Regarded as a gateway to some of the best backcountry terrain in Australia, Mt Hotham and surrounds offer countless excellent options for those who are prepared to earn their turns.
Many ridges, bowls, gullies and glades are easily accessible from the road, village or lifts, and present multiple opportunities for one or two quick laps nearby, or for heading further afield on a multi-day adventure.
When the snow and weather conditions come together, great snow can be found from top to bottom. However, perhaps just as frequently, the snow can be variable and difficult to ski or board, the weather and visibility can be very challenging and there is often a significant ice or avalanche hazard. Knowing where and when to go is critical for your enjoyment and safety.
You're responsible outside the ski area boundary
Access to the backcountry is unrestricted, however once you go beyond the ski area boundary you are solely responsible for your own decisions and must be aware of the substantial risks.
Safe backcountry travel requires specialised equipment and extensive knowledge, so be sure you have both before venturing beyond the boundaries.
Conditions change every day
On any given day, you should expect widely variable snow conditions. Cold winter powder, easy skiing spring snow, horrendous breakable crust and bulletproof ice can often all be found on the one day.
The surface can be vastly different from morning to afternoon, aspect to aspect and at different elevations. Northerly slopes may soften on a warm sunny day, while at the same time the shady and south facing slopes can remain rock hard and very icy.
Avalanches are most common on leeward aspects, closer to ridgetops, but all aspects and elevations can produce dangerous avalanches when the snowpack is very unstable.
Factor in a long walk out
At Mt Hotham you are usually starting from the top, which adds another complexity to your decision making, as an assessment cannot be made from below. Many slopes begin gently but roll over and become much steeper and potentially icier and more avalanche prone as you get lower.
All aspects can freeze to pose a severe sliding hazard and often become unnegotiable on the ascent without crampons and ice tools. (Snowboard boots are particularly difficult for kicking steps to gain purchase on slick slopes). When the snow is good you may be tempted to ride all the way to the valley floor but be prepared for a long, tiring and often difficult climb back out.
Weather can change suddenly
Like all mountain environments, the weather at Mt Hotham can change rapidly and dramatically. A bright sunny and calm morning with great visibility can quickly turn into a complete whiteout accompanied by strong wind and rain. Getting lost and hypothermia are the most common causes of tragedies in the Australian Alps, and being close to a resort does not mitigate this risk. It is very easy to become completely disorientated and head in the wrong direction once the weather turns fowl. Know exactly where you are at all times…and know exactly what you will do if you are lost.
Ski Patrol do not manage backcountry terrain
Ski Patrol do not manage the terrain beyond the ski area boundary. There is no avalanche control, signage or hazard marking in the backcountry. You are responsible for learning about and managing the natural hazards, including:
- icy slopes
- poor visibility
- avalanches
- steep terrain
- cliffs
- creek crossings
- changing weather
- variable snow conditions
Before deciding to head into the backcountry, be sure to:
- Check the daily backcountry conditions reports from Hotham and from Mountain Safety Collective.
- Closely assess the snow & weather conditions.
- Closely assess your own and your group's ability.
Be aware that conditions can change very rapidly. Is today the right day, and is this the right group? If you are not sure, don’t go!
If you decide to head out there, always:
- Carry the required safety equipment…and know how to use it!
- Let someone know before you go. Trip Intention Forms are available at the Ski Patrol Base in the Hotham Village.
- Ski or board with a competent small group.
- Have an emergency plan.
Rescue
You must be prepared to self-rescue. The ski patrol is not obliged and may not have the resources to perform a rescue in the backcountry, and other emergency services may take many hours to respond.
A minor injury in the backcountry can become life threatening due to the significant time involved in a complex rescue. Evacuation from the even the closest bowls can take several hours when a roped extraction is required.
The best policy is to always make safe, conservative decisions and ski or ride well within your ability. Do not put yourself and any potential rescuers at risk.
Avalanche Training Centre
Mt Hotham is home to the first Avalance Training Centre in the Southern Hemisphere, providing a safe and controlled environment in which to practice searching for avalanche transceivers before you head out backcountry, either as an individual or as part of an avalanche safety training course. Free to use while the resort is open, you can find the ATC located behind Lawlers Court. BYO avalanche transceiver and probe. More information can be found on the Mountain Safety Collective website here.
In an emergency, call:
- Mount Hotham Ski Patrol – 5759 4038 (winter 7.30am - 5.30pm)
- Mount Hotham Resort Management - 5759 3550
- Otherwise – 000
Note - phone reception is not available in many areas of the backcountry.