17-22 AUGUST 2025
MT HOTHAM DOWNHILL SKIING &
July 2025
Dear Student and Parents/Guardians,
The Mt Hotham Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding Camp runs from Sunday 17 August until Friday 22 August 2025. This six-day alpine adventure will provide the opportunity to go from some experience in the snow to marked improvement. Students will have a 90-minute morning skiing/ boarding lesson on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. An additional afternoon lesson will be given on Monday, while on Friday we will pack up and return home. When not in a lesson, there will be time to practice and fine tune skills and techniques with friends.
You are required to form small groups to provide dinner for five evenings. You will also need high-energy snacks/scroggin for the week (no nuts). All food must fit into one cardboard box (or a soft collapsible Esky) for your cooking group. Do not bring excess food - plan carefully. Lunch (sandwiches, fruit, biscuits, cake, etc.) is provided along with breakfast (cereals and toast). However, some money for hot drinks (and snacks) during the day is suggested. Please note, we will not be stopping for dinner on the way home.
The cost of the camp covers the hire of skis/boards, helmet and boots – this will be arranged prior to departure. Students must hire ski and boarding equipment on the mountain rather than bringing their own, this will result in less gear to transport ourselves, and damaged or inappropriate equipment can be immediately exchanged. Hiring other equipment such as clothing is up to the individual to organise prior to departure - discuss with staff for assistance. It is critical that students bring clothing appropriate for a week of skiing and snowboarding. Clothing will be discussed by staff during camp meetings.
Parents/Guardians, please respond to the Operoo eForm and ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date.
In this booklet you will find further information regarding the camp so please read through this carefully.
If there are any further queries you may have, please do not hesitate to contact me. We look forward to a fun and rewarding week!
Yours sincerely,
Mr Mark Barnett
Mt Hotham Snow Camp Coordinator
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Our camp is being held on the lands of the Gunaikurnai and Taungurung people and we wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Owners. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We are grateful to be visiting their land and we recognise their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this land.
POLICY RELATING TO STUDENTS WITHDRAWING FROM ACTIVITIES WEEK CAMP/ABSENTEE CHARGEBACK POST CAMP
Activities Week Camp is a compulsory part of the school curriculum and all students are expected to participate. Bookings and arrangements are made on this expectation.
In the event that a student withdraws from the camp due to medical reasons, the school requires prior written notice accompanied by a valid medical certificate. In such cases, families will be responsible for all non-refundable costs incurred, including but not limited to flights, accommodation, and other pre-paid expenses.
For cancellations due to a change of mind or any non-medical reasons, families will be charged the full camp fee.
SUNSMART POLICY
In keeping with the school’s “SunSmart” approach to outdoor activities, students are required to bring sunscreen, a protective hat (with a wide brim) and to wear tops which adequately cover the skin of the shoulders and back. In the event of swimming activities, students will need “rashies” or t-shirts. Sunscreen is an additional protection - it does not take the place of clothing or shade.
NUT POLICY
On Camp, we request that parents/students avoid bringing food products that contain nuts of any kind. In order to minimise the risk to students with severe allergies.
The school cannot guarantee that the camp environment will be 100% allergen free, hence students with allergies need to remain vigilant in their decisions around any food that they ingest.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CONTACT
In the event of an emergency, or if you need to urgently contact your child, please do not ring the camp (or your child) directly but rather contact the school during office hours on (03) 5971 6100 or contact after hours on mobile 0482 888 022
RESPOND TO OPEROO EFORM
To enable staff to fulfil their duty of care to students, we need accurate and up-to-date information about medical and personal issues for all students. Please respond to the Operoo eForm and ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date. Any last-minute changes should be communicated directly to the leader of the camp as well as updated on Operoo. We do rely on this information, and parents do have a duty of disclosure, to ensure all relevant information is known.
INFORMATION COLLECTION POLICY
Confidential medical and other sensitive information collected and used for the running of these camps will be handled in line with the School’s Privacy Policy.
