Victoria - Australia 2004 - page 587

If you are a keen walker, you could strap on your boots and see the area by
foot. Ecotrek ( & 08/8383 7198; [e-mail]) offers an 8-day
Bogong Alpine Traverse trek, including 4 nights camping and 3 nights in ski
lodges. You carry your own pack, but the pain is worth it for the incredible
panoramic views of peaks, plains, and forested valleys. The trek costs A$1,150
(US$748), including round-trip transport to Melbourne. The company also offers
a 5-day trek that involves camping and day walks through extremely rugged coun-
try. It costs A$630 (US$410), including round-trip transport to Melbourne.
Horseback-riding treks are another option for seeing the area. One of
the best operators is Stoney's Bluff & Beyond Rides ( & 03/5775 2212;

www.stoneys.com.au).
GETTING THERE The Alpine National Park can be accessed by several
routes from Melbourne, including the Great Alpine Road (B500), the Kiewa
Valley Highway (C531), and the Lincoln Road from Heyfield. Get to The Bluff
from Mansfield along the Maroodah Highway.
HITTING THE SLOPES: THE HIGH COUNTRY SKI RESORTS
Most of Victoria's ski areas are in, or on the edge of, the Alpine National
Park (see above). The ski season in the Victorian High Country lasts June
through October, with July and August being the most popular months.
MT. HOTHAM
373km (231 miles) NE of Melbourne
Mt. Hotham (1,750m/5,740 ft.) is an intimate ski resort significantly smaller
than those at Falls Creek (see below). There are eight lifts offering runs from
beginners to advanced. It also offers some good off-piste (off-trail) cross-country
skiing, including a route across the Bogong High Plains to Falls Creek. Some of
the lifts are quite far apart, although there's a free “zoo cart” and bus transport
system in winter along the main road. Resort entry costs A$20 (US$13) per car
for a day, payable at the resort entry gates, or at the Mount Hotham Resort
Management office (see “Visitor Information,” below). Ski tickets are available
from Mount Hotham Skiing Company ( & 03/5759 4444 ). Full-day lift tickets
cost between A$59 and A$72 (US$38-US$47) for adults and A$33 and A$39
(US$21-US$25) for children, depending on time of season.
GETTING THERE From Melbourne, take the Hume Highway via Harri-
etville, or the Princes Highway via Omeo. The trip takes around 5 1 ⁄ 2 hours (the
trip is slightly quicker on the Hume Hwy.). Fly to Mt. Hotham Airport from
Melbourne and Sydney with Qantas ( & 13 13 13 in Australia).
Trekset Mount Hotham Snow Service ( & 03/9370 9055 ) runs buses to
Mt. Hotham daily during the ski season departing Melbourne's Spencer Street
Coach Terminal at 9am. The trip takes 6 hours and costs A$70 (US$46) one-
way or A$105 (US$68) round-trip. You need to book in advance.
VISITOR INFORMATION Mount Hotham Resort Management, Great
Alpine Road, Mt. Hotham ( & 03/5759 3550 ), is as close as you'll come to an
information office. It has plenty of brochures. It's open daily from 8am to 5pm
during ski season, and Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm at other times.
The general Mt. Hotham Web page is www.mthotham.com.au .
WHERE TO STAY The Mt. Hotham Accommodation Service ( & 1800/
032 061; www.mthothamaccommodation.com.au) can book rooms and advise
you on special deals during both off-peak and peak periods, including flights.