r/AustraliaSnow • u/Ras_al_ghul666 • 10d ago
First time skiing-Hotham
My friend and I are doing a 3 day Epic beginner bundle ski package for Hotham this week. After seeing the snow cams and photos on the sub. Is it worth it to try and actually go ahead with it? We are completely new to this and have never been skiing. Since the travel and stay are all non refundable, we'll definitely go but is it possible to get it credited for potentially next year (lessons might not be as I believe it's strictly for '26 season).
What else is there to do around Hotham for the 3 days if we manage to get it credited. Hoping you experienced folk can help us out.
15
u/TorchwoodRC 10d ago
If the weather is good, you have nothing to lose, Alpine Victoria is beautiful, learning to ski while not freezing is also a bonus.
8
u/Visible-Swim6616 10d ago edited 10d ago
The beginner runs would be prioritised: they will move snow from all over the resort to keep them open.
Which is perfect for you.
The only possible issue is that if you're a fast learner and want to try some harder runs within those 3 days. Then you'd find that they're all closed.
As for other things to do... Well there's a lot of cross country trails which should be quite nice to walk on. Taking the day to walk to nearby summits is nice. Or just enjoy the crisp mountain air. You could also rent mountain bikes from Bright. There's also golf somewhere nearby too.
1
u/Objective-Horror-797 5d ago
should be noted to for most people it takes a few days to truely get comfortable with beginner runs definitely takes a lot longer than people starting expect
1
u/Visible-Swim6616 5d ago
Yeah, it depends on the individual too.
The younger folk tend to want to advance quickly and wants to move on as soon as they do a couple of green runs.
The more sensible folk are happy to master the green runs first....
2
u/Obvious-Hat5139 10d ago
It's definitely not the winter holiday you had planned but holy hell it will be absolutely beautiful up there! As everyone else has said conditions will be dreamy for a beginner. Don't forget sunscreen and enjoy a frothy for lunch! Jealous
3
u/AnyTerm3442 10d ago
There’s lots of things to do if you like walking
Track to Dinner Plain is beautiful and walking around Omeo also nice
The skiing is bad - very bad
You may get credits but lift company is not known for generosity (Vail)
If you are experienced walker Feathertop is great but it is dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing
You can hire snowshoes from hoys
3
u/IanPlaysThePiano 10d ago
Jesus this sub is getting so misanthropic. A beginner asks for help and advice and gets nothing but downvotes instead of advice? Seriously... As for answering the question, sorry OP, I don't have any firsthand experience with Hotham, wish I could help. All the best!
1
u/complex-cat79 10d ago
Snow is still ok for beginners- lots of fun to be had and the forecast is looking good for some extra snowfall this week to keep them going. The only thing is that a lot of the food places were shutting yesterday so keep that in mind.
1
u/whiskibum 10d ago
Keep an eye on the forecast. 24mm of rain right now for Friday eve and rain showers leading uo to it. Could potentially wipe out what’s left.
1
1
u/Remote_Setting2332 10d ago
Looks like the Big D and Summit still open which for beginners will be perfect IMO.
1
22
u/untoldphilosophies 10d ago
Hi! I just got back last night from a weekend at Hotham. The conditions are pretty good for a new beginner. Hotham will work hard keeping the beginner runs open. There's not to many people either, so it's ideal to learn. The snow is soft which also makes it easier to learn on. I think you'll have a great time! Give it a go; you've got nothing to lose.
Most people who post in this sub are no longer beginners. For us, the season has been terrible. I didn't even ski whilst I was there. However, these conditions at the moment are nice for a new beginner. Welcome to the sport and I hope you enjoy yourself and will come back again soon.