POLICY RELATING TO STUDENTS SENT HOME FROM CAMP
Where a student does need to be sent home, for medical, personal, or discipline reasons, they will need to be collected from the camp by their parent/guardian (at their own expense) - they cannot travel unaccompanied. In all cases, arrangements must be made with school and special arrangements may need to be in place for remote camps, i.e. 3 or more hours from school.
EXTREME WEATHER POLICY
We will modify our program based on weather forecasts - we will be in contact with Woodleigh School to review the week’s weather as it unfolds. In the event of a day being forecast to be Extreme (under the CFA Fire Danger Rating system) the program will be modified at the least, to ensure safety in the heat, and evacuation plans in readiness. In the event of a day being forecast to be Code Red (Catastrophic), the program will be cancelled in advance and students evacuated the day before. The School will use SMS and email to communicate with parents in such cases.
MT HOTHAM DOWNHILL SKIING & SNOWBOARDING CAMP INFORMATION
CAMP DATES
Sunday 17 August - Friday 22 August 2025.
MEDICATION ON CAMP
Any students taking prescription medication on camp will need to provide all medication (in original packaging) to school by no later than Tuesday 12 August 2025. You can drop off the medication to reception or the First Aid Centre anytime between 8am-4.30pm. Before handing in your child's prescription medication, you are required to answer all the questions within the Operoo e-Form.
COST
The cost of this camp is approximately $1,600 which will be charged to student accounts. The cost includes transport, accommodation, lift/ lesson/hire (helmets, skis/board, boots), over snow transport, food for breakfast & lunch daily and resort entry.
As already mentioned, the cost covers the hire of skis/boards, helmet and boots – this will be arranged prior to departure. Students must hire ski and boarding equipment on the mountain rather than bringing their own, this will result in less gear to transport ourselves, and damaged or inappropriate equipment can be immediately exchanged. Hiring other equipment such as clothing is up to the individual to organise prior to departure - discuss with staff for assistance.
TRANSPORT
We will travel to and from Mt Hotham by Coach.
The coach will take us to the top of the mountain, and then we will transfer to our Lodge. We walk to the Lodge so be prepared to get off the bus and walk approximately 800m across the snow.
Departure The Coach will depart from the senior campus main driveway (entrance side) at Woodleigh on Sunday 17 August (BYO lunch for this trip), please make sure you arrive at Woodleigh at 7.30am for a bus departure at 8am.
Return Friday 22 August at approximately 6pm at the senior campus main driveway (entrance side) . Parents are advised to call the front office on Friday afternoon to confirm the arrival time.
LOCATION
The camp is located at Mt Hotham.
ACCOMMODATION
Our accommodation is located at the Aardvark Ski Lodge at Mt Hotham (on the mountain).
MEALS
Students and staff will prepare their own dinners independently. Lunch, breakfast, fruit and some snacks will be provided. You are required to form small groups to provide dinner for five evenings. You will also need high-energy snacks/scroggin for the week (no nuts). All food must fit into one cardboard box (or soft collapsible Esky) for your cooking group. Do not bring excess food - plan carefully. Lunch (sandwiches, fruit, biscuits, cake, etc.) is provided, however, some money for hot drinks (and snacks) during the day is suggested. Please note, we will not be stopping for dinner on the way home.
After a day on the slopes, you’ll need real food to recover and refuel. Aim for:
• Carbs for energy (pasta, rice, potatoes).
• Protein for recovery (mince, chicken, tofu).
• Veggies for balance.
Quick, easy ideas:
• Spag bol or veg pasta.
• Chicken or tofu stir-fry.
• Fried rice or burrito bowls.
• Nachos with beans and cheese.
Skip the 2-minute noodles and Up & Go – they won’t give you the lasting fuel you need.
Sugar
Skiing and snowboarding are physically demanding activities. As a result, students and parents often think that it is necessary to pack a large quantity of lollies and sugar-heavy foods. We encourage you not to do this. Students are supplied with snacks, fruit and sandwiches to keep them energised and active during the day. Back at the lodge, confectionery should be kept to a bare-minimum because we provide snacks, nibbles and drinks.
