The full-day backcountry private tour runs for 6 hrs and is suitable for up to four people on advanced terrain. You are invited to request which areas are of interest to explore based on your guide's and Ski Patrol’s approval of terrain to ensure safety - giving you the ultimate flexibility to customise your experience. 

If you are new to backcountry, wrangle up a group of up to six friends and enjoy a private introductory program. 

If you’re an experienced backcountry skier, one of our experienced guides can show you around the sweet spots of Hotham (including some of the lesser known locations), ensuring you get the best riding with the conditions on offer, in a safe and managed environment.

Hotham’s backcountry has so much to offer and has been enticing experienced riders for years, this season is your opportunity to be a part of a fully guided and operated tour to further explore the Victorian Alps. 

The tour will commence from Ski and Ride School front desk at 9am and conclude at 3:30pm.

Available every day in the season and subject to weather, snow and terrain conditions and availability. 

FAQs

Is there a minimum and maximum number of people per group?
Yes, for intro and return tours there must be at least three people in the group and a maximum of six people. For private tours there only needs to be one person and up to four people total. For private introductory programs there only needs to be one person and up to six people total. 

What if minimum numbers are not reach prior to the tour starting?
Hotham Ski and Ride School will do its best to have tours reach minimum numbers of three people per group. In the unfortunate situation the tour is not able to run, a member of Hotham Ski and Ride School will make contact the day prior. A refund will be issued or another suitable time will be discussed with the guest.  

Do I have to be an advanced skier or rider to participate?
You must be a strong intermediate skier or rider to participate in a safe and confident manner. A good indicator is if you're comfortable on all blue runs and most black runs at Hotham. Please note that the conditions can be variable and the terrain is not groomed so you may endure whiteout, wind, powder, crusty and icy conditions as well as trees and obstacles. 

Do I need to complete the Intro to Backcountry tour before participating in the Return to Backcountry tour?
Yes, unless you have completed Avalanche training prior. Guests who can demonstrate and prove completion of official training will be exempt from the mandatory Intro to Backcountry participation. 

How fit do I have to be?
We recommend a fairly good fitness level as it can be fairly challenging to hike some of the terrain. You will generally travel anywhere from 10-15kms a day and can hike a range of vertical gradients. 

What do I need to bring?
Please see the gear section for a list of equipment you must bring or hire. You need to dress for a full days skiing and carry/wear sufficient clothing to cater for extreme weather conditions. We suggest layering as it can get warm if it’s sunny. Don’t leave home without your goggles, helmet, good quality waterproof gloves and dress in layers. Make sure to have a substantial breakfast and bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water. Remember to bring a phone or camera and sun screen. 

Is lunch provided?
No, bring your own packed lunch, snacks and water. There will be nowhere for you to buy it on the tour so make sure you have enough supplies before the tour starts.

Who are the guides?
Your guides are some of Hotham’s most advanced Ski and Ride School instructors, all with backcountry safety certifications. They have extensive experience in backcountry touring and are professionally trained in first aid procedures in case of an accident or emergency.