HOTHAM SCHOOL GROUPS

Please note: Daily School Group participant numbers will be limited throughout the season. Dates will be assigned on a first-in, first-served basis with bookings not confirmed until payment of the non-refundable deposit is received.

In the event that Government regulations mandate the need for capacity management to allow for physical distancing, Hotham may make amendments to the 2023 groups offering. Your groups coordinator will advise of any such changes.

Primary school groups receive one free package for a teacher or adult to every five paying students and Secondary school groups receive one free teacher package to every eight paying students. The lift, lesson and rental package inclusions will mirror whatever has been purchased for the students. Additional attending teachers or adults as part of the school group can take advantage of great discounted prices (see group pricing rates), however, the number of adults must not exceed 50% of the total number of students.

Hotham Snowsports School has an experienced team of local and professionally qualified ski and snowboard instructors, ensuring your students receive expert tuition and maximise their learning potential.

1.5 Hour Lessons

Our 1.5hr lessons are designed to give your students the confidence they need to enjoy their time on the mountain.  All lessons include tuition and pointers to ensure students are educated on mountain safety.

Progression Bundle

When capacity allows, our School Groups program also offers the option of an additional afternoon lesson designed to help your students' progress faster. For more information, please speak to your group’s coordinator or email snowsports@hotham.com.au

School Groups Snowsports Lesson Location

All school groups meet at Hotham Central. It is advised all School Groups arrive at least 10 minutes prior to their designated start time.

School Group Lesson Times

Lesson times available for groups are: 8:30am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm.

Progression Bundle lessons are available in the afternoon.

Due to capacity limitations throughout peak periods your first choice may not always be available, please supply two preferred lesson times when booking.

School Group Class Sizes & Composition

We require a minimum of 20 students for a school group booking.

Lessons will be allocated based on student’s ability and discipline. Class groupings will be determined during your first lesson. As instructors are allocated based on student numbers and ability / discipline levels, if your group does not meet our minimum requirement your smaller groups may be merged with other school / public lessons. Class groupings will be determined during your first lesson.

School Group Class Ability Levels

Please use the guide below to determine your students' ability prior to booking your Snowsports lessons. Please remember all abilities can benefit from a lesson, not just beginners.

• First Timer: First time on snow or need to refresh basics - Learn how to make basic turns and safely ride a lift.
• Beginner: You know the basics and ride beginner lifts - Expand your ability and learn to control speed on green runs.
• Intermediate: Can confidently link turns and control speed on green runs - Take your skills onto blue terrain.
• Advanced: You have mastered every groomed run. Prepare for more challenging terrain.

Participant numbers and abilities should include ALL lesson participants i.e. any teachers joining lessons as well as students as this affects group sizes and number of instructors required.

Lift, Lesson and Rental Bundles offer the best value for your group and include:

• 1 x 1.5hr group lesson per day with the option to add an additional afternoon lesson
• A lift ticket giving your students access to all operating lifts
• See the next accordion for rental options

For details on multi-day Lift, Lesson and Rental bundles please see our rates table here.

Lift and Lesson Bundles include:

• 1 x 1.5hr group lesson per day
• A lift ticket giving your students access to all operating lifts across Hotham

For details on multi-day Lift & Lesson bundles please see our rates table here.

Lift and Lesson Bundles with an additional afternoon lesson include:

• 2 x 1.5hr group lessons per day
• A lift ticket giving your students access to all operating lifts across Hotham

For details on Lift and Lesson bundles with additional afternoon lesson please contact our Group Bookings Team.

Boasting the latest rental options, largest rental outlet and most convenient location, our Hotham Sports equipment rental outlet is perfect for fitting out beginners through to experts with the equipment and snow clothing needed.

Ideally located in the Hotham Central building, Hotham Sports is designed to get your students fitted out with their gear as fast as possible. With the lesson meeting point just meters away, it also becomes a stress-free transition, and you will be able to collect your lift passes at the same time.

Our student group rental packages include skis, boots and poles for skiers or snowboard and boots for boarders. Both packages come with the option of adding snow clothing.

All student/adult/teacher equipment rental includes complimentary protective helmets and snowboard packages also include complimentary wrist guards. These products are also available for separate hire if required.

Click here to see school group rental rates.

Hotham offers a wide range of accommodation options perfect for your next winter adventure. From apartments to cosy lodges, you will find something for every budget.

Click here to find out more about accommodation at Hotham.

You can now submit a school group booking request for the 2023 season by completing the form here. To avoid disappointment, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible to secure your preferred dates as peak dates and preferred lesson times will sell out in 2023.

To book your school group snow trip at Hotham, please follow the below steps.

Step 1: Submit a School Group Booking Request

• Booking requests must be submitted via the online form
• Please ensure you have the following information when booking your School Group at Hotham:
• Dates
• Length of stay
• Size of group

Step 2: Confirmation of booking 

• Your booking request will be reviewed and if the requested dates are available, we will issue an order confirmation along with a tax invoice for a non-refundable deposit calculated at 10% of the total booking value  
• Once the deposit has been paid and received, the booking is confirmed. A contract is established and both parties will be bound to these School Group Booking Terms and Conditions 

Step 3: 14 Days Prior to Arrival 

• Be ready to confirm the following details: 
• Final student numbers by discipline 
• Full name and date of birth for each participant 
• Medication, food or drug allergies 
• Rental information (if applicable) 
• In resort contact(for emergency purposes) 
• Lesson times will be confirmed once final student numbers by discipline have been received. Instructor allocation is determined based on the original booking request and where final student numbers materially increase; we cannot guarantee our ability to accommodate the additional participants
• The final amount owing will be determined based on confirmed participant numbers, and we will issue an updated, final order confirmation and tax invoice 

Step 4: 7 Days Prior to Arrival 

• Full payment is due a minimum of 7 days prior to the group’s arrival.
• Payments must be made by Direct Deposit 
• Tickets will not be issued without payment.

Please see our terms & conditions below for more details.

We understand that you'll need to complete a Risk Assessment for your School Group, and this is something our teams can help you with. Click here to download our Risk Assessment Information for Schools. A 2023 update will be available in January.

Hotham offers discounted Tertiary Group Deals on 5-day midweek Lift and Lesson, Lift and Rental, and Lift, Lesson and Rental packages, excluding the Victorian School Holidays. Group sizes must be a minimum of 20 students. For more information on our Hotham Tertiary Group Deals please email groups@hotham.com.au

Click here to download our 2023 School Group Booking Conditions.