Looking for a way to get involved in Nordic skiing this winter?

Whether you’re a seasoned racer, first-timer, or just keen to see what all the fuss is about, our alpine region has something for everyone.

August is packed with events at both Falls Creek and Mount Hotham, and it’s one of my favourite times of year, as the trails are getting faster and the winter weather is usually at its best.

Here’s what’s coming up.

Mark your calendars!

Saturday 2 August - Hotham to Dinner Plain (Freestyle) -12 km

This iconic point-to-point ski between two alpine villages is a must-do.

Stunning views, great snow (hopefully!), and an awesome community vibe.

Saturday 9 August - 30th Ski de Femme - 1/2.5/5km

A celebration of women in skiing at Falls Creek.

There are fun races, free lessons, spot prizes, and yes, freshly baked treats!

This event is for all ages and abilities.

Grab your girlfriends (or your mum!) and come along.

Friday 8 & Sunday 10 August - Australian Biathlon Championships (Selection Races 3 & 4)

Head to the Whiskey Flat Biathlon Range at Hotham to see some of Australia's best biathletes in action.

Want to support the team? Volunteers are always welcome!

Sunday 10 August - Rocky Valley Rush/Sun Valley Ramble (Freestyle) - 22.5/15/7.5km

Whether you're in it for the challenge or just to cruise, this Falls Creek favourite is a great tune-up for Hoppet later in the month.

Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 August - AUS Open & Junior Championships

Saturday: Sprint Champs (Classic)

Sunday: Distance Champs (Freestyle - 10 km)

This weekend showcases top-level racing, with juniors, masters, and elite skiers all pushing hard for national titles.

If you’re not racing, come and cheer from the sideline, it makes a difference!

Saturday 23 August - Kangaroo Hoppet, Australian Birkebeiner, and Joey Hoppet - 42/21/7km

The big one! Whether you're chasing a podium or just out there to enjoy the trails, Hoppet Day is the highlight of our snow season.

Snow Australia’s Women of Winter

Mt Hotham - Sunday 10 August, 6pm - The Bird Café

If you’re a woman working in or passionate about the snow world, from athletes and coaches to groomers, liftees, or volunteers, this one's for you.

The Women of Winter (WoW) networking night is a chance to connect with other amazing women in snowsports, hear from guest speakers, and spark important conversations around leadership, visibility, and opportunities in the industry.

These events are always warm, welcoming, and full of great chats (and snacks).

Whether you’ve been in the snow scene for years or are just getting started, I highly recommend coming along.

To register or learn more, visit: www.snow.org.au/womenofwinter

There’s so much happening this month, and I hope to see you out there, whether it's racing, volunteering, or just enjoying a ski with friends.

Let’s keep building this amazing ski community together.

Countdown to the Hoppet: my top tips for ski marathon prep

By Katerina Paul

As the Kangaroo Hoppet edges closer (August 23 is coming up fast!), I thought I’d share a few tips on preparing for a ski marathon.

My advice comes from personal experience racing professionally across Europe in the Ski Classics series, where I compete in up to 700 kilometres of marathon racing over 14 weekends in a season.

Whether you’re tackling the 7km Joey, the 21km Birkebeiner, or the full 42km Hoppet on race day at Falls Creek, these practical tips can help you feel more prepared and enjoy the big day.

1. Control what you can. Let the rest go.

Worried about snow levels? Don’t be. That’s out of your hands.

Focus on what you can control, like how you fuel, rest, and approach the race.

Chasing a Hoppet mug? Go for it. But keep your head in the game and ski your own race.

2. Bring your drink system.

Remember, the Hoppet is a plastic cup-free event.

You’ll need to carry your own bottle, drink belt, or hydration pack.

There are feed stations out on course where you can refill.

If carrying water isn't your thing, ask a friend to hand you a bottle.

Great spots include near the dam wall or in the bowl.

3. Fuel up wisely.

In the week leading into the race, prioritise balanced meals: carbs, protein, and plenty of hydration.

A well-fed body is a happy body.

The day before, make sure you’re drinking enough water and consider adding electrolytes to help avoid mid-race cramping.

While I wouldn’t go full carbo-load for this distance, I’m also not against a solid bowl of pasta a couple of days out and the night before.

It’s part of the ritual!

4. Sleep smart.

If you don’t sleep well the night before the race, don’t stress.

It’s the sleep two nights before that counts most.

Just keep things calm and low-key the night before.

5. Don’t skip breakfast.

Aim to eat breakfast about 2.5 to 3 hours before the start.

If you’re driving up to Falls Creek early and parking is tight, bring something simple like overnight oats or toast in a container, and don’t forget the coffee thermos.

(If you’ve ever done the Vasaloppet in Sweden, you know that waking at 3am for a ski marathon is a real thing. We’re lucky it’s a bit easier here.)

6. Soak it all in.

Most importantly, enjoy it.

Hoppet weekend is like a big ski family reunion.

Whether you're chasing a PB, skiing with mates, or trying something new, it’s about celebrating the season, the snow, and the amazing community we have.

Want to get involved behind the scenes?

The Kangaroo Hoppet committee is calling for volunteers to help both on and off the snow.

This includes roles before, during, and after the event. It’s a great way to give back, meet new people, and be part of something special.

To find out more or to sign up, visit www.hoppet.com.au/volunteers