Third Victorian Ski Resort Announces Early Closure—Mt. Hotham, Australia, To Close September 4

After the early closure of Mount Buller and Mount Baw Baw in Victoria, Australia, a third Victorian ski resort has now announced its last day of operations. Lifts at the upside-down resort Mount Hotham will stop spinning after Wednesday, September 4. Unseasonably warm weather and rain fall eroded the snow cover in Hotham and despite resort management’s best efforts to maintain the snowpack, there has been too much damage. “Operational decisions are being made with the safety of our guests and staff at the forefront,” Hotham General Manager Tina Burford shared on social media.

Blizzard-like conditions are forecast for Monday, and many lifts are expected to be on wind hold during the storm. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology forecasts wind gusts of up to 70 kmh (44 mph) and hail as a significant cold front passes to the southeast. Winds are expected to ease on Tuesday as a large high pressure system moves across the state and clear skis and fresh snow could be possible for the last few days. Operations at Hotham will be as usual and many businesses will remain open for the rest of the week, details below:

• The Guest Services counter in Hotham Central will be open Thursday and Friday 8am – 4pm, and Guest Services will always be available by emailing tickets@hotham.com.au.
• The Visitor Information counter in the Resort Management Office will continue to be open 7-days a week until Sunday 22 September.
• The Village Shuttle and Dinner Plain bus services will continue to operate until Sunday 8 September.
• The Bird will remain open for coffee and food from 8am to 2.30pm until Sunday 8 September, offering 40% off all food and drinks until sold out.
• Pinnacle retail shop in Hotham Central will be open on Thursday 9am – 2pm for any final Hotham merchandise, accessories or clothing.
• Rays Ski Shop in Myrtleford will remain open until Sunday 8^th of September for rental returns and snow gear retail, including a sale on skis, boards and outerwear.
• Hotham Sports Rentals in Hotham Central will be open for returns on Thursday and Friday from 8am – 4pm.
• Please check with individual businesses for their operating plans as we wind down operations.

While the season is ending earlier than hoped for, Mount Hotham saw a great season with Australia’s first-ever Freeride World Tour events at the resort. “It has been an exciting season and we had some fantastic and skiing and riding in June and July,” Tina Burford stated in a video the resort shared on its social media channels.

The closure of three resorts in Victoria now just leaves Falls Creek operating in the state. In New South Wales, Selwyn Snow Resort ceased operations last week, while Thredbo and Perisher are still operating.

• Related: Australian Winter Heatwave Forces Closure of Selwyn Snow Resort