Human-powered powder adventurers unite, as The Australian Backcountry Festival returns to Mt Hotham in August for its eight year.
Formerly known as the Victorian Backcountry Festival, the renamed festival will be held in the Victorian High Country from Friday, August 29 to Sunday, August 31, 2025.
This 100% volunteer-run event invites snow-shoers, cross-country and telemark skiers, alpine ski tourers, split-boarders, snow campers, and alpine-curious newcomers to immerse themselves in the heart of backcountry culture.
The weekend is a grassroots gathering created for the backcountry community, by the backcountry community.
The festival fosters connection, learning, and adventure — all while championing sustainability and responsible alpine recreation. So expect guest speakers with stories from global expeditions, insights into mountain safety, and voices from brands like Patagonia.
The Festival aims to not only provide an introduction to the ever-growing suite of backcountry activities, but to also make it more accessible to the general public whilst educating them about mountain safety. It is a family-friendly, welcoming, and inclusive event that celebrates the growing movement of ‘all things backcountry’ from cross-country skiing to snow-shoeing, telemarking, alpine ski touring, splitboarding, and snow camping.
This year’s jam-packed program includes guided tours for all skill levels, from first-timers to seasoned backcountry explorers (additional cost applies); film screenings highlighting local and international alpine communities and landscapes; workshops covering essential skills such as ski tuning, gear maintenance, snow camping & shelter building, first aid, navigation, and even backcountry coffee brewing.
A repair cafe offering expert advice on gear mending and DIY fixes to keep your equipment working like new, season after season, will also be on site. Plus embark on nature walks led by Friends of the Earth and Protect Our Winters Australia, exploring the snow country, and how our climate is evolving and changing.
Whether you’re a seasoned explorer, a little curious about journeying into the Aussie backcountry, or somewhere in between, the Australian Backcountry Festival is your opportunity to immerse yourself in all things alpine.
Tickets cost $40 (with a lucky discount for students) and will be available for purchase on the Australian Backcountry Festival website soon.
*feature image photo credit: Dylan Robinson
