Cross country and biathlon: plenty of events at Hotham, Falls this winter

Jun 25, 2026

RACING: Australia’s international cross country ski race, the Kangaroo Hoppet is back on at Falls Creek on Saturday, 15 August. Pictured racing to the line in last year’s event are Australian cross country team mates Seve de Campo (left) and Phil Bellingham (right) - Phil won the event in a time of 1.32.55, ahead of Seve in second place in a time of 1.33.04.

By KATERINA PAUL
With the Australian cross country ski season underway, there is plenty for skiers of all ages and abilities to look forward to across Falls Creek and Mount Hotham in the coming weeks.
Falls Creek’s racing calendar begins on 11 July with the Cross-Country Skier High Plains Tour, featuring free technique races from 1km through to 10km.
The following day, skiers will switch techniques for the traditional Birkebeiner Classic, contested over distances from 2.5km to 10km.
The focus then turns to Victoria’s emerging talent, with the Victorian Junior Sprint Championships on 25 July followed by the Victorian Junior Distance Championships on 26 July.
Schools will take centre stage on 30 July for the Australian Secondary Schools Ski Team Championship, one of the most anticipated events on the junior calendar.
Australia’s best cross country skiers will then battle for national honours at the Australian Open Championships on 1-2 August.
The weekend features the Australian Open Sprint Championships in classic technique on Saturday before athletes contest the Australian Open Distance Championships in free technique on Sunday.
The popular free event, the Ski de Femme and fun race returns on 8 August, offering a welcoming and supportive event for women and girls to get involved in skiing and learn something new, no matter if you are a beginner or experienced.
The season’s big event arrives on Saturday, 15 August with the Kangaroo Hoppet, Australia’s premier long-distance cross country ski race and part of the Worldloppet series.
Alongside the 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, participants can also choose the 21km Australian Birkebeiner or the 7km Joey Hoppet.
Over at Mount Hotham, biathlon athletes will be in action for two major national events.
The National Biathlon Championships will be held on 18-19 July, while the Australian Biathlon Championships take place on 8-9 August, bringing together the country’s top biathletes for competition on snow.
Mount Hotham will also host the annual Hotham to Dinner Plain event on 1 August, with participants taking on the scenic 12km course between the two alpine villages.