By CHRIS EPSKAMP

A RARE treat at Mt Hotham in July was the sight of three members of the Australian junior cross-country team prowling the trails around the Davenport village lodges and Wire Plain.

With the resort full to the brim with school holiday visitors, heads were certainly turning and tongues wagging as Rosie Fordham, Adam Barnett and Charlie Hiam sped along the trails fully decked out in their striking green and gold Australian team gear.

Usually found around Falls Creek and Perisher, Rosie, Adam and Charlie were keen to spend some time on Mt Hotham’s fabulous, but under-rated, cross-country trail network training for the upcoming race season.

Staying at Pegasus Alpine Club, all three enjoyed the ski-in ski-out convenience of the Davenport village location.

Rosie is a 19-year-old that hales from NSW and is based in Jindabyne where she skis at Perisher.

Her first time at Hotham, she is super impressed with the quality of the snow and cross-country ski trails at Mt Hotham-Wire Plain.

Her favourite trail at Hotham is Wonderland and from experience, rates Davos in Switzerland as her ultimate ski destination.

Of skiing at Hotham, Rosie specifically referred to the impact of the many steeper trails in the network (unusual in the cross-country world).

"The trails and whole experience at Hotham is wonderful," she said.

"It has been hugely beneficial for my downhill skiing technique...I would love to come back and race at Hotham."

Twenty-year-old Adam is a Hotham local with links to the Pegasus Alpine Club.

He has spent many years fine tuning his skills and fitness on Hotham’s cross-country ski trails, plus had the opportunity to train and competitively ski in Switzerland.

His favourite is the Christmas Hills, but the new ‘Lodges Loop’ (our name) circulating around the buildings between the General and Gallows Court is proving an exceptional cardio and uphill training workout.

Adam’s favourite overseas ski location is at Fiesch in the Valis of Switzerland, but Hotham is close to his heart.

"I always love coming to Hotham...it brings back such fond childhood memories, plus it's great to diversify your skiing," he said.

Charlie is originally a Mt Buller skier that, to the possible dismay of his parents, decided to take up competitive cross-country skiing at Falls Creek.

At the ripe old age of 20 it is no surprise that he rates Charlie’s Trail near Wire Plain as Hotham’s best, whilst his preferred international ski destination is Silver Star, Canada.

He was effusive in his praise of the Mt Hotham cross-country trail network, stating, "Christmas Hills is just like Europe and Canada. The snow has been so good."

Training both morning and afternoon for hours at a time, Adam and Rosie did not hesitate when asked what drives them to compete in such a tough sport.

They both agreed that whether it was Olympics, World Championships, or other international events, they each want to be the best-ever Australian cross-country skier.

Going fast and being the best is one thing, their commitment and passion for the sport is another.

Charlie added, "I love the speed, the glide, the motion. It is an intoxicating feeling".

Observing these three skating up a hill with apparent ease and grace, it is easy to understand his meaning.

Adam, Charlie, and Rosie are hoping to compete in all the local ski races this season including the upcoming Australian Championships at Falls Creek starting on July 31.

After nearly two years of no completive racing due to the COVID pandemic, they are concerned races may be impacted by the current state border closures, but training will continue regardless.

All the Hotham community hopes to see more elite cross-country skiers gracing the trails in the years to come.

With any luck we will see them at the Hotham to Dinner Plain Classic on August 7.

- Whilst Falls Creek hosts all of Victoria’s major cross-country race events (and several national races) on its huge trail network, Mt Hotham is the home to Australia’s ‘other’ cross-country ski team, biathlon.

Combining cross-country skate skiing and small-bore target shooting, biathlon will be covered in detail in our September edition.