Fire PreparationWhile we are all lucky to share the beautiful and abundant alpine environment, steps have to be taken to ensure that our homes, community and environment are safe from the elements of bushfires, of which Mount Hotham knows all too well can occur at any time throughout the summer period. The potential risk to the area is very high with the last destructive fires in the resort in 2013. As members of Mount Hotham community, we all have a part to play in ensuring that buildings are accessible and fire ready. With the seriousness of fire risk to area, the MHARMB asks that you complete the five basic mandatory obligations for fire risk preparation: - Return an updated and current contact information form to MHARMB (attached below); - Update your individual Emergency Management and Evacuation Plans in consultation with the CFA; - Display evacuation plans clearly within the building; - Test your emergency alarms and confirm they are operational; and - Familiarise yourself with the MHARMB’s Emergency Management Plan 2015-2018, which is accessible on our website www.developmthotham.com.au/publications-plans/plans/ Please advise us once you have completed these important fire preparation steps by sending an email to property@mthotham.com.au MHARMB thanks you for your cooperation and wishes you a safe green season at Mount Hotham. The Annual General Meeting of the Australian Alpine and Snowsports History Association Mount Hotham Alpine Resort is proud to announce the Annual General Meeting of the Australian Alpine and Snowsports History Association (AASHA), which will be held at Mount Hotham on Friday 28 April 2017 to Sunday 30 April 2017. The annual meeting is an opportunity for historical societies, group and individuals who share an interest in Alpine history to get together to help improve advocacy for alpine sports collections, and allow for discussion on matters regarding Alpine history. Mount Hotham Alpine Resort Management Board’s (MHARMB) Cultural Heritage and Tracks & Trails Officer Andrew Swift will be organising and facilitating the Mount Hotham part of the event, with a program of field trips and activities that happen within and adjacent to the Resort. The AASHA program will have two key guest speakers, workshops and round table discussions for people to share their historic projects and knowledge, and to share some of the activities that are happening in their local and alpine museums. Cultural Heritage and Tracks & Trails Officer Andrew Swift said that the AASHA was an opportunity to bring alpine history into the current strategic plans and a great way to network with people who had a passion for alpine history. “All of the alpine resorts have really good alpine history, but the key to an event like this is to acknowledge the history and bring it back to the forefront of people’s thinking,” Mr Swift said. “If people are thinking about it and talking about it, then it is more likely to be implemented in part of the strategic planning and to be carried forward into the future. “It’s a great opportunity to network, I like to learn about people’s areas of interest and why they are fascinated by these particular resorts. “It is about the sharing of the knowledge and people being able to utilise their work, and help to promote their own historic works, and to encourage other people to be involved in this sort of thing,” he said. For further information regarding the AASHA conference, please contact Andrew Swift on 5759 4036. Spike in Property Sales as the Alpine Region Grows in PopularityGood news for Mount Hotham as a growing interest in the Alpine area sees a strong rise in property sales, whilst Hotham continues to grow, develop and attract visitors to its year round resort. Zirky Real Estate is at the forefront of the Mount Hotham property boom, holding close to 90 percent of property sales on the mountain, and continues to see the growing popularity of the area. Over the past few years, Zirky Real Estate has experienced a substantial increase in activity in the Mount Hotham market. Enquiries and turnover have picked up considerably, with the number of sales having increased by nearly 50 per cent a year, between 2014 and 2016. Manager of Zirky Real Estate Rob Ford said that the concentration of sales was happening in the entry to mid-range properties, and properties that looked appealing had a greater turnover also. “The majority of the increase in sales has been in the entry point to mid-range properties with high end sales remaining steady,” Mr Ford said. “We have noticed that whilst there has been previous saturation in the market, properties that are well presented or have been refurbished turn over faster and at a premium,” he said. Mr Ford said that the steady improvement to the Mount Hotham market is due to various factors which include competitive prices, the natural economic cycle and general increase in buyer confidence in the alpine market. “So far, 2017 has continued at the same tempo as 2016, and, we expect, with the increase in turnover, an increase in prices will not be far behind,” Mr Ford said. Razorback Run Returns to Mount Hotham in March 2017 Australia’s spectacular Razorback Run is set to take place on Saturday 18 March 2017. The alpine run offers three challenging distances on the Razorback summit to Mt Feathertop – the second highest mountain in Victoria. The Razorback Ridge Run is a 64 km track that extends the length of the Razorback and offers some of the most scenic views in the Australian Alps. It starts and finishes at Harrietville Caravan Park and is a fantastic track for those looking for a unique high altitude challenge. The Razorback Circuit which extends 40 km, and the Razorback Ridge short course which extends 22 km, are available for those who wish to enjoy a day in the heart of Victoria’s High Country, with a beautiful track up to the Mt Feathertop Summit and back along the Razorback. Running Wild’s Event Director Paul Ashton said that weekend is an opportunity to meet and greet old and new runners and take in some of the most stunning scenery and terrain offered in Australia. “It’s a great social weekend, we have a dinner and a briefing at the pub in Harrietville on Friday night, so its great opportunity for runners to catch up and meet new people,” Mr Ashton said. “On Saturday night, we will have a presentation and dinner at other pub in Harrietville, which will be a good social night, catching up and talking about their experiences on the day. “One of the best parts about the run is being able to run right along the Razorback Ridge and take in the stunning views of Mt Feathertop. “It’s a smashing run with the best views in the High Country,” he said. The Razorback Run has been running every year since it started in 2001 and has now attained two major sponsors Bogong Equipment and Hammer Nutrition. For further information about participating in the Razorback Run or other alpine runs, visit www.runningwild.net.au or contact Paul Aston on 0418 136 070.
