What we’re about
The YHA Cross-country Ski Club is a recreational trail and backcountry ski touring club based in Melbourne, Australia.
The Club's purpose is to provide opportunities for people to join in social cross-country skiing events, whether they are beginners or more experienced. As a skiing focused group, we are limited by the snow season and amount of snow in the Victorian alps. But we do hold other social events outside the snow season.
The Club is affiliated with the Youth Hostels Association of Australia, a not-for-profit organisation with members of all ages. We are part of YHA Activities which is dedicated to the pursuit of activities such as bushwalking, cycling, canoeing, and cross-country skiing.
The YHA Cross-country Ski Club is not a commercial enterprise - we keep costs to a minimum on our trips, and successful trips depend on participants' co-operation and contribution.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Ski Hotham Trails - Solstice Weekend - Lodge accommodationAardvark Alpine Lodge, Hotham HeightsA$210.00
We are kicking off the 2025 snow season with a weekend trip to Mount Hotham to celebrate the Solstice and enjoy great food and company. Let it snow!
We'll be staying at the cosy Aardvark Alpine lodge with self-catering facilities - the highest lodge at Mt Hotham, and in Victoria!
Important: Payment for this trip is not made via Meetup or using PayPal due to additional fees
To attend this event, you must confirm your intention to Attend via Meetup and then secure your spot by completing the event questionnaire which includes payment details - see instructions and link below.This is not a trip for absolute beginners - skiers are expected to have at least skied easy trails.
Because this trip is early in the season, there is no guarantee of snow - crossed fingers though! But if there isn't enough snow on the trails, we will have the option of bush walking or using the ski lifts on the downhill runs.
Any questions before booking, contact your trip leaders and hosts, Dale and Mark.
BOOKINGS CLOSE 1 WEEK BEFORE THE TRIP 20th, June.
To complete your booking and payment to secure your spot:
- Read the Club's Terms and Conditions
- Complete the trip questionnaire by clicking on this link: Solstice Weekend. Make sure you include your email address and phone number in your responses. Note: Questionnaire responses can only be viewed by the trip leaders.
- Transfer your payment to the YHA bank account details in the questionnaire.
- Your booking is not secured until payment is made and confirmed.
Please note: If you would like to attend with one or more friends, each of you will need to complete the questionnaire and finalize your booking individually.
Important things to know and do
Staying at Aardvark Alpine Lodge: BYO bed linen and towels (no sleeping bags!) or you can hire at the lodge.
Basics such as tea, coffee, sauces, spreads, flour, sugar, etc are provided, but you will have to provide your own breakfast and lunch (to eat on trail).Saturday night dinner is a Pot Luck party: This means you supply a dish to share or in-kind contribution of around $10-$20 value. Some prepare their favourite curry, a hearty stew or pasta - others may supply dessert, or an antipasto/cheese platter as entree. Let the organisers, Dale and Mark know what you're planning to bring along - savoury or sweet.
Transport to/from Hotham: Carpooling is organised a week before the trip.
Travel Time: It takes approximately 5 to 6 hours to get to Mt Hotham, so people generally plan to leave Melbourne by 5.00pm. In the past, we have found most drivers will take the whole or half-day off work on Friday. If you are not driving, you will have to take this into consideration when carpooling because it is your responsibility to get to the driver's location. On Sunday, most people leave Mt Hotham by 3.00pm to head back to Melbourne.
Drivers: Carrying chains is compulsory and they must be fitted where directed. The speed limit through Hotham Village is 40km and speed cameras may be in operation.
Chain hire: Available at Ray's in Myrtleford or Hoys at Harrietville.
Ski gear hire: Cross country skis can be hired from Ray's Ski Shop in Myrtleford or Hoys at Mt Hotham. Ask for metal edge cross country skis, with a pattern base. And we recommend contacting Rays or Hoys in advance to book your skis.
Insurance: Ambulance cover is strongly recommended as private health insurance often only covers emergency transport when the siren is on.
