Learn to Ski or Snowboard in Australia for $1

Melbourne (VIC), Australia - The Snow Australia Club, operated by the Australian Ski Areas Association (ASSA), is launching a program to learn to ski or snowboard across Australia for only AU $1.

Mt. Hotham

The one day package includes the use of beginner lifts and a beginner lesson for skiing or snowboarding and will be redeemable at Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass, Selwyn Snowfields, Mount Buller, Hotham, Falls Creek and Mount Baw Baw. Lake Mountain will also participate in the one dollar promotion offering something special for people who do not wish to ski or snowboard, including resort entry (value AU$40 per vehicle) and a cross-country ski lesson package including a 90 minute lesson, all day ski rental and a trail pass.

The program requires registration at www.snow-australia.com between August 21 and August 27. You then have from September 12 to 18 to redeem your voucher at the resort of your choice.

ASSA officials acknowledge that the program is designed to combat growing competition resulting from a flood of marketing from New Zealand’s ski resorts in Australia.

WHOLE MOUNTAIN TO OPEN AT HOTHAM THIS WEEKEND!

Hotham Alpine Resort has more great news to report with a further 31cm of snow falling overnight, bringing our three day snowfall total to 64cm so far with still more snow in the forecast!

As a result of this perfect alpine weather including snowladen blizzards, Blue Ribbon Chairlift will open tomorrow and as of Saturday, the whole mountain will be open with Gotcha, Keogh’s and Orchard chairlifts all set to see some action too.

Skiers and boarders will have reason to celebrate as these four lifts didn’t open after mid August in 2010.

The Basin Rail Park will be open this weekend with the first event of the A la Carte in the Park series that night, The Cheese and Crackered Rail Jam. Cobungra Platter Beginner lift at Dinner Plain also opened today.

The average natural snowdepth is currently 98cm - looking good for riding on a solid metre base by the weekend! Hotham’s grooming team has been hard at work to get the whole mountain open so early.

Early openings of Heavenly Valley Chairlift will also start this Saturday with the lift spinning from 7.30am for first tracks. This program is no extra cost with a valid lift pass and operates from Wednesday – Sunday each week (snow and weather dependent).

Don’t forget you can celebrate and ride Fri, Sat, Sun OR Sat, Sun, Mon THIS WEEKEND ONLY (8-11 July 2011) for $199 when you join the Snow Rewards Club for $49.

Hotham’s famous sparkling sunset tours will also be back in operation from tomorrow night. Bookings essential at Guest Services for this truly memorable snow experience which sees guests travel to the summit of Mt Hotham in a heated Kassbohrer Kat to enjoy the sunset with drinks and nibbles.

Grab your snowchains at the new Hotham Sports Store in Harrietville on your way up to Hotham. Snowchain hire is FREE when two or more people hire skis/boots/poles OR snowboard/boots for any number of days. It’s the ONLY one stop shop off-mountain on the way to the mountain to get chains, lift tickets, resort entry, equipment hire and clothing.

There are also some awesome accommodation package deals starting at $340 per person for 2 nights accommodation, 2 day lift tickets and breakfast… Call the team at Hotham Holidays on 1800 HOTHAM or email holidays@hotham.com.au Ask about last minute deals on accommodation only or lift/hire packages for your next snow holiday. Book today and SAVE!

For further information visit www.hotham.com.au.