Falls Creek, Hotham blanketed in almost 80cms of snow last week

MOTHER Nature answered Mt Hotham and Falls Creek’s prayers last week, providing the biggest dump of snow week in a seven day period for some seasons. Officially, the seven day falls until 9am Sunday, July 21 were 78cms at both resorts, pushing the average snow depth to 92cm at Falls Creek and 88cms at Hotham. But there were some areas at both resorts, such as Falls’ Sun Valley, where the magical metre was reached. And with the forecast of further good falls of up to another foot this week, skiers and snowboarders can look forward to excellent coverage in August. The big dumps saw more terrain and lifts opened at both resorts, with expectations that most, if not all terrain and lifts will be opened. “We’ve had 80cms of fresh snow this past week and we are so excited to open more terrain thanks to the Summit Chairlift running for the first time this season,” Falls Creek marketing manager Betony Pitcher said on July 21. “This opens up even more options for our guests with advanced skills and our black runs are groomed and ready.” Backcountry guide Mark ‘Macca’ McDonald, who founded Falls Creek Guides, was among those excited by what lies ahead this month. “Our season is here to stay – we’ve got enough snow to last until September,” he said. The fresh falls for cross country skiers has also been a blessing, with more groomed trails and touring options. Hotham marketing co-ordinator Alex Pankiw said the week’s snowstorm had been a terrific boost. Hotham’s total snowfall for the season up until July 21 was 138cms, which is above the 2020 (75cms) and 2022 (106cms) seasons, but below 2021 (173cms) and 2023 (236cms), as well as the 32 year average (147cms). Interestingly though, the 60cms rise in average snow depth between July 14 and 21 - taking Hotham’s cover from 28cms to 88cms - is the biggest dump within a week for some seasons. Season 2021’s biggest dump was 58cms, taking the snow depth from 37cms on July 14 to 99cms on July 17. Season 2022’s biggest dumps were 58cms (snow depth rising from 36cms June 4 to 94cms June 9) and 55cms (snow depth rising from 117cms September 16 to 172cms September 19). While last season the snow depth rose from 21cms (June 17) to 55cms (June 24); and then continued to rise to 82cms by June 27 - 61cms over a 10 day period. July’s snowfall couldn’t have been timed better, with a host of events planned in August at both resorts. “With plenty of available accommodation, a fully ski-in-ski-out village, and more terrain opening soon, now is the perfect time to book your holiday in Falls Creek,” said Sarah Watt, Falls Creek Alpine Resort head of marketing and visitor experience. “With big crowds hitting the slopes it’s timely to remind guests to pre-book their resort entry permit before leaving home to avoid disappointment.” For the latest resort information, including snow reports and activities, visit fallscreek.com.au, hotham.com.au and visitdinnerplain.com.au

Falls Creek, Hotham blanketed in almost 80cms of snow last week

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