Perfect start to snow season at Mt Hotham, Falls Creek alpine resorts

By JEFF ZEUSCHNER
Blue skies and snow blanketed villages offering plenty to do on the slopes and inside hospitality venues helped provide the perfect opening for the 2026 snow season at Falls Creek and Mt Hotham alpine resorts over the King’s Birthday long weekend.
Natural snowfall of 31cms at Mt Hotham and 25cms at Falls Creek in the days leading up to opening weekend, coupled with sub-zero temperatures allowing the snow guns to fire up, had both villages transformed into winter wonderlands.
The Summit Trainer lift was turning at Mt Hotham, offering skiers and snowboarders their first runs of the season on a 20cms cover on the Summit.
“It’s great to see skiers and boarders back on the slopes up at Hotham, enjoying the Welcome to Winter festivities this weekend,” said Alex Pankiw, Hotham brand and experience manager.
“We’re looking forward the another ripper snow season.”
At Falls Creek, Halleys Comet Chairlift brought visitors to the top of Cloud 9, where hundreds of people gathered for Saturday’s official unveiling of the resort’s latest public art piece, Flower of the Alpine Sun, by its creator Gio Veronesi.
The sculpture, funded by the Victorian government, stands over 10 metres tall and provides a gateway lookout to the Alpine National Park in both winter and summer.
Falls Creek Alpine Resorts Victoria head of visitor experience, Charlie Vincent, said 100 guests joined in the post-launch celebrations at Cloud 9, with hundreds more soaking up the Saturday evening fireworks and fire-twirling in the village bowl.
“It’s been a tremendous opening weekend with many families on-mountain,” she said.
Skiing and snowboarding was enjoyed by many on the Mouse Trap beginner lift, while many others just enjoyed tobogganing and snowplay.
Vail Resorts Australia had offered a special $99 adult and $54 child lift ticket deal for opening weekend, with a $1 first-timer lesson add-on at both Falls Creek and Mt Hotham.
For the latest resort information, including snow reports and activities during season 2026, visit mthotham.com.au, fallscreek.com.au, and visitdinnerplain.com.au