OH! Magazine - Australian Version July 2018 | Page 20

( Where, OH Where? )
The details that have gone into the creation
of these dwellings are nothing short of
impressive. For example, device-addicts
will rejoice in the fact that USB chargers
are supplied for an overnight juice boost; a
tap and basin is supplied inside the dome,
so you don't have to leave the warmth to
brush your teeth or enjoy a midnight scull
(you get thirsty at altitude, you know!); the
beds are so cosy and plush that you could
easily feel as if you were at home in your
own bed; and, of course, the pièce de
résistance is the inbuilt wood-heater,
which is essentially a fireplace that blasts
out wonderful heat all night long, ensuring
that no matter what the minus degree
temperature is outside, you remain warm
and toasty, and blissfully unaware.
So after a surprisingly rejuvenating sleep,
we wake in the morning to face the cold
walk to the toilet. I will admit, I am a
loather of camp toilets, but much to my
delight, and yet again, JF has consturcted
a dry toilet system that is as comfortable
as it is environmentally-friendly. I'm
seriously impressed by his attention to
details – all the way down to the loo design!
20
OH! MAGAZINE ( JULY 2018 )
Before long, our friendly, accent-laden
host serves up a wonderfully hearty
breakfast of bacon and egg rolls, and this
turns out to be a pre-cursor to the thrilling,
scenic skidoo ride that Steve from Snow
Stuff Park takes us on, prior to delivering us
back to the Wire Plain carpark. Steve tells
us about the multitude of skidoo
experiences on offer, which reinforces to
us that this Mt Hotham/Dinner Plain area
is really doing great things for people who
want to experience snow in Australia, but
who may not necessarily want to do so on
skis or a snowboard.
So while the Alpine Nature Experience has
officially come to an end, there's a lot
more to see, explore and experience while
we're here. Here's a quick rundown.
Mount Hotham
www.mthotham.com.au
It's striking beauty, amazing snowfall and
overall atmosphere makes Mt Hotham an
must-see while you're in the area. Catering
to skiers, boarders alike, there's a run to
suit all abilities. Located just 13km up the
Great Alpine Road from our overnight
experience, you'd be nuts to leave before
dropping in for a few ski runs, for a quick
play on piste (lift tickets are required). We
enjoyed the beginner's run called The Big
D, which proved exactly what we needed,
for our first foray onto the slopes, for the
2018 snow season.
Snow Stuff Park
snowstuffpark.com.au
Just like the Alpine Nature Experience,
Steve and his team offer tours that are also
unique to Australia, including scenic rides
through the back country of Mt Hotham
with sweeping views of the Dargo Valley,
Swindlers Valley, Mt Feathertop, Mt Buller
and the Bogong High Plains. They also
offer many activities for the whole familly
from the Wire Plain area.
Blizzard Brewing Company
www.blizzardbrewing.com
If you enjoy beer, then these guys are a
must-see. They're so serious about what's
on offer that they claim to be one of the