Australia's Hotham ski area has announced an improved learning area for the upcoming 2024 season.
Welcome Bunderool! Hotham's first beginner-only terrain re-imagines the beginner experience at Victoria's highest mountain village ahead of the 2024 snow season
The resort's first ever beginner-only terrain, will be serviced by a new carpet named after the local Gunaikurnai people's name for "hill covered by snow:" Bunderoolwill.
"Bunderool carpet is part of an ongoing commitment to improve the experience for beginners on the mountain, alongside improving the safety of all skiers and snowboarders," said Tina Burford, Hotham's VP + GM. "It's also a reflection of our ongoing commitment to our Be Inclusive value – both with the naming of the carpet and with welcoming beginners to the sport."
The area is located behind the Hotham Central building with the aim of allowing a seamless experience close to rental collection and lift ticket services. The area was previously used for the Basin Terrain Park and Hotham are keen to reassure park users some facilities will remain there while a new improved park will also be created elsewhere on the mountain, depending on where the best snow conditions are.
"First-time adult skiers or snowboarders will now be able to take a beginner-only lesson and enjoy the thrill of their first ski or snowboard experience in a safe, more accessible, and more approachable environment." A resort statement explains adding, "Benefits of the new carpet include helping to ease congestion at the bottom of the Summit chairlift while helping to improve the safety and guest experience of all Hotham skiers and riders. Due to its sheltered, premium natural snow location, this carpet will provide a reliable location for beginners during even adverse weather conditions."
"It's not often beginners experience the heights and spectacular mountain views from their very first lesson, but at Hotham our village is perched close to the summit and our new carpet is positioned to capitalise on these amazing views," said Tina. "It's also close to all the fantastic apres-ski experiences that are a huge part of an introduction to our sport."
This is the first lift infrastructure named with guidance from the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation and a special naming ceremony is being planned for the start of the snow season.
Australia's 2024 ski season is expected to start on Saturday 8th June ahead of a public holiday on Monday 10th June to celebrate King Charles III's birthday. Some years some areas open early if there are good early snow conditions.
