By CHRIS EPSKAMP

THE highlight of many a summer holiday on the coast includes watching glorious sunrises and sunsets with friends and family.

For a few, they are also a spectacular ingredient to a successful holiday in the alpine regions.

Whilst the 'dawn patrol' in the mountains certainly has its merits, sunrises can be tough to get out of bed for in winter.

So perhaps amazing sunsets are a more suitable addition to a ski holiday at Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain, but where to go?

A wide range of sunset options are close to all the Hotham and Dinner Plain accommodation.

If lucky enough to be in Bundarra or Pegasus Ski Club lodges, one only needs to look out the lounge window or wander out onto to the deck!

Higher up in the village, the Lawlers Apartments can provide sensational views of the dipping sun.

But the true alpine sunset experience is about getting out on skis or snowshoes and watching the brilliant shades of red, yellow, orange, purple and pink from a lookout or summit vantage point.

Mt Hotham’s true summit (beyond the top of the Summit Chair) is far and away, providing the best outlook.

Combining amazing views spanning from Buller, Buffalo, and Feathertop, pre-sunset lift access, an invigorating (but easy) 600m walk/ski from the top of the Summit Chair it is an experience worthy of any international travel destination.

Drinks and nibbles are optional but recommended, particularly if in a group.

For many, the 'pièce de résistance' as daylight turns to twilight is finishing with a refreshing ski back down to the village via the summit run.

Dress warm and avoid getting sprayed by the snowguns!

Whilst they may not provide the full expansive views of the Mt Hotham summit, numerous other sunset sites in the resort provide gorgeous vistas as the sun sets (or rises).

They include:

- Mt Higginbotham summit (via Big D chair or walk up from Higgi Dve);

- Little Higginbotham (short steep walk up from the end of the Davenport village - start from behind Tanderra Ski Lodge);

- Mt Loch car park/top of Heavenly valley chair - one of the easier options; and

- Village (or Christmas Hills) Lookout on the Christmas Hills cross country trail.

If staying at Dinner Plain, one could be tempted to check out a sunrise or sunset from the cliff edge at intriguing Dead Timber Hill.

Despite its ignominious name, Dead Timber Hill is a grand, lesser-known location with interesting views across to the Bogong High Plains, Mt Loch and Hotham, and only a short snowshoe or ski from Dinner or JB Plain.

Adding a sunset to your alpine stay is a rewarding, unforgettable experience.

Just plan ahead and be ready to go when the conditions are right.

The mountain weather can be fickle after all……