Winter 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Cross Country Skiing Lessons & Tours - FAQs
Do I need any previous skiing experience?
No. Our ‘Absolute Beginner’ lessons are designed for people with little or no experience. We start with the fundamentals before progressing to gliding and trail exploration.
I'm a downhill skier. Do I still need a lesson?
Yes. Cross country skiing uses different equipment and techniques largely different to alpine skiing, therefore most downhill skiers benefit from learning the basics first.
Do lessons include ski hire?
No. Equipment hire is arranged separately, but we're happy to recommend suitable gear and have a great discount hire deal with Hoys available when you book with us.
Are lessons private or group-based?
We offer both group ‘Intro to XC’ lessons and private instruction. Private lessons provide the greatest flexibility and personalised coaching.
What's the difference between a lesson and a tour?
Lessons focus on skills development, while tours focus on exploration – discovering trails less travelled! Many of our experiences combine both.
Where do lessons and tours operate?
We operate from both Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain, traversing a network of over 35km of cross country ski trails including in the Alpine National Park.
No. Our ‘Absolute Beginner’ lessons are designed for people with little or no experience. We start with the fundamentals before progressing to gliding and trail exploration.
I'm a downhill skier. Do I still need a lesson?
Yes. Cross country skiing uses different equipment and techniques largely different to alpine skiing, therefore most downhill skiers benefit from learning the basics first.
Do lessons include ski hire?
No. Equipment hire is arranged separately, but we're happy to recommend suitable gear and have a great discount hire deal with Hoys available when you book with us.
Are lessons private or group-based?
We offer both group ‘Intro to XC’ lessons and private instruction. Private lessons provide the greatest flexibility and personalised coaching.
What's the difference between a lesson and a tour?
Lessons focus on skills development, while tours focus on exploration – discovering trails less travelled! Many of our experiences combine both.
Where do lessons and tours operate?
We operate from both Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain, traversing a network of over 35km of cross country ski trails including in the Alpine National Park.
Guided Snowshoeing Adventures - FAQs
What is snowshoeing?
Snowshoeing is walking on top of the snow using specialised boot attachments to prevent you from sinking. It's one of the easiest ways to explore the alpine environment in winter.
Do I need any experience?
No. Snowshoeing is suitable for anyone who can walk – no lesson is needed beyond a few tips we always start out with!
Is snowshoes hire included?
Yes. Snowshoes and poles are included with all our guided snowshoe adventures.
How physically demanding is snowshoeing?
Not at all unless you want it to be! Generally tours require only minimal to moderate fitness – with most of our experiences offered privately, we tailor itineraries and pace to suit you and/or your group.
What is the Sunset Snowshoeing Experience?
A scenic, relaxed guided snowshoeing adventure timed to coincide with the spectacular colours and views of Mount Hotham’s alpine sunset.
Will we see wildlife?
While sightings aren't guaranteed, we regularly spot tracks and love sharing insights into the unique plants, animals and ecology of the Australian Alps.
Snowshoeing is walking on top of the snow using specialised boot attachments to prevent you from sinking. It's one of the easiest ways to explore the alpine environment in winter.
Do I need any experience?
No. Snowshoeing is suitable for anyone who can walk – no lesson is needed beyond a few tips we always start out with!
Is snowshoes hire included?
Yes. Snowshoes and poles are included with all our guided snowshoe adventures.
How physically demanding is snowshoeing?
Not at all unless you want it to be! Generally tours require only minimal to moderate fitness – with most of our experiences offered privately, we tailor itineraries and pace to suit you and/or your group.
What is the Sunset Snowshoeing Experience?
A scenic, relaxed guided snowshoeing adventure timed to coincide with the spectacular colours and views of Mount Hotham’s alpine sunset.
Will we see wildlife?
While sightings aren't guaranteed, we regularly spot tracks and love sharing insights into the unique plants, animals and ecology of the Australian Alps.
Nordic Backcountry Touring - FAQs
What is Nordic backcountry touring?
Nordic backcountry touring combines cross country skiing techniques with off-trail exploration through alpine terrain across untracked snow.
Do I need previous skiing experience?
Yes. Participants should have some cross country skiing experience and be comfortable skiing on varied terrain.
How is it different from cross country skiing?
Cross country skiing is generally done on groomed trails, while Nordic backcountry touring explores ungroomed snow, natural terrain and potentially more remote areas.
How fit do I need to be?
A moderate to good level of fitness is recommended, depending on the tour and conditions – we customise itineraries and pace to suit you and/or your group.
Is this the same as alpine ski touring?
No. Nordic backcountry touring focuses on efficient travel and exploration – ‘the journey’ rather than steep climbs and adrenaline-inducing downhill descents.
What equipment do I need?
You'll need suitable Nordic backcountry skis, boots and poles which can vary considerably depending on plans and conditions. We can advise on equipment selection and/or rental before your tour.
Are tours customised?
Yes. Most of our lessons and activities are offered on a private basis which we will tailor to your experience, goals and prevailing snow conditions.
Is backcountry touring safe?
Our guides use extensive local knowledge, weather assessment and route planning to manage risks and maximise safety. We are accredited with APSI as Nordic ski instructors and qualified in wilderness first-aid.
What terrain will we explore?
