JOE Murray has swapped the surf for the snow and is loving his first season at Mt Hotham.
Joe was among six of Surfing Victoria's most promising Indigenous surfers who visited the mountain for the first time last season as part of a pilot program showcasing the mountain environment and highlighting the bridge between summer and winter seasonal work.
Jordie Campbell, Surfing Victoria's Indigenous aquatics manager, said Joe and his peers are the future leaders and mentors.
"The group was made up of young Indigenous surfers from across the state of Victoria as a reward for being such good young role models in our Indigenous surfing programs," Jordie said.
"Some had been to the snow before, but others had never seen the snow - the vibes were high, and everyone was really stoked to be at Hotham."
Along with the opportunity to learn how to snowboard from some of Hotham's expert instructors, the young surfers were given a tour of the opportunities, including getting to sit in the new snow cat grooming vehicle and hear about employment opportunities on the mountain.
"It was an amazing opportunity for them to come to the snow and see how they could make a career in the snow industry," Jordie said.
Hotham's vice president and general manager, Tina Burford, said the company was thrilled to have the group visit Hotham and show them around.
"One of our core values is to Be Inclusive and we couldn't be happier that Joe liked what he saw on the visit and is joining us for the winter season in the maintenance team," Tina said.
Joe said joining Hotham's seasonal team for 2024 has been "unreal".
"Being up on the snow, in the village, on top of the mountain, looking out over the awesome view...I love it," he said.
"It's something special waking up in a completely different environment.
"I feel a bit like a fish out of water up here but I've definitely fallen in love with this place (Hotham).
"I've fallen in love with the snow.
"It's probably the longest time I've been without surfing but I've replaced it with snowboarding which is awesome."
As part of Hotham's emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion, the resort this season opened the Bunderool Carpet - named by the Gunaikurnai People meaning 'hill covered in snow' - as the first beginner specific area.
