Hotham’s been my family mountain for decades. It’s easy to get to and has heaps of varied terrain – with everything from light green groomers to double black beasts. We usually cruise up eastbound from Melbourne via Millawa, Bright & Harrietville – stopping for lunch along the way. Though on occasion we’ve ventured up through Gippsland via Bairnsdale, Omeo & Dinner Plain – which is a spectacular drive any time of the year.
First stop on the hill, as always, was a visit to Richie and the crew at Snow Monkey to grab some gear for our 12-year old Jack – he’s growing so it’s better for us to beg, borrow or rent. They also offer an overnight service and Mariola and my skis were waxed, tuned and ready to run by 8am next morning.
Both our kids, Porshia and Jack, have cut their teeth at the Hoth – without losing any thank God. From Ski Lessons at Big D to racking up miles on the Summit and Road Runner to chasing Mariola and me down Heavenly, Imagine, Gun Barrell, Wendix and Black Snake. To the sunny afternoons dodging trees and kickers in the Orchard and taking on the legendary Mary’s Slide – which Jack conquered for the first time this season. “You think it’ll be okay Dad?,” he asked, “it’s not that steep right?”. My assurance and his bravery beat me down – he was wrapped – as was I. It’s this wonderful mountain; community; and vibe that brings us back year after year.
“It’s full of hardcore skiers, great terrain and great people,” according to 30-year vet Christian, “it’s such a relaxed, friendly place and not really a resort for show ponies – it’s just for genuine people who enjoy everything it has to offer.”
And what was on offer for our family getaway this season was something else – blue skies, slick groomers, a couple of overnight sprinkles, great food, amazing people and fun times.
Above average natural snow depths, snowfall (approaching 3 metres) and fantastic conditions this season had everything open from Blue Ribbon to Australia Drift to One Tree Hill. For mine the bangers of the week were Keogh’s Bash over at the Orchard, the always empty Playground and the somewhat brutal Brockhoff bumps– which Jack stepped up and smashed time & time again. It’s a ridiculous mogul run down a step narrow ridge rocketing down to the Heavenly Chair. Jack’s been eyeing it for a few years and finally summoned the nerve to give it a go; my pride was only equalled by the jarring in my knees following him down – time & time again!
The accom options are wide and varied, though booking early is definitely the key – especially when conditions are this amazing. We’ve stayed with our dear friends the ‘always’ Wright family at Arrabri Alpine Club in casserole country. Gone solo in a wicked Jack Frost Apartment. Lived large with a group of mates at Zirkys. And this year, for the first time, we shared a house on Hot Plate Drive (aka Snob Hill) overlooking the Village Chair with our wonderful host Nym & her exceptional daughter and aspiring Olympian Ava. Such lovely people, shared experiences and great memories are all part of our Hotham family stories.
And to fuel the adventure, the amazing Sir Loin’s Bar & Grill served up a 350gm medium rare Scotch to perfection; while Jack Frost Restaurant & Bar kill it during happy hour (3.30-5.30pm). But best on ground remains the on-mountain Hoff Hut atop Black Snake. The venison pies, homemade soups, glühwein & tunes make it our go to for coffee, lunch & a shot. Chill Bar & Cafe in Hotham Central is a fave with locals for lunch and après alike. And they do an excellent espresso.
And to finish off the week Jack gave snowboarding a go – much to my resistance on account of memories of sore knees, wrists, legs, arms, bum and ego. But yet again, Jack stepped up and took it on. Snow Monkey happily swapped the skis for a board and Nym generously gave him some lessons on the Summit – then Road Runner – and then down Heavenly all in 2 cruisy afternoons. Good onya Jack – you’ve done better than me.
The place, the people, the passion all make “the Giant” our special family friend season after snowy season.