Tours may include snowgum woodlands, wide alpine plains, scenic ridgelines and other ungroomed natural terrain around Hotham and Dinner Plain.
Why choose a guided backcountry tour?
A guide helps you discover more terrain away from where everyone else normally goes while providing local knowledge, navigation expertise and skiing advice.
Nordic backcountry touring combines cross country skiing techniques with off-trail exploration through alpine terrain across untracked snow.
Do I need previous skiing experience?
Yes. Participants should have some cross country skiing experience and be comfortable skiing on varied terrain.
How is it different from cross country skiing?
Cross country skiing is generally done on groomed trails, while Nordic backcountry touring explores ungroomed snow, natural terrain and potentially more remote areas.
How fit do I need to be?
A moderate to good level of fitness is recommended, depending on the tour and conditions – we customise itineraries and pace to suit you and/or your group.
Is this the same as alpine ski touring?
No. Nordic backcountry touring focuses on efficient travel and exploration – ‘the journey’ rather than steep climbs and adrenaline-inducing downhill descents.
What equipment do I need?
You'll need suitable Nordic backcountry skis, boots and poles which can vary considerably depending on plans and conditions. We can advise on equipment selection and/or rental before your tour.
Are tours customised?
Yes. Most of our lessons and activities are offered on a private basis which we will tailor to your experience, goals and prevailing snow conditions.
Is backcountry touring safe?
Our guides use extensive local knowledge, weather assessment and route planning to manage risks and maximise safety. We are accredited with APSI as Nordic ski instructors and qualified in wilderness first-aid.
What terrain will we explore?
Tours may include snowgum woodlands, wide alpine plains, scenic ridgelines and other ungroomed natural terrain around Hotham and Dinner Plain.
Why choose a guided backcountry tour?
A guide helps you discover more terrain away from where everyone else normally goes while providing local knowledge, navigation expertise and skiing advice.
Bookings, Weather & Logistics - FAQs
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Advance bookings are strongly recommended, particularly on weekends and during school holidays. Book online with immediate confirmation in most circumstances.
Where do we meet?
Meeting locations at vary depending on the activity type, whether you've booked for Hotham or Dinner Plain and snow conditions. Full details are provided with your booking confirmation.
Can I book a private experience?
Yes. Most of our activities are available as private experiences and can be tailored to your interests, fitness and experience level.
How fit do I need to be?
Most activities require only a reasonable level of general fitness. We tailor pace, terrain and itineraries to suit participants wherever possible.
Are your activities suitable for children?
Many of our experiences are family-friendly and can be tailored to suit however the minimum age for 'Intro to XC' public group lessons is 12yrs. Contact us to discuss ages and we'll recommend the most suitable option.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear warm layered clothing suitable for outdoor exercise in cold conditions. Waterproof outerwear, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen and water are recommended. Activity-specific equipment requirements will be provided before your booking.
What happens if the weather is poor?
We operate in a wide range of winter conditions. If weather affects safety or the quality of the experience, we may adjust locations, itineraries or schedules.
What happens if there isn't enough snow?
Activities are subject to snow conditions. If insufficient snow prevents safe operation, we'll discuss alternative options, rescheduling or refunds.
What is your cancellation policy?
• At least a fortnight (14 days) notice – full refund
• At least a week (7 days) notice – 75% refund
• At least 2 days (48 hours) notice – 50% refund
• Less than 48 hours notice or no-show: No refund
Do I need a resort entry permit?
Yes for Mount Hotham, no for Dinner Plain. Vehicles stopping at Hotham during the snow season require a resort entry permit available for purchase via the Hotham Alpine Resort website.
Yes. Advance bookings are strongly recommended, particularly on weekends and during school holidays. Book online with immediate confirmation in most circumstances.
Where do we meet?
Meeting locations at vary depending on the activity type, whether you've booked for Hotham or Dinner Plain and snow conditions. Full details are provided with your booking confirmation.
Can I book a private experience?
Yes. Most of our activities are available as private experiences and can be tailored to your interests, fitness and experience level.
How fit do I need to be?
Most activities require only a reasonable level of general fitness. We tailor pace, terrain and itineraries to suit participants wherever possible.
Are your activities suitable for children?
Many of our experiences are family-friendly and can be tailored to suit however the minimum age for 'Intro to XC' public group lessons is 12yrs. Contact us to discuss ages and we'll recommend the most suitable option.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear warm layered clothing suitable for outdoor exercise in cold conditions. Waterproof outerwear, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen and water are recommended. Activity-specific equipment requirements will be provided before your booking.
What happens if the weather is poor?
We operate in a wide range of winter conditions. If weather affects safety or the quality of the experience, we may adjust locations, itineraries or schedules.
What happens if there isn't enough snow?
Activities are subject to snow conditions. If insufficient snow prevents safe operation, we'll discuss alternative options, rescheduling or refunds.
What is your cancellation policy?
• At least a fortnight (14 days) notice – full refund
• At least a week (7 days) notice – 75% refund
• At least 2 days (48 hours) notice – 50% refund
• Less than 48 hours notice or no-show: No refund
Do I need a resort entry permit?
Yes for Mount Hotham, no for Dinner Plain. Vehicles stopping at Hotham during the snow season require a resort entry permit available for purchase via the Hotham Alpine Resort website.
