes, and locations of the chalet, such as alpine, rustic, or contemporary, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, or four-bedroom, ski-in ski-out, village, or valley. However, staying at a chalet at Mount Hotham also requires some sharing and socialising, as you will need to share the chalet with other guests, and join them for breakfast and dinner. Some of the best chalets at Mount Hotham are:
Alpine Heights: This is a collection of traditional and authentic chalets, with a range of facilities and services, such as a spa, a sauna, a games room, a ski hire, a ski school, a restaurant, and a bar. It is also located in the heart of the village, with direct access to the slopes and the lifts.
Schnapps: This is a collection of modern and sophisticated chalets, with a range of amenities and features, such as a jacuzzi, a sauna, a laundry, a ski locker, a kitchenette, a TV, and a DVD player. It is also located in the centre of the village, with stunning views of the mountains and the valley.
Ultima: This is a collection of cosy and comfortable chalets, with a range of options and prices, such as budget, standard, deluxe, or premium. It is also located on the edge of the village, with easy access to the slopes and the lifts.
Lodges:
This is the most affordable and social type of accommodation at Mount Hotham, as you can enjoy the camaraderie, friendship, and hospitality of your own lodge, with a communal kitchen, a lounge, a dining area, and a balcony. You can also choose from different styles, sizes, and locations of the lodge, such as club, family, or backpacker, single, twin, or dorm, ski-in ski-out, village, or valley. However, staying at a lodge at Mount Hotham also requires some cooperation and participation, as you will need to cooperate with other guests, and participate in the chores and activities. Some of the best lodges at Mount Hotham are:
Arlberg Ski Club: This is a club-style lodge, with a range of facilities and services, such as a spa, a sauna, a games room, a ski locker, a library, a lounge, a dining room, and a bar. It is also located in the heart of the village, with direct access to the slopes and the lifts.
Jack Frost: This is a family-style lodge, with a range of amenities and features, such as a fireplace, a laundry, a kitchen, a TV, a DVD player, and a stereo. It is also located in the centre of the village, with spectacular views of the mountains and the valley.
Snowbird Inn: This is a backpacker-style lodge, with a range of options and prices, such as budget, standard, deluxe, or premium. It is also located on the edge of the village, with easy access to the slopes and the lifts.
What to do
The best things to do at Mount Hotham depend on your interests, skills, and goals. There are plenty of activities and attractions for different seasons, such as winter, summer, or spring. Here are some of the best things to do at Mount Hotham:
Ski:
This is the most obvious and popular thing to do at Mount Hotham, as you can enjoy the thrill and excitement of skiing on the best slopes in Australia. You can choose from different levels of difficulty, from green to black, and different types of skiing, such as downhill, cross-country, or freestyle. You can also take lessons, join tours, or enter competitions, depending on your ability and ambition.
Snow:
This is the most fun and playful thing to do at Mount Hotham, as you can enjoy the beauty and joy of snow in various ways. You can build a snowman, make a snow angel, have a snowball fight, or go sledding, tobogganing, or snowshoeing. You can also try some more adventurous and exhilarating activities, such as snow biking, snow tubing, or snow kiting.
Hike:
This is the most scenic and healthy thing to do at Mount Hotham, as you can enjoy the nature and exercise of hiking in the mountains. You can choose from different trails, lengths, and difficulties, from easy to hard, and different themes, such as history, wildlife, or views. You can also join guided walks, explore the alpine flora and fauna, or discover the heritage and culture of the region.
Bike:
This is the most challenging and rewarding thing to do at Mount Hotham, as you can enjoy the speed and skill of biking on the hills. You can choose from different types of biking, such as road, mountain, or downhill, and different routes, terrains, and gradients, from smooth to rough, and from flat to steep. You can also join bike tours, rent bikes, or enter bike races, depending on your preference and level.
Spa:
This is the most relaxing and soothing thing to do at Mount Hotham, as you can enjoy the pampering and healing of spa treatments in the mountains. You can choose from different types of spa, such as massage, facial, body, or hair, and different styles, such as Swedish, Thai, or Japanese. You can also try some more exotic and unique spa experiences, such as onsen, mud bath, or ice bath.
