29 August - 31 August 2025

The Australian Backcountry Festival is Returning to Hotham!

Returning to Hotham for it's eighth year, Australia’s favourite celebration of human-powered snow adventures is back! The Australian Backcountry Festival (formerly known as the Victorian Backcountry Festival) is set to return to the majestic Victorian High Country for its eighth year, running from Friday, August 29 to Sunday, August 31, 2025.

Set amongst the stunning snowgum-lined slopes of Mt. Hotham, this 100% volunteer-run event invites snow-shoers, cross-country and telemark skiers, alpine ski tourers, split-boarders, snow campers, and alpine-curious newcomers to immerse themselves in the heart of backcountry culture.

More than just a festival, the weekend is a grassroots gathering created for the backcountry community, by the backcountry community. The festival fosters connection, learning, and adventure — all while championing sustainability and responsible alpine recreation.

This year’s jam-packed program includes:

  • Guided Tours for all skill levels, from first-timers to seasoned backcountry explorers (additional cost applies).
     

  • Film Screenings highlighting local and international alpine communities and landscapes.
     

  • Workshops covering essential skills such as ski tuning, gear maintenance, snow camping & shelter building, first aid, navigation, and even backcountry coffee brewing.
     

  • A Repair Cafe offering expert advice on gear mending and DIY fixes to keep your equipment working like new, season after season.
     

  • Guest Speakers with stories from global expeditions, insights into mountain safety, and voices from brands like Patagonia.
     

  • Nature Walks led by Friends of the Earth and Protect Our Winters Australia, exploring the snow country, and how our climate is evolving and changing.
     

  • Outdoor Bar with frosty beverages and the chance to make new backcountry friends!
     

  • Raffle Prizes included with every general admission ticket and merchandise sale — backcountry gear giveaways await a few lucky attendees!
     

Whether you’re a seasoned explorer, a little curious about journeying into the Aussie backcountry, or somewhere in between, the Australian Backcountry Festival is your opportunity to immerse yourself in all things alpine!

Tickets cost $40 (with a 25% discount for students!) and are available on the Australian Backcountry Festival website. Follow the festival socials channels to stay up to date with the lineup and catch some behind-the-scenes content!

 

About the Australian Backcountry Festival:

The Australian Backcountry Festival is a 100% volunteer-run event, by the backcountry community for the backcountry community.

The Festival aims to not only provide an introduction to the ever-growing suite of backcountry activities, but to also make it more accessible to the general public whilst educating them about mountain safety. It is a family-friendly, welcoming, and inclusive event.

The Festival celebrates the growing movement of ‘all things backcountry’, comprising human-powered winter activities such as cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, telemarking, alpine ski touring, splitboarding, and snow camping.

More than 300 people attend the Backcountry Festival each year.

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