Bringing Easter to New Heights The Mount Hotham Alpine Resort Management Board (MHARMB) is excited to announce a series of markets to be held at Mt Hotham on Easter Saturday in 2017. Easter weekend is an exciting and active time at Mount Hotham where visitors seek out adventure for the long weekend. As it is one of our busiest weekends outside of the snow season, MHARMB have decided it would be a great time to celebrate the diversity of local produce and goods that are available in the Victorian High Country and the surrounding valleys. The Locals' and Lodgies’ market is inspired by the traditional ‘car boot sale’ typically run in Dinner Plain. Visitors will have the opportunity to be treated to the best of the Alpine's treasures and can take with them a little bit of High Country history. The MHARMB are seeking locals, lodge owners and ski enthusiasts who would like to get involved with Australia’s highest markets, to register. Stalls welcome include second hand and vintage clothes and memorabilia, antiques, home produce, books and music. Location: Corral Car Park The High Country Produce Market will be held in the evening and intends to showcase the very best of Victoria’s wine, cheese, preserves and small goods produced throughout Victoria. The perfect setting for the perfect occasion with the views looking over the Victorian Alps and linking the state’s North Eastern and Gippsland regions. Locals and visitors can indulge in mouth-watering food and produce while taking in the stunning views, which will also be supported by live music from local performers. This is also the perfect opportunity to stock up on picnic food in preparation of the Geebung Polo on Easter Sunday. Location: Davenport Skier Bridge To register your interest for one or both markets, please fill out the webform. We will be in touch in February to confirm details of the event and your attendance. Hotham365 Captures the Interest of EveryoneAge is no barrier for friends Margaret Hurd (aged 62) and Pam Morris-Shakespeare (aged 86) who took on Hotham 365 in December. The two ladies from Wangaratta have been visiting Mount Hotham over summer for the last three years and heard about Hotham 365 during their recent stay at Mountain Dreaming Apartments, which is located at The General on the Great Alpine Road. Hotham 365 is a recent addition to Mount Hotham which is an indoor ski and snowboard slope, designed for an all season downhill gravity experience. The new facility is a great way to learn skills or practice old skills during the green season, when real snow isn’t viable. Ms Morris-Shakespeare said she had always wanted to try skiing again and when she heard about Hotham 365, she couldn’t resist not giving it a go. “It was more for the fun aspect is why I came here, but at the same time it brings back the skills that I used to have,’ Ms Morris-Shakespeare said. “I really enjoyed Hotham 365 and the patience of the instructor Ari, and Jon, who fortunately was on the on and off switch button, which made all the difference. “To do this over the summer in a safe and social environment is perfect for me to be able to pick up the skills I’ve forgotten, and eventually I might be game to come up at winter time and try. “I would definitively recommend older people to have a go, it’s not dangerous and they will enjoy it,” she said. The training facility includes two indoor ski slopes with mirrors, which simulates a similar feel and discipline required on real slopes and is perfect for all. Skiers, racers and snowboarders can utilise the facility for pre-season training to improve their strength and technique and prepare for the upcoming winter. Ms Margaret Hurd said that she had decided to try Hotham 365 to keep her friend company, but soon realised how much it could improve her own skills. “I think I surprised myself by being able to move my legs to that extent, and being able to see myself in the mirror, and to see how much control I have,” Ms Hurd said. “Hotham 365 is wonderful, because if you have never skied in the snow before it can be a bit daunting, but here you can stop or be as slow or fast as you want. “I think Hotham 365 is a great initiative to have over summer, and I hope that people will wake up to it and know that it is here,” she said. Hotham 365 is open for bookings on |