All Images: Chris Hocking | Skier: Drew Jolowicz
It’s been a winter of variability in Australia, but in recent weeks storms have peppered the mountains Down Under revealing some of the most stunningly scenic skiing you’ll ever lay eyes on. Coverage on the Aussie winter has been largely pushed aside amidst historic snowfall in South America’s Andes Mountains. But we at FREESKIER were curious, and we wanted to find out what the skiing has been like at one of Australia’s most preeminent destinations; Hotham Alpine Resort. We dialed up Hotham local and professional skier Drew Jolowicz to hear the news straight from the source.
Located on the Southeast side of Australia in the state of Victoria, Hotham is the country’s second-highest resort, elevation-wise. While neighboring areas such as Thredbo and Perisher are widely known for their commitment and passion when it comes to building out stellar terrain parks, Hotham is known for its freeride status. The resort and its backcountry access have a far-reaching appeal. In fact, Hotham hosted Australia’s first-ever Freeride World Tour event earlier this month.
130 competitors took part in the Freeride World Tour Junior 1* event, and 70 competitors threw down in the Freeride World Qualifier 1* event. Most freeride competitions, from IFSA to FWT pro, see 30 – 100 riders. The large numbers at Hotham indicate that the local crowd is frothing for more. Jolowicz told us that they’ve certainly had their chances to explore freeride terrain this year, especially in recent weeks.
The 2024 winter season started slow in Australia, but it’s certainly picked up as of late. The continent’s close proximity to Antarctica can create surprisingly cold, low-moisture-content storms.
“Early season at Hotham Alpine Resort produced plenty of cold, clear weather—perfect for snowmaking, which allowed the team to create a great base,” Jolowicz said. “As we’ve moved into peak season Mother Nature has definitely come to the powder party with back-to-back low-pressure systems rolling through the mountains producing some amazing conditions. Following these storms, we’ve been blessed with stable high-pressure and cold nights followed by sunny days perfect for ripping groomers!”
Weather patterns at the end of July and the beginning of August have brought consistent snow, transforming Hotham and the surrounding mountains in the Great Dividing Range of the Victorian Alps. A recent storm cycle at the beginning of August dropped 102 cm (40 inches) on the area. Jolowicz mentioned that the timing of these storms couldn’t have been better. Since this time of year is typically peak winter, this snow will serve as a great base and set the mountains up well for stable, consistent skiing through the remainder of winter.
We asked Jolowicz to describe an Australian pow day for us. Specifically, what does a great day filled with blower snow look like at Hotham? He told us that it’s certainly a unique experience.
“Powder days ‘Down Under’ are always memorable. For me, sharing the deep days with friends in familiar terrain is what keeps me coming back for more. The way the snow settles on snow gum [trees] is something that’s special and unique to Australia. It gives the mountains and the geography a mystical feeling that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. Hotham’s reputation as Australia’s powder capital certainly came to fruition during the snowy period. When the wind blows from the northwest the mountain’s steep gullies and bowls load up with dry powder.
When the snow’s falling the protected gullies of Heavenly Valley is my favorite zone to be in. Windblown powder can be found down amongst the snow gums providing some awesome skiing. When the storm clears, the ‘Extreme Zone’ accessed from the Gotcha Chair provides arguably Australia’s steepest inbounds terrain with Mary’s Slide, The Chute or Lindysay’s offering amazing turns.”
Conditions have remained solid since these storms gave the area a much-needed refresh. Local weather and snow expert Bill Barker mentioned that the backcountry around Hotham continues to ski well, but to be mindful of surface hoar forming.
Hotham Alpine Resort and the rest of Australia are now headed into their prime weeks of winter, and it looks like more snow will be falling. The current forecast shows snow expected from August 17 through August 26. Praise be! To help any prospective travelers on their mission to score pow Down Under, we asked Jolowicz for three things every skier should do in Australia.
1: Experience WRX first tracks at Hotham on a powder day. Exclusive to Epic Australia Pass and Epic Pass holders, in peak season when conditions allow the Heavenly Valley Chair opens from 7:30am giving guests the opportunity to shred the fresh powder or chalky dry groomers before anyone else in the country.
2: Monitor the weather models. Our best storms originate from the Southern Ocean and when you see a ‘Polar Blast’ developing straight off the Antarctic it’s time to make plans and head for the mountains!
3: Keep an eye on next year’s calendar. This past weekend saw the staging of Hotham’s inaugural FWT junior and qualifier events (the first ever held in Australia!) Set in Heavenly Valley’s ‘Peach Bowl’ zone, competitors were greeted with great weather, dry packed snow and plenty of features to display their skills on.
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Images: Chris Hocking
