This is usually the biggest weekend trip for the season, held in late July or early August. Previously it was always held at Howmans Gap located just below the entrance to Falls Creek. 

HOWEVER, last year we moved it to Eiger Lodge at Mt Hotham, it worked well, and we are repeating this year!

Traditionally, we employ a ski instructor, Wayne O'Brien, who stays with us for the weekend and provides an extensive instruction program covering classic cross country and skating techniques, also telemark for those who enjoy a bit of downhill excitement on metal edged cross country skis! In 2026 the Social and Instruction Weekend follows the Hotham Midweek at the same venue.

If you are planning to do your own thing, please let others know your plans, and preferably travel in a group for safety.

Footnote for 2026. 

Due to the poor snowfall so far this season, backcountry coverage (as of 31 July) is marginal, and great care needs to be taken with sliding hazards and exposed rock hazards. Read the backcountry information and reports , make sure you have the appropriate gear, experience and are in a group, and tell someone your plans!

Eiger Lodge is best accessed from the stairs above Village Bus Stop 8 at the Easternmost end of the Mount Hotham village. If you are taking your car and don't have a Season Pass, the best option is to pay for your parking online in advance at:

         https://entry.alpineeasyaccess.com.au/UserPermit/Apply?group=day

That way, you can just drive in and park (the resort may check your number plates). Here's how parking works when staying at Eiger: 

• First park near Bus Stop 8 to unload your gear. You need to carry your gear up the staircase and across to Eiger Lodge (see map). The lodge has a sled just outside the front door which is handy if you have a lot of gear or are in a group who can help pull it uphill! The parking limit at the staircase is 2 hours.
• Then drive your car down the hill in the Omeo direction. The resort staff will direct you where to park.
• Finally, catch the free village bus service back to Bus Stop 8 and walk back to the lodge. The bus runs until very late.

Wheel chains are mandatory when driving to Mount Hotham (and there is a fair chance you will have to fit them because the road from Harrietville is steep and travels through an exposed high altitude area). You are less likely to need to fit them if coming from Omeo, but still need to carry them and will need to fit them if it snows over the weekend or you return downhill to Harrietville.

If you travel to Mount Hotham by bus, ask whether you can be dropped at Bus Stop 8. If the bus terminates at Hotham Central, you will need to catch the Village Bus (see link above) to Stop 8.

Eiger Lodge supplies doonas and pillows. Guests are required to supply own linen - towel, top and bottom sheets and pillowcase (or you can hire for a small fee). No sleeping bags are allowed. This event is self catering in the fully equipped lodge kitchen, so you need to bring your food for the weekend. Food should be placed in the cupboards, fridge and freezer allocated to your room and/or in the cool room adjoining the kitchen. A cold store for drinks is available on the downstairs balcony next to the BBQ.

Lunches are not included, so if you are contemplating being away from the resort area at lunchtime, it is a good plan to bring some lunch. Room temperatures are generally comfortable. The instruction program is included in the price of this event and is open to all participants.

There is a hire shop at Mount Hotham that hires cross country gear and is located close to our accommodation. Also see this store that also hires XC gear. Hiring off-mountain is also possible at various locations along the road (Myrtleford, Ovens, Bright, Harrietville), also Omeo if coming that route, or you can even hire gear in Melbourne. The advantage of hiring at Mount Hotham is that if you have any issues with the gear, you can take it back and change it quickly. For this reason, we recommend that beginners hire on mountain.