Overview
An alpine slice of paradise, a high-altitude escape and a wild, snow-capped land. This isn't some European Alps locale, this is Mt Hotham in our very own Victoria. Situated on the Great Dividing Range, this small village sits atop the mountains. At 1,750 metres above sea level, it's among the highest-altitude villages in Australia. That gets it a spot on the must-visit list year-round, particularly in the winter.
Unsurprisingly it's one of the state's most popular skiing destinations and is quite unique in that the village sits above most of the skiing, rather than below. Picture waking up inside a cloud illuminated by the sunrise, and getting onto a run that's right outside your door, it's possible at Mt Hotham.
But it can't be all skiing and snowboarding — the human legs can only take so much action. So when you've had your fill of the mountain, come back here to find out how to enjoy your evenings.
GET SOME SHUTEYE AT MOUNTAIN DREAMING APARTMENTS
Sometimes after a long day on the mountain, all you need and want is to go to bed. There's no shame in that — a long day or difficult conditions can really take it out of you. A popular cosy overnight spot for any visitor is Mountain Dreaming Apartments.
These self-contained and self-catered apartments are the perfect pick for experienced snowgoers, with fully stocked kitchens and private balconies overlooking those killer mountain views. The on-site restaurant offers drinks and Aussie pub-style cuisine to recharge your batteries, plus the apartments are a mere 100 metres from the Big D Lift, the less time you need to walk in your boots the better.
FEEL AT HOME IN GRAVBROT SKI CLUB
Slightly further down the road in Davenport village is a luxe but affordable alternative: Gravbrot Ski Club. An ideal destination for families or larger groups, especially if you don't fancy forking out for meals or bringing your own groceries. A stay here includes the home cooking of the lodge's own chef for every meal.
The whole experience is designed to not just accommodate you but to make you feel at home while away from home. You even get assigned an essential role in maintaining the lodge during your stay. The lodge's position in Davenport puts you in close proximity to cross-country trails, so it's perfect if you fancy an adventure through the snow to start or end your day.
PUT YOUR FEET UP IN 'THE HEART OF HOTHAM' AT ZIRKY'S
Location-wise, Zirky's really is the heart of Mt Hotham, and it has been for over 60 years. Sat in the bustling heart of the village, it offers a serious drawcard as the ideal ski-in-ski-out location for a stay in Hotham. The apartment-style rooms range from one to six bedrooms, perfect for groups big and small.
Zirky's boasts multiple options for diners. You can grab a coffee and a quick snack at the cafe before you head out, enjoy a relaxed lunch or après drinks in the bar, or enjoy a refined dining experience in the á la carte restaurant, it's headed up by Chef Stephanie Graham of the St Kilda seafood hit, Donovans. Needless to say, reservations are strongly encouraged.
MAKE THE MOST OF APRÈS-SKI WITH DINNER AND DRINKS AT THE GENERAL
Holiday towns can suffer a bit on the nightlife front, but locals and visitors of Mt Hotham alike know that's not the case when they spend an evening at The General. This is a classic Aussie pub. It prides itself on being at one of the highest altitudes of its kind and serves hot and hearty pub classics until late.
The Genny also maintains a regular live music and entertainment roster, rotating between live DJs and artists to pub trivia and afternoon après happy hour specials. If you're looking for a night out on the mount, this is a prime choice.
TAKE IN THE SCENERY ON A SUNSET SNOW KAT TOUR
Altitude and killer views go hand in hand, and Hotham is no exception to that rule. But when you're careening down the slopes, staring at the view isn't the safest thing to do. It's easy enough to take a break on The Summit during the day, but you really should try coming back at sunset.
The only way to do that is on a Sunset Snow Kat Tour. This deluxe experience starts with bubbles and cheese at The Bird before a heated ride in a snow kat up to the summit to watch the sun go down with hot choccy in hand. It'll be cold, but the views are unbeatable. Legend says that on a clear night, you might see as far as Mt Kosciuszko.
SPEND A NIGHT OUTDOORS AT ALPINE NATURE EXPERIENCE
Just like the killer views, the lovely ambience of the Victorian Alps is a little tricky to take in when you're moving down a hillside at high speeds. A better choice for a leisurely wander through the high country is cross-country skiing or even snowshoeing. Mt Hotham offers that in large amounts, but a truly special way to do it is the Alpine Nature Experience.
This evening tour starts with a 20-minute snowshoe walk through the snow gums, followed by mulled wine, cheese fondue and a three-course dinner in a cosy tipi in the snow. You can also book to stay the night in a luxury heated 'skydome' or authentic igloo, followed by a warm breakfast in the morning.
HAVE A QUICK BREAK THEN KEEP SHREDDING AFTER DARK
You don't always have to take off your gear for good once the sun goes down. Mt Hotham has a bustling nightlife and a broad list of activities in the village, but the action can continue on the slopes if you pick the right night.
If the conditions are good, visitors can return to the mountain with limited access to Big D for night skiing and boarding every Wednesday and Saturday night from 6.30–9.30pm. And in case the floodlights don't illuminate enough of the situation, Wednesday nights also feature fireworks displays that light up Big D, The Summit or the Basin at 6.30pm. Keep an eye on the Mt Hotham app or TV to find out what's happening.
All this and more can be found in Mt Hotham, Australia's alpine wonderland. To find out more and start planning your trip, visit the website.