Kat’s Korner
By KAT PAUL
WINTER is here, and the trails are calling!
Whether you're a regular racer, weekend warrior, curious first-timer, or just love cheering from the sidelines, there’s something for everyone on the snow this season.
Here’s a look at this year’s biathlon and cross country ski events at Falls Creek and Mount Hotham, so you can mark your calendars, come down, get involved, volunteer, spectate, or maybe even jump onto the start line yourself!
Falls Creek & Mount Hotham Winter Nordic Events – 2025
Sat, 12 July – High Plains Tour (Freestyle) – 1/2.5/5/10 km.
A family-friendly event with a distance for everyone. This race promises fun for all ages at Fall Creek.
Sun 13 July – Birkebeiner Classic (Classic) – 2.5/5/10 km
A community favourite run by Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club. Expect good vibes, spot prizes, and great skiing held at Falls Creek.
Sat 19 & Sun 20 July – Biathlon Australia National Championships (Selection Races 1 & 2)
Held at Mount Hotham’s Whiskey Flat Biathlon Range, this weekend of racing kicks off national team selection for Australia’s biathletes. Come and watch the exciting mix of skiing and shooting.
Sat 26 & Sun 27 July – Victorian Junior XC Championships
Saturday: Junior Sprint Championships (Classic)
Sunday: Junior Distance Championships (Freestyle)
Juniors (U20) go head-to-head in pursuit of state team selection. Great atmosphere, fast skis, and future stars in action at Falls Creek.
Sat 2 August – Hotham to Dinner Plain (Freestyle) – 12 km
This much-loved community event is a point-to-point ski between two iconic alpine towns. A great challenge with stunning scenery and plenty of camaraderie.
Sat 9 August – Ski de Femme (Freestyle) – 1/2.5/5 km
An iconic women's event at Falls Creek featuring free lessons, fun races, spot prizes, and freshly baked treats. All ages and abilities welcome!
Fri 8 & Sun 10 August – Australian Biathlon Championships (Selection Races 3 & 4)
The second set of selection races for our national biathlon team, held at Mount Hotham’s Whiskey Flat Biathlon Range. A great chance to see Australia’s best in action or lend a hand as a volunteer.
Sun 10 August – Rocky Valley Rush / Sun Valley Ramble (Freestyle) – 22.5/15/7.5km
This classic Falls Creek race offers something for everyone and is perfect prep for those targeting the Hoppet later in the month.
Sat 16 & Sun 17 August – AUS Open & Junior Championships
Saturday: Sprint Championships (Classic)
Sunday: Distance Championships (Freestyle) – 10km
Expect high-level racing from juniors, open athletes, and masters vying for national titles and a bit of glory on the trails at Falls Creek.
Sat 23 August – Kangaroo Hoppet (42km), Australian Birkebeiner (21km), Joey Hoppet (7km)
Australia’s biggest international ski race! A must-do event for elite and recreational skiers alike, and a joy to spectate. Whether you're racing or ringing cowbells on the sideline, Hoppet Day is the heart of our winter calendar.
Women of Winter – Connect, Empower, Inspire
Calling all women working in or passionate about the snowsports industry, Women of Winter (WoW) is back with two special networking events this season at Falls Creek and Mt Hotham.
Falls Creek – Tuesday 29 July, 6pm
Venue TBC – stay tuned for updates
Mt Hotham – Sunday 10 August, 6pm
The Bird Café
Presented by Snow Australia’s Women of Winter initiative, these events aim to empower, connect, and inspire women across all areas of the snow world, from athletes and coaches to volunteers, officials, lift operators, and industry professionals.
Each evening is a great opportunity to:
• meet and connect with other women working or volunteering in snowsports
• learn about career pathways, development opportunities, and training options
• hear from inspiring guest speakers
• engage in meaningful conversations around representation, mentorship, and leadership in the industry
Whether you're established in the field or simply curious about getting involved, these welcoming events offer a space to ask questions, share experiences, and build valuable connections.
The WoW initiative continues to advocate for greater visibility, opportunity, and support for women in snowsports, and these gatherings are an important step toward a more inclusive future.
To register or learn more, visit: www.snow.org.au/womenofwinter
Let’s come together, build community, and support each other on and off the snow.
Kangaraoo Hoppet - our season showstopper
Capping off the winter season is none other than the Kangaroo Hoppet, Australia’s premier cross country ski race and a proud member of the international Worldloppet series, standing tall alongside legendary events like Sweden’s Vasaloppet and Italy’s Marcialonga.
Held annually at Falls Creek, the Hoppet draws a buzzing crowd of elite skiers, enthusiastic amateurs, first-timers, and spectators.
Whether you’re taking on the full 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, gliding through the 21km Australian Birkebeiner, or enjoying the family-friendly 7km Joey Hoppet, there’s something for every level.
So make sure you keep Saturday, August 23 free to join in this great event.
The Hoppet is more than just a race, it’s a celebration of the Australian skiing community.
Kangaroo Hoppet Needs You!
Want to get more involved in the XC skiing scene?
The Kangaroo Hoppet committee is now calling for volunteers-on snow and off, before, during, and after the big day.
It’s a great way to connect with the community, support the event, and be part of something special.
Interested? Head to www.hoppet.com.au/volunteers
Early Bird Entries Close 12 July
Thinking of jumping into the race yourself?
Don’t miss the early bird entry deadline, you’ll save some dollars and lock in your motivation early.
Visit the Hoppet website for entry details and all the info you need at www.hoppet.com.au
