As Australia's highest alpine village, Mt Hotham is a resort for all seasons. During the winter, Hotham is characterised by its fantastic powder snow, terrain diversity reinforcing Hotham's reputation as the premier ski resort in Australia. Now Hotham is also renowned for its awesome range of après ski activities, including the day spa centre in Hotham Central, new 5 and 6 star apartments, retail, bars and restaurants, making Hotham the only place to be when the mountains turn white.
Mountain Fresh Festival
Awaken your senses with a five-day winter festival of delicious regional food and exciting cool climate wines from the spectacular Alpine Valleys that will take place for the first time in 2006. The village-like atmosphere of both Dinner Plain and Mt Hotham will provide the perfect setting for this celebration of Alpine wine and food with altitude. A diverse program of individual events will be held at venues across the two resorts that will strongly feature wine and food from the Alpine Valleys Wine Region – the mountains truly local produce. From winemakers dinners and cooking classes, to foodie films, lazy sparkling brunches, tapas and regional wine and beer tastings, there is something for everyone. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience delicious gourmet food and quality local beer and wine from the Alpine Valleys region in a magnificent snowy setting
FESTIVAL PROGRAM
(Pick up your free village maps for Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain at the resort entry gates.)
Thursday 22 June
3.00 – 4.00pm Alpine Style Masterclass
Bread making class, featuring Alpine Valleys olives, oils and nuts with Joy Young.
Admission free, Shepparton Lodge, Mt Hotham, Hotham Village Guide Map reference M5, Bookings and enquiries: (03) 5759 3597
6.00 – 9.00pm Gala Opening Night
Free Kids Movie & Soft Drinks @ Avalanche Café (Kids Meals Available) Kids will be supervised for parents enjoyment! Complimentary local wine tastings until 7.00pm. Alpine produce dinners for $20 including glass of wine until 9.00pm. Fun for all the family – Experience what the Alpine Region has for you to taste.
Arlberg (Avalanche Bar), Mt Hotham, Hotham Village Guide Map reference F3, Bookings and enquiries: (03) 5759 3618
Friday 23 June
4.30 - 6.30pm Alpine Flavours at The Last Run Bar
Happy hour prices for drinks, featuring a range of Alpine Valleys Wines. Alpine antipasto plates $10.00. Door prizes available through the night. Last Run Bar, Mt Hotham, Hotham Village Guide Map reference D3, Bookings and enquiries: (03) 5759 3522
5.00 – 6.00pm Beer O’Clock
Meet Bright Brewery’s head brewer over a local beer. Giveaways and door prizes on offer throughout the night DP Hotel, Dinner Plain, Bookings and enquiries: (03) 5159 6462
7.00pm Wein and Wurst
A celebration of Alpine Valleys wines and High Country Smoke House sausages.Join Didi Geiger for a traditional Austrian beer hall atmosphere.
Crystal Creek, Dinner Plain, Bookings and enquiries: (03) 5159 6422
Saturday 24 June
3.00 – 6.00pm Taste Alpine at Hotham Central
A tasting tour through the wines of the magnificent Alpine Valleys Wine region. Sample your way around the region and meet some of the passionate winemakers and food producers from these pristine mountain valleys.
Admission free. No bookings required. Tasting glass $3
The Sales Deck, Hotham Central, Hotham Village Guide Map reference D2 Enquiries: (03) 5759 3550
4.00 – 5.00pm Alpine Style Masterclass
Join Kate Elder of Great Alpine Food (Hotham’s on mountain catering service), and learn how to make fresh nutty gnocchi with a smoked trout, pumpkin, pinenut & spinach cream sauce. Admission free
A.P.E.A Ski Club, Mt Hotham, Hotham Village Guide Map reference I4, Bookings essential on 5750 1600
6.00 – 8.00pm Wonders of the White Room
A regional menu of two entrees, main course, dessert and a cheese platter accompanied by Alpine Valleys wines at the White Room. $100 per person. Arrive anytime from 6-8pm
White Room, Hotham Central, Hotham Village Guide Map reference C2, Bookings essential on (03) 5759 3456 (or 0439 081 075 if before June 10th)
Sunday 25 June
10.00am Bubbly Brunch at Zirky’s. Delicious three course brunch with the best of the Alpine Valleys sparkling wines. Blake’s at Zirky’s. $65 per person
Zirky’s Café, Mt Hotham, Hotham Village Guide Map reference C2, Bookings and enquiries: (03) 5759 3542
4.30 – 6.30pm Alpine Flavours at The Last Run Bar
Happy hour prices for drinks, featuring Bright Brewery & Gapsted Wines, Alpine antipasto plates $10.00. Door prizes available through the night.
Last Run Bar, Mt Hotham, Hotham Village Guide Map reference D3, Bookings and enquiries: (03) 5759 3522
7.30pm Alpine Pizza with Alpine Merlot
Enjoy pizzas made with local produce complemented by local wines by the glass. Door prizes and giveaways will be available throughout the night.
DP Hotel, Dinner Plain, Bookings and enquiries: (03) 5159 6462
Monday 26 June
4.00 – 5.00pm Alpine Style Masterclass
The Versatile Chestnut – Cooking class with Jane Casey of Cheznuts. Come and sample hot roasted chestnuts and discover some warming chestnut recipes using premium chestnuts grown in the Alpine Valleys. Admission free
Crystal Creek, Dinner Plain, Bookings and enquiries: (03) 5159 6422
7.30 pm Winemakers Dinner and Festival Finalé at Zirky’s
Spectacular five course menu using local ingredients cooked by Andrew Blake matched to Gapsted Wines. Gapsted winemaker Michael Cope-Williams will present wines in person. Blakes at Zirky’s. $120 per person
Zirky’s Café, Mt Hotham, Hotham Village Guide Map reference C2, Bookings and enquiries: (03) 5759 3542
For more info visit mthotham.com.au