Winter May Be Over But That Doesn’t Mean The Ski Season Has To Be
Spring is officially in full swing, which may have you thinking you’ll have to wait another year before you can hit the slopes again, but it’s actually the perfect time to head out to Mount Hotham in Victoria for a snowy getaway.
The weather is slightly warmer, which means you can get away with wearing less layers (because let’s be real, nobody looks cute while wearing seven layers of thermals) and the mountain is bustling with events and fun things to do.
Here’s why you should consider a late ski trip this year.
It’s Way Less Crowded
If you thought the ski season was well and truly gone by the time September rolled around, you’re not alone, which thankfully means that the mountains are far less crowded than they are in June and July. This means it’s perfect for beginners, families, or just anyone who doesn’t want to wait around to get a seat on a ski lift.
Ski season actually continues right through until the start of October, so if you plan your trip for the start or the end of the season, you’ll not only beat the crowds but you can also save yourself a pretty penny when it comes to accomodation costs — which means you can splurge on something a little more luxurious.
Mount Hotham Is Bustling With Activity
While you may think the middle of the season is the best time to travel if you’re in the market for events, September is actually filled with stuff to do.
If you’re travelling early in the month, you can catch Backcountry Festival (2-4 September) to celebrate all things backcountry — from snow camping to cross-country skiing.
Alternatively, if you’re around on September 10, you’ll be able to dress up in retro gear to celebrate the alpine resort’s 70th birthday on Retro Day — with prizes for best dressed and a fantastic birthday celebration later in the night with fireworks and old-school music playing late into the night.
Or, if you’re hitting the slopes on the last weekend of the month, you’ll be able to catch the Hotham Lodge Race on September 25, which will round out the season with a giant slalom on the Sun Run.
The Sun Is Shining
When Electric Light Orchestra wrote ‘Mr Blue Sky’, I like to believe they were singing about the sky above Australia’s alpine resorts late in the season because the sun is shining in the sky and there’s not a cloud in sight most days.
September is littered with bluebird days, which not only makes for a great Instagram shot atop the mountain, but also means it’s the perfect weather for hanging out around the village, grabbing a bite to eat and a beverage, and relaxing.
After a long morning of skiing or snowboarding, why not relax with a coffee or a cocktail and a bite to eat while looking out at the glorious mountain in the September sun?
