Mt Hotham
Dinner Plain · Victoria · Australia
428m
Vertical Drop
84
Runs
13
Lifts
320 ha
Skiable Area
190 cm
Avg Snowfall
Jun 2026 – Oct 2026
Season
Nearby town
Where workers live near Mt Hotham
Closest first — click to see jobs & living info.
About
Australia's highest alpine village at 1,861m, Mt Hotham offers some of the most challenging terrain in the country and is unique in that you ski down from the village to the lifts. Located in the Victorian Alps, Hotham is known for its reliable snow at altitude, advanced terrain, and connection to Dinner Plain village. The resort is popular with Melbourne-based skiers (4.5 hr drive) and offers a more intimate, less commercialised experience than Perisher or Thredbo.
Terrain & Mountain Profile
Run Breakdown
Summit
1,861m
Base
1,450m
Vertical Drop
428m
Lift Breakdown
0
Gondolas
5
Chairlifts
8
Surface Lifts
Employment & Recruitment
Estimated Seasonal Staff
400–700
Main Employers
- Mt Hotham Resort Management Board
- Hotham Ski Association
- Mt Hotham Skiing Company
- General Hotel Mt Hotham
- Arlberg Hotel Hotham
- Dinner Plain lodges and chalets
- Hotham Snow Sports School
- Village restaurants and retail
Common Seasonal Jobs
Languages Required
- Visa Requirements
- International workers typically require a Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462). Mt Hotham is in a 'specified regional area' in Victoria, which can count towards second-year WHV eligibility.
- Recruitment Timeline
- Resort management and ski company begin hiring in March–April. Hotels and hospitality hire through April–May. Instructor certification (APSI) required for teaching roles. Smaller resort means fewer positions but also less competition.
Worker Amenities & Living
Staff Housing Available
- Cost of Living
- AUD $260–$400 (housing, food, transport)
- Public Transport
- Hotham Airport shuttle during season. Bus from Bright (45 min winter service). Free village shuttle between Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain. Limited public transport — most staff need shared car access. Melbourne is 4.5 hrs by car.
Staff Perks
- Free or discounted season pass
- Staff meals at some employers
- Subsidized accommodation
- Dual-resort skiing (Hotham + Dinner Plain)
- Pro deals on gear
- Small community feel — close staff bonds
Local Life & Community
- Après & Nightlife
- More low-key than Thredbo or Perisher. The General Hotel is Mt Hotham's main après-ski hub with live music and a popular bar. The Arlberg Hotel bar and Zirky's Bar at Hotham Heights are local favourites. Dinner Plain (10 min shuttle) has a relaxed village atmosphere with restaurants and bars. The smaller community creates a more intimate social scene where everyone knows each other.
- Healthcare
- Mt Hotham has an on-mountain medical centre during ski season. Bright Hospital (45 min down the mountain). Northeast Health Wangaratta (2 hrs) for major emergencies. Ambulance and helicopter rescue available.
- Shops & Services
- Very limited on-mountain — a small general store and ski rental shops. Dinner Plain has a general store. Bright (45 min) has IGA, pharmacy, and basic services. Larger shopping in Wangaratta (2 hrs). Stocking up before heading up the mountain is essential.
- International Community
- Small to medium — Mt Hotham's seasonal community is smaller but very close-knit. Some international workers from South America and Asia, but predominantly Australian domestic workers. Great for those seeking a quieter, community-focused season.
Outdoor Activities (Non-Ski)
Nearby Towns
Bright
30 km awayA charming alpine town in the Ovens Valley, Bright is the main base for Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain workers. Known for its autumn foliage, craft breweries, and outdoor lifestyle.
Open Positions
No jobs posted yet for this resort. Check back soon or sign up for alerts.
Browse all jobs at Mt Hotham →Season
Jun 2026 – Oct 2026
Climate & Snow
- Winter Temps
- -3°C to 4°C
- Snow Reliability
- low
- Snowmaking
- 45% of runs
- Avg Snowfall
- 190 cm/yr
Location
-37.0883°S, 147.1717°E
Nearest town: Dinner Plain