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In a move as fresh as the powder forecast to blanket the slopes, Mount Hotham has pulled back the snow curtain on a clever new initiative that’s as practical as it is timely. Just in time for the Victorian school holidays and a frosty front barrelling toward the high country, Hotham has launched its new PEAK Snow Day communications campaign—paired with itineraries for first-time visitors that aim to take the guesswork (and, hopefully, the chaos) out of conquering the mountain.

For those still tying their first pair of ski boots or struggling to tell their snowplough from their parallel turns, help is now officially at hand.

Alpine Resorts Victoria and the Mount Hotham Skiing Company have joined forces to deliver PEAK—an acronym for Prepare, Explore, Act and Know. It’s not a motivational slogan for overzealous personal trainers, but rather a finely tuned, alpine safety compass aimed at helping skiers and snowboarders navigate Hotham’s thrilling yet often treacherous conditions with their wits—and limbs—intact.

“Over the past few years, Hotham has experienced some extremely busy days with road traffic to the resort,” said Natalie Valentine, General Manager of Hotham Alpine Resorts Victoria, speaking with the pragmatic calm of someone who’s seen one snow-blinded family too many miss the turn-off to Dinner Plain. “When paired with extreme weather conditions such as blizzards and high winds, driving to the resort can be challenging.”

To that end, the PEAK Snow Day alert system will be triggered on days of high visitation or adverse weather, warning would-be adventurers to reconsider their route, rethink their timing, or, in some cases, pause and enjoy the view from safer surroundings.

And don’t expect a single “she’ll be right” in the fine print, either. This campaign is being delivered with the sort of no-nonsense, multi-platform gusto that should make even the most stubborn uncle in the family road trip group chat sit up and pay attention. Messages will roll out via social media, websites, email campaigns, and even into Melbourne-based multicultural communities—with translated resources in Hindi, Punjabi, and Easy English. Quite literally, no snow-lover left behind.

As Tina Burford, Vice President and General Manager of Mount Hotham Skiing Company, aptly put it, “Our special village is unique in that it’s at the top of the mountain, rather than at the bottom.”

Indeed, it’s a setup that delivers astonishing views and thrilling terrain—provided you don’t accidentally drive past the summit in a whiteout. “We acknowledge it might take a few visits to feel comfortable knowing your way around,” she added. “Our new itineraries will make it much simpler and safer for newcomers to visit us.”

And that’s where the second part of the announcement shines. Beginner itineraries, tailored for first-, second- and third-timers, are being rolled out to help folks navigate the alpine maze with a little more confidence—and far fewer arguments over which trail leads where. Whether you’re a ski bunny in the making or just trying to find the lodge’s hot chocolate dispenser, these plans are your snow-day survival guide.

Not to be left out, Hotham’s Beginner Bundle continues to be the go-to deal for rookies—a tidy package offering lift passes, lessons, and rental gear designed to soften the landing for those brand-new to the sport (and likely to spend as much time horizontal as vertical in week one).

“It’s so exciting to share our love of snowsports and to be part of growing this amazing sport,” said Emily Smith, Hotham’s Field Marketing Manager. “We welcome everyone to Hotham and we hope this new initiative will help to keep everyone safe.”

A traditional approach to mountain safety—rooted in experience, community, and a healthy respect for Mother Nature—is now modernised for the digital age and rolled out with inclusivity. It’s the sort of alpine common sense our grandparents might have called “preparation”; today, it’s PEAK, which might save your holiday.

So whether you’re braving the blizzard or simply chasing that postcard-perfect panorama, Mount Hotham wants you to ski smart, stay safe, and perhaps save the snow drama for the après.