Now that there's a bit of snow at Hotham I'm thinking of heading up for a snow kite trial in the next couple of months. Is there anywhere that comprehensively outlines where to snow kite at hotham? I've never been to Hotham before or snow kited, but I've got years of boarding and kiting under my belt so it's time to mash them together. I remember reading about it a couple of years ago on this forum but I can't find the information anymore. Things like where to go, what to expect, what conditions are best, any general advice.
I know there's a snow kite forum, but I figure most of the snow kiters will be loitering around this forum until the season really starts.
Im also interested in this always preferred Hotham over other resorts. Ive always imagined Mt Bogon would be the best bet. Someone once mentioned Mt McKay as being used, presumably outside the Falls Creek Resort area..
I have boarded hotham a fair bit. quite often you see kites out the back of the resort behind the orchard lift. there is a large expanse of relatively flat ground there.
I wondered about the orchard back area, but its so long since I was there I didnt know about trees.
Acitta, Contact the guys at Kite Republic they used to run a weekend course up there.
From my understanding at Hotham its Above Orchard Chair and Above Summit Area (It can blow its arse off there)
The best place and where most od the snow kiters go is Falls Creek. Similiar in conditions to Thredbo. They tend to kite at the top of Ruined Castle.
You could hike ther but it would be a slog, I dont know if you can use a sightseeing lift pass if you just want to get up there.
I have seen heaps of guys at Falls Creek, Last time I was there I bumped into some guys I knew from Melbourne and they gave me a go, it was insane fun.
How big is the area behind orchard lift and is it accessible without a lift pass? On a scale of 1 to Rosebud on a Saturday summer northerly how crowded does it get?
I have been snow kiting at Falls Creek for the last 3 years. Its a 40 minute walk from the car park to the top near Ruined Castle.
The most kiters i have seen at Falls is five. Plenty of space.
Was told once by a snow patrol nazi that officially it is not allowed. But they turn a blind eye to it. (Until it becomes a issue to them i guess)
Out of ten trips you get about three kite able days. either no wind, no visibility, or blizzard conditions.
Only once tried Hotham above Orchard. We walked from the car park. Took about 90 minutes. Conditions that day were bad. No visibility, and blowing hard.
haha sounds like a water session in winter is still the go! I'll probably head up for one weekend with friends (none of which are kiters) and if the day looks good ill head off on my own. I've moved to Sale, so Hotham is day trippable so I could also wait for a good forecast and give it a crack then.
KiteHume,
Where do you park when you are at Falls Creek?
Where do you hike up?
What size kites do you take?
Just interested love to go up and kite. Falls terrian does not "float my boat" boarding wise. All of our friends want to do is ride their skis and take it easy. I think Falls creek is pretty much a "BLUE" run all over mountain. When I want to go riding I go to Japan or Canada.
Park at the the lower car park.
Take the gully chair (Free)
Easiest walk: Up the home trail. Approx 40minutes (my preferred route)
Hardest walk: Straight up the "Y's" Approx 35minutes
I use a 9m Inflatable. Works from 8 to 20 knts.
