SNOWFALLS, albeit light, over the past fortnight, and the prospect of some light natural falls this Friday has offered encouraging signs ahead of the season opening at Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain this King’s Birthday long weekend.

Snowmaking teams at both Mt Hotham and Falls Creek have been making the most of sub-zero temperatures in recent weeks and visitors to the resorts this weekend are expected to at least see some snow.

Lift operators, alpine resort management, accommodation providers and other private and hospitality businesses have been flat out preparing to welcome guests - with plenty of apres ski entertainment and social activities to be enjoyed.

At Mt Hotham, enjoy free hot chocolate, donuts and S’mores at the Big D from 10am to 2pm this Saturday, keeping warm by the fire pits and enjoy the music and outdoor games.

At 5pm join senior Gunai elder Sandra Patten outside the front of Hotham Central, as the season is officially opened with a Welcome to Country and a Smoking Ceremony.

At 7:30pm head to the The Bird and test your knowledge on all things Hotham and snow in the trivia contest.

From 9pm at the Genny (The General) enjoy the opening night party (free entry) with blues-rock band Smoke Stack Rhino.

On Sunday, head to Zirky’s from 7pm to enjoy the open mic and jam session, with tasty drinks include two-for-one cocktails.

The Genny will also be swinging from 9.30pm with DJ Eddy playing his favourite beats - and it’s free entry too!

At Falls Creek Scenic chairlift rides up Halley’s Comet will be running, and down in Slalom Plaza, retail favourites are ready to welcome you back.

Families will love the free kids’ activities and marshmallow toasting in the Village Bowl on Saturday, with fireworks from 6:30pm.

Sunday brings a heartfelt highlight with the inaugural Falls Creek Legends Lunch, hosted by Traverse Alpine Group in partnership with the Falls Creek Museum, from 12pm to 4pm at Frying Pan Inn.

Tickets are $48 and include all food, with drinks available at the bar - buy online at events.humanitix.com/legends-lunch.

The long weekend winds down gently on Monday, with more scenic lift rides, retail therapy, and family fun.

Beyond this weekend, there are many new and improved experiences on offer at both resorts.

At Falls Creek, the final stage of the major redevelopment of Cloud 9 Restaurant is completed, offering more space and greater creature comforts and access for all visitors.

On the slopes, a major snowmaking upgrade on Drovers Dream will help bolster adjacent runs including Main Street and Wombat’s Ramble.

At Mt Hotham, skiers and snowboarders will see a new addition at the Big D - a dedicated progression terrain park to build skills before tackling more advanced areas.

And the Kids Snowsports School has also been relocated from the Big D to Hotham Central.

Hotham’s Toboggan Park at Wire Plain has also been fitted with snowmaking to help provide a slide all season long.

And at nearby Dinner Plain, its toboggan run also has a snow factory up and running to fill in the gaps when Mother Nature pulls up short.

For those travelling to Falls Creek and Mt Hotham, you must carry diamond pattern chains, and fit when and if directed.

For the latest resort information, including snow reports and activities during season 2025, visit: mthotham.com.au and fallscreek.com.au