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Mt Hotham is experiencing an impressive start to this year’s snow season with all ski lifts now turning for the first time since 2019 and with Hotham’s longtime Director of Ski Patrol, Bill Barker sharing “It’s amazing to have all of them running at this time of the year.”

Experienced skiers and boarders are spoiled for choice with easy access to plenty of challenging options off every lift, from Blue Ribbon to The Orchard.

Well known to aficionados as the man behind the daily Local Knowledge snow and weather reports on Hotham’s official site, Barker celebrates his 10th anniversary as Director of the Hotham Ski Patrol this year (his thirty sixth year on the mountain), leading a team of 35 paid and 35 volunteer patrol staff dedicated to keeping visitors safe throughout the season.

Commenting on Hotham’s terrain Barker adds "It stands out from other resorts in Australia because it has a higher percentage of advanced runs, including double diamond extreme terrain.

"Step outside of your comfort zone but don't push it too hard, understand the risks, learn about snow conditions and pick the right day before launching into it. And get lessons. There are plenty of great instructors at the Snow Sports School who can help you get prepared for the challenges of Hotham's advanced and expert terrain".

Fantastic snowfalls have perfectly coincided with the winter school break, meaning thousands of happy holidaymakers have already been able to enjoy this year’s bumper conditions.

At Whiskey Flat Australia's only biathlon range, the Mt Hotham Biathlon Range, has also been in full swing this week training Future Stars of the sport from six to 12 years of age, and trialling young biathletes for a place in the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Seoul in 2024.  

This challenging sport combines the athleticism of competitive cross-country skate-skiing with the precision of small bore rifle target shooting. 

Throughout July and August spectators are welcome to head to the arena to see Olympians and future Olympians in action and learn first-hand what it takes to master the sport which originated in the 19th century as a training method for the Norwegian military.

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10th June 2012 - Minister launches 2012 ski season at Mt Hotham

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