It’s been a banging winter.
We’ve had good snowfalls, cold, clear and sunny days and most of the chairs spinning most of the time.
By any metric, for an Australian winter, this is a raging success.
At Hotham this year we have seen some changes implemented, and some great events run.
In this article we’ll run through some of the best and a few that have been misses, a joyous retrospective on a fantastic winter under the southern sun.
Big D Park – 8/10
An ambitious vision, and I will be the first to admit I was skeptical about how it was going to work.
Credit to the amazing parks crew and the resort team, this park has been a hit and a cracking place to spend an afternoon.
Great progressional features, exciting new builds with a dedicated team, great to see so many people who would otherwise probably not have ventured into the park getting into it in an accessible way.
Only needs a second larger jump on QC to come to a 10.
Pirate Life Rail Jam – 10/10
This was a spectacle, like a miniature Schladming night race at our very own Big D.
Impressive level of talent on show throwing down some wild tricks on a challenging build by the parks crew.
One to make sure not to miss in 2026.
Freeride World Qualifier 2 Star – 7/10
The talent on show at this event was a sight to behold, with perfect conditions in the sun on the second day of the weather window.
Great to see high-end international competition happening at home in Hotham.
Only bummer was that the weather closed in and skunked the junior competition, and they were unable to run, despite valiant efforts from the FWT representatives to get them a start.
Back bigger and better than ever in 2026.
Via Alpina – 0/10
If you haven’t heard of this high-end pasta restaurant, I would not be surprised.
It was intended to occupy the old Miss Mary’s space on the lower level of Hotham Central but became a kids’ ski school lunch location.
One terrific restaurant lost, without a replacement, was a bitter disappointment.
Hopefully another vision for this space can take hold for next year.
Love the intention, the execution was flawed.
Kids Lessons at Hotham Central – 7/10
Making for easier pick ups and drop offs for parents, this has been a positive change for the mountain and has freed up the space of the Big D for the park.
Easy access onto the Summit, keeping kids lessons on snow and off busses.
Great to have a year where the lifts above the road have been open most of the time, helping ease the transition.
Summit Carpet – 6/10
This has worked, particularly making it easier for beginners to access this early learning terrain as they don’t have to load a poma.
Doesn’t take riders as high up on that slope though, and can become crowded pretty quickly.
Still hoping the poma that was pulled out of this location ends up back next to the Summit Park allowing people to lap the jump features.
Fingers crossed.
