Fun in the sun
As the days grow longer, the mercury climbs and the valleys are alive with vibrant spring colour. As our minds wander to warmer outdoor pursuits it’s easy to overlook skiing and snowboarding. Contrary to popular belief spring can, and often does provide some of the best conditions up here at Hotham. See below for the lowdown on how to get the most out of your next spring shred session.
Deep snowpack: Early spring in particular can often see the resort reach its peak snow depth for the season. After consistent snowfalls throughout July and August, Hotham is setup for an incredible spring. As of September 1st we are sitting at a very healthy snow depth of 134cm’s with all lifts open and plenty of snow in the surrounding backcountry for spring touring.
Creamy Corduroy: Hit the right aspect at the right time and you’ll find forgiving edgeble groomers for most of the day. Once the sun has worked its magic head for ‘Sun Run’ on Roadrunner for wide open intermediate cruising. For the more adventurous ‘The Canyon’ on Heavenly Valley will start to soften earliest providing great turns. Mid to late morning head over to the Orchard for smooth corduroy and spectacular views out to Mt Feathertop!
Launch into Hotham Parks! Soft snow means soft landings perfect for progression. If mid winter’s firm landings have you intimidated, spring is the perfect time break free and progress your park riding. For the rail riders be sure to check out the ‘Basin Park’ for a wide variety of boxes and rails. As the snow softens mid-morning air seekers should head up to the Summit Terrain Park where jump lines and rails will keep park frothers entertained all day.
Wide-open spaces: Sometimes it can feel as though you have the slopes all to yourself in spring! Less crowds means room to move, perfect for improving your skiing or snowboarding. Beginners and intermediates can take advantage of empty runs and smooth soft snow. For families with kids who are learning, spring can be the ideal time to visit Hotham.
Corn Harvest! No we don’t grow corn at Hotham, but we do harvest it in spring. Those in the know will tell you that skiing perfect corn snow is the closest thing you can get to powder. As the days lengthen and the sun gathers strength, Hotham’s off piste runs and surrounding backcountry offer up sublime carvable corn ready for the picking. Whether it’s the solar aspects on Heavenly Valley or the Orchard right through to the north facing backcountry zones, hit the right areas at the right time and you’ll find soft forgiving turns.
Après: After an epic day on the mountain retreat to your favourite sunlit balcony for après and more vitamin d. Take in all the action from the ‘Basin Rail Park’ from Swindler’s balcony or enjoy a drink over on the Snowbird balcony and witness a spectacular sunset out to the west. If your down at the ‘Big D’ pop into ‘The General’ where they too have a balcony so you can embrace one of Hotham’s renowned sunsets.
Grab a bargain! Take advantage of shoulder and low season accomadation rates. For all the details on the latest accommodation offerings visit www.hothamholidays.com.au or check our packages and deals page.
Extended Season! For an unprecedented 3rd season in a row consistent snowfalls have allowed Hotham to extend its season for an extra week! After an epic August we have received a cumulative total of 345cms season to date. As a result it means that we’ll be able to enjoy fantastic spring skiing right through to Sunday October 6.
So if you haven’t made it to Hotham yet this season not to fear. We still have 5 weeks left to enjoy sublime spring weather, soft forgiving snow and wide open runs!