Down in the valleys the wattles are putting on their stunning late-winter show. Which means that up here on the mountain, we’re throwing the switch to spring.
Many aficionados regard this as the best season of the year to hit the slopes. Skies are bluer, visibility clearer, the temperature’s a little higher (think skiing in a t-shirt!) and the aprés fun moves to the sunny decks outdoors.
This is also a great time for beginners and anyone else who hasn’t been in a while with softer snow meaning softer landings!
At Hotham, September is when the events calendar shifts to high gear with everything from a festival celebrating all things backcountry to family fun days during the holidays to fiercely contested competitions for serious skiers and boarders.
There are so many things to love about a September alpine getaway, so to make it easy, here’s a selection of Top Five reasons why a Mt Hotham snow holiday should be on everyone’s bucket list this spring.
1. Bluebird Days
It’s hard to think of a more beautiful sight than a carpet of pure white snow crystals sparkling in the bright sunshine on a cloudless blue-sky day. The weather is generally kinder in September and the fantastic snow-base from this Winter’s amazing dumps mean conditions are about as good as it gets on the downhills and trails at Hotham.
Late in the season is the time to visit for an uncrowded getaway to the snow, especially mid-week which is also great for families with beginner kids when the vibe is a little more relaxed. It’s also pretty hard to take a bad photo on those bluebird days so don’t forget to grab some family snaps to save for their 21st birthday celebrations!
2. Apres With a Dash
Several lively Hotham venues open their doors to the September sunshine for a perfect cocktail of aprés made with a dash of Vitamin D.
Enjoy alfresco lunch or some post-snow day laughs with your crew out on the decks at Hotham Hotel, The Bird, Zirky’s, The General, Snake Gully Hut or Hoff Hut.
3. Shed a Layer
Warmer days mean it’s time to shed a layer or two or even feel the sun on your skin when you’ve stripped back to a t-shirt.
Mt Hotham has some great boutique retailers to hit up for some lighter gear suitable for Springtime in the snow. Try Zirky’s Sports, One Tree Sports, Hoys Alpine Shopping, Snowmonkey, Pinnacle for all your late season kit. (Note that swimwear has been sighted on the slopes on the (very odd) occasion, but that’s entirely your call!)
4. Events, Sports & Daggy Family Fun
Spring means family-friendly events at the snow and every September the Mt Hotham calendar is packed with fun things to see and do. Check the Events & What’s On listing for the lowdown or just grab the family for a day’s tobogganing or snowman-building at the snowplay park at Wire Plain.
5. Destination Celebrations
For picture-perfect Spring weddings with unbelievable views, parties, milestone birthdays…any type of celebration combined with a snow getaway, it’s hard to beat Hotham. Explore the range of cracking on-mountain venues catering for all kinds of functions and gatherings for numbers ranging from large to intimate.