Prepare. Explore. Act. Know Before You Go

PEAK SNOW DAYS

Peak Snow Days mean bigger crowds or extreme weather. Expect longer travel times and check the Snow Report and Hotham App to ensure conditions suit your ability. In extreme weather, the mountain is best for experienced skiers and boarders, as conditions can be challenging for beginners.

Beginner’s Guide: Know Before You Go

We love welcoming new visitors and making your first Hotham experience safe and enjoyable. Start with our beginner's guide, then build confidence and discover more with tips for your second and third visits.

Driving to Hotham requires a resort entry permit and snow chains - check your car’s manual and practice fitting them first. Drive cautiously, clear snow from your car, and stay updated via the Hotham app or website. In bad weather, the Omeo route is safer. Plan your stop ahead - day parking is at Corral, with overnight parking near Bus Stop 8 and a free village bus to Hotham Central.

Important Tip: If staying overnight, park briefly in a 15-minute zone near your accommodation to unload bags before heading to the overnight parking bay.

Arrive & Explore: Start your day in Dinner Plain via the safer Bairnsdale/Omeo route in snowy weather. Explore the village, enjoy a hot drink, relax in the onsen, or book a husky sled tour or snowshoe hike.
Snow Play Area: Enjoy family fun at the snow playground below Horse Shoe Circle, complete with shelter, BBQ facilities, and public toilets.
Tobogganing: Head to the Pea Shooter Toboggan Slope for some downhill fun. Hire a toboggan from Hotham Sports or Hoys and park at Scrubber’s End.
Learn to Ski or Snowboard: Book a Dinner Plain-only lift ticket and lesson online, and hire gear or collect tickets from Hotham Sports or Hoys in Dinner Plain.

Arrive & Explore: Driving via Harrietville is fine if you're confident in snow; otherwise, consider travel through Bairnsdale/Omeo. Parking attendants will direct you, and a free shuttle runs through the village. At Hotham Central, warm up, browse shops, or grab a bite (please don;t bring outside food or linger near venues).
Photo Opportunities: Please avoid the top of the Village Chairlift, bottom of the Summit Chairlift, and road edges for your safety.
Snow Play Adventures: Park at Wire Plain Car Park or take the FREE Village Shuttle (Stop #12) to the Hotham Snowplay Hub. The Toboggan Park is open daily 10am–4pm, free to use but bookings are essential.
Take a Beginner Lesson: For the best value, book an afternoon adult beginner group bundle - including lift ticket and rentals. Pick up equipment at least an hour early for proper fitting. Meet your instructor at Summit Chairlift base, marked by lesson flags. Kids’ lessons start mornings at Hotham Central: Mighty Mites (3–6 years) indoors downstairs, Kids Club (7–14 years) on the snow outside. Parents can watch nearby over coffee or a meal. 

Arrive & Explore: You’re ready to progress, book a group lesson (10am daily) it’s the best way to learn the skills you need to enjoy the snow safely.
Stay Longer: Make the most of the stunning sunrises and beautiful sunsets by booking an overnight stay and discover the events and restaurants on offer at Hotham.
Advance Your Skills: Booking multiple days of lift tickets, lessons, and rentals lowers the cost per day and is the fastest way to improve your skills. With more skills, you’ll be able to explore Hotham’s famous terrain and experience Hoff Hut for unforgettable on-mountain dining.

Mountain Safety: NEVER toboggan outside of the designated areas, which are Wire Plain at Hotham and Pea Shooter at Dinner Plain. Never try a run before knowing whether it’s a Green (Beginner), Blue (Intermediate), or Black (expert) run.

Learn the Alpine Responsibility Code.

Final Reminders Before You Go

Fuel Up Before You Go: There are no petrol stations at Dinner Plain or Hotham. Refuel at Omeo or Bright. Diesel vehicles need alpine diesel, available at Omeo, Bright, and Myrtleford, or use a cold-weather additive.

Know Your Terrain: The terrain accessible from The Alpine Gateway Building at Loch Carpark is only suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders.

Be Winter-Ready: Dress warmly and pack extra food and water for the drive - especially in snowy weather or in case of delays or breakdowns.

Dress for the Snow: Wear waterproof pants, jackets, and boots. Rentals are available in Myrtleford, Harrietville, or Hotham - search ‘gear hire’ on the Hotham website.

Toboggan Safely: Only toboggan at Wire Plain Toboggan Park or the Pea Shooter in Dinner Plain. Use approved plastic toboggans only and always ride kneeling or sitting forward - never face-first, standing, or backwards.

 

 

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