Onsen: This is the most exotic and unique thing to do at Mount Hotham, as you can enjoy the tradition and culture of onsen, or Japanese hot springs, in the alps. You can soak in the natural mineral water, which is said to have various health benefits, such as detoxifying, relaxing, and rejuvenating. You can also enjoy the views of the snow-capped mountains, the stars, or the sunrise, depending on the time of the day.
Sightsee: This is the most informative and educational thing to do at Mount Hotham, as you can enjoy the history and heritage of the region, and learn more about its people, places, and stories. You can visit some of the landmarks, monuments, and museums, such as the Hotham Fire Station, the Hotham Ski Museum, or the Hotham Cemetery. You can also take some scenic flights, helicopter rides, or chairlift rides, and admire the views of the mountains, the valley, or the lake.
What to eat and drink
The best places to eat and drink at Mount Hotham depend on your taste, appetite, and mood. There are plenty of dining options for different cuisines, budgets, and occasions, such as breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks. Here are some of the best places to eat and drink at Mount Hotham:
The Bird:
This is the most popular and trendy place to eat and drink at Mount Hotham, with a menu that features burgers, pizzas, salads, wraps, and more. You can also enjoy the drinks, music, and entertainment, such as cocktails, beers, wines, DJs, and live bands. It is also located in the heart of the village, with a great view of the slopes and the lifts.
Zirky’s Restaurant:
This is the most refined and elegant place to eat and drink at Mount Hotham, with a menu that features European, Australian, and Asian dishes, such as schnitzels, steaks, curries, and more. You can also enjoy the wine list, the service, and the ambiance, such as sparkling, red, white, friendly, and cosy. It is also located in the centre of the village, with a stunning view of the mountains and the valley.
The Last Run Bar:
This is the most cosy and charming place to eat and drink at Mount Hotham, with a menu that features soups, sandwiches, pies, and more. You can also enjoy the coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and cakes, such as cappuccino, latte, mocha, and cheesecake. It is also located on the edge of the village, with a lovely view of the snow and the trees.
Getting there
The best way to get around Mount Hotham depends on your destination, convenience, and cost. There are three main modes of transport to consider:
Skiing:
This is the most fun and adventurous way to get around Mount Hotham, as you can ski from one place to another, and enjoy the slopes and the scenery along the way. You can ski from your accommodation to the lifts, from the lifts to the trails, from the trails to the village, and from the village to your accommodation. However, skiing around Mount Hotham also requires some skill and caution, as you will need to follow the signs, rules, and directions, and avoid the obstacles, hazards, and other skiers.
Bus:
This is the most convenient and reliable way to get around Mount Hotham, as you can take the free shuttle bus that runs every 15 minutes, from 7 am to 2 am, and stops at various locations around the resort, such as the airport, the village, the lodges, the hotels, the apartments, the chalets, the lifts, and the trails. You can also take the night bus that runs every hour, from 2 am to 7 am, and stops at the same locations. However, taking the bus around Mount Hotham also requires some patience and flexibility, as you will need to wait for the bus, share the space, and make some stops.
Car:
This is the most flexible and independent way to get around Mount Hotham, as you can drive your own car or rent a car, and go wherever you want, whenever you want, and however you want. You can also park your car at various locations around the resort, such as the airport, the village, the lodges, the hotels, the apartments, the chalets, the lifts, and the trails. However, driving a car around Mount Hotham also requires some preparation and caution, as you will need to carry snow chains, pay resort entry fees, and drive on icy and winding roads.
Mount Hotham is the ultimate ski destination in Australia, because it offers the best ski conditions, the most beautiful views, and the most fun activities. Whether you are looking for a thrilling and memorable ski holiday, or a relaxing and soothing spa retreat, you will find something for you at Mount Hotham.
We hope this article has helped you understand why Mount Hotham is the ultimate ski destination in Australia, and how you can plan your perfect holiday there.
