Did you know that Australia has a Backcountry Festival?

The Australian Backcountry Festival is back at Mt Hotham for its eighth year! We’ve got all you need to know about this celebration of the off-piste.

From the 29th to 31st of August, Mt Hotham in the Victorian High Country is playing host to the Australian Backcountry Festival. With its name upgraded from Victorian Backcountry Festival, the gathering becomes the centre of touring in Australia and welcomes everyone from curious beginners to experienced splitboarders, cross-country skiers, telemark skiers, and alpine climbers.

We love this festival because it’s all about growing a niche outdoor community. It’s 100% volunteer-run and set in a stunning location, with great access to terrain that’s beyond resort boundaries. Tickets are $40 for basic access (with a concession discount), which includes everything but the guided tours, which are sold separately.

Photo by Lachlan Short

‘The energy and enthusiasm from everyone involved kept spirits high throughout the weekend!’ says volunteer Rijan Young, a guide at last year’s festival. ‘Over the course of the festival I led a group of friendly and motivated people as we practised a range of backcountry skills in realistic conditions, sharpening our knowledge in everything from navigation to avalanche safety’, he tells me.

Rijan particularly loved talks on snow science, alpine environments around the world, first aid, and perfecting the art of coffee in the backcountry.

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What’s on offer at the Australian Backcountry Festival?

Guided tours – Choose the one that’s right for you, from beginner tours to advanced missions.

Film screenings – Celebrating remote communities, snowy landscapes, and those who chase the storm.

Hands-on workshops – Covering everything from ski tuning and snow shelter building to first aid, navigation, weather skills, and even how to brew a killer coffee in the backcountry.

Repair café – Where you can learn to fix, patch, and prolong the life of your beloved backcountry kit. Sustainability starts with what you already own.

Talks and panels – Adventurers, guides, and environmental advocates (including speakers from Patagonia) about mountain safety, overseas expeditions, and protecting what we love.

Guided nature walks – With Protect Our Winters Australia and Friends of the Earth, diving into the intersection of climate action and snow adventures.

Outdoor bar – For après catch-ups, local brews, and good vibes!

Raffle ticket – Included with every general admission ticket and merchandise sale. Win yourself some top-shelf backcountry gear!

Photo by Lachlan Short

Feature photo by Dylan Robinson