SKIERS and snowboarders arriving at Hotham this season will be met with a new addition taking shape at the Big D; a dedicated progression terrain park designed to give riders a safe space to build skills and confidence before stepping up to the resort’s more advanced features.
The zone has been introduced as part of a broader effort to support development at every level, particularly among younger riders and those new to park terrain.
It’s a clear investment in Hotham’s freestyle future, offering smaller, more approachable features in a welcoming environment.
For many, it will serve as a stepping stone toward the larger Summit Terrain Park, which continues to be a mainstay for advanced riders.
“We are so excited to bring this new offering to life at Hotham," said Tina Burford, Hotham's vice president and general manager.
"We’re creating something unique to Australia that will really appeal to Hotham guests and families, who we know are progression focused and always up for adventure.”
While freestyle takes a leap forward, families will also note changes rolled out across the resort.
Most notably, the Kids Snowsports School has been relocated from the Big D to a more central location at Hotham Central.
The change is designed to ease morning logistics for parents and remove the need for a separate shuttle.
This will affect both the Mighty Mites (ages 3 to 6) and Kids Club (ages 7 to 14) programs.
To support the new set-up, lift infrastructure has also been reworked for this upcoming season.
The Bunderool carpet, which was introduced for the 2024 winter season, is now reserved exclusively for children’s lessons, while the Pup’s Playground carpet has been repositioned to better serve the restructured school zone.
Adult beginners will now use “Harry’s”, the longer Big D carpet lift, which replaces the Summit Trainer Poma and provides a more gradual learning environment.
This is especially helpful for snowboarders and first-timers.
With the 2025 season underway, Vail management hopes the updates reshape how beginners and progressing skiers and snowboarders experience the mountain.
Whether it’s a child’s first ski lesson or a snowboarder’s first attempt in the park, the changes are designed to offer a clearer pathway for developing skills across all levels.