Should students arrive with excessive quantities of lollies, we will take these in at the beginning of the week and return them once we have arrived back at Woodleigh on Friday night.
ACTIVITIES
Students will participate in a 90 minute lesson with instructors from the Mt Hotham Skiing Company. Students will be placed in ability groups and Woodleigh staff will accompany each lesson group. At the conclusion of the lesson, we all meet at Hotham Central for a hot drink/snack and a chance to ‘recharge our batteries’ before returning to the slopes.
After this break, we return to the slopes in lesson groups or other groups that best support the development of snow skills. Staff will decide the appropriate slopes based on the group’s skills and the aim will be to reinforce the skills taught in the lesson. We congregate again at Hotham Central at 1pm for a compulsory hour lunch break. For the final session each day you may have the opportunity to mix with students outside your lesson group. In groups of no less than three, and on designated slopes, you will have a chance to develop your skills more independently. Staff will also be on the designated runs, ‘sweeping’ the slopes to monitor behaviour and safety.
Students who are unable to ski/board during a session or day due to minor injuries or minor sickness will need to stay in the Mt Hotham Central area throughout the day. Staff will not be in attendance. This is a public space. It is warm and has access to toilets, food and drink – it is also the location that we meet for morning tea and lunch.
It is compulsory for every student to bring a mobile phone - this is a safety measure. Phones must only be used to contact staff to report possible lateness to pre-arranged meeting times/places, if lost, confused and in cases of an emergency while on the mountain. Phones should not be used (or visible) when not skiing (e.g.: rest breaks), on the bus, etc. Phones will be collected upon entering the lodge at the end of the day’s skiing and returned prior to skiing the next morning.
At all times students will carry a name tag identifying them as Woodleigh students. Staff will have the phone numbers of students and will ring if at any time students do not make meeting times or are not on the expected runs. All parts of the program are weather dependent, and alterations will be made if necessary.
CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT
Have all your clothes clearly labelled – gloves, goggles, thermals, jacket, pants, beanie, socks, daypack, drink bottle, etc.
Consider packing belongings in a backpack/duffle bag as opposed to a suitcase - this will make it easier for you to carry it up to the lodge.
The alpine environment is subject to inclement, cold and often unpredictable weather conditions. Consequently, it is essential that you have the appropriate clothing for the experience. To this end, it is paramount that you adhere to the personal equipment list and ensure that you have waterproof jackets and over pants, woollen or fiber pile clothing for insulation and warmth and chlorofibre/polypropylene undergarments.
It is critical that students bring clothing appropriate for a week of skiing and snowboarding. Clothing will be discussed by staff during camp meetings.
To reduce the risk of hypothermia you must be adequately clothed for the conditions to be encountered. In selecting clothing remember that:
• In cold weather the most important items of clothing are those which provide insulation. Layers of clothing keep you warm by trapping air between them.
• Wool retains most of its insulation value when wet. Wool or fibrepile type clothing is essential for this experience.
• Jeans and other cotton clothing absorb water easily and are very cold when wet. These must not be taken. No cotton ‘hoodies’ can be worn while skiing/boarding. Regardless of the weather, you must wear appropriate waterproof and warm ski gear. You are not permitted to ski in a t-shirt or have uncovered arms/legs. You must be dressed and prepared for a rapid change in weather conditions.
Personal Equipment
• Mobile Phone & Charging Cable, etc. (Phones must only be used to contact staff to report possible lateness to pre-arranged meeting times/places, if lost, confused and in case of an emergency while on the mountain. Phones should not be used or visible when not skiing, e.g.: rest breaks, on the bus, etc. Phones will be collected upon entering the lodge at the end of the day’s skiing and returned prior to skiing the next morning).
• Waterproof jacket and pants (essential, must have a good hood and be completely waterproof and windproof).
• Two woollen or fibre pile jumpers and a woollen/thermal shirt (two light jumpers are warmer than one heavy jumper).
• Gloves - x2 pairs (good quality ski/board gloves. Two pairs are essential. Beginners always have wet hands).
• Woollen balaclava/beanie (wool is essential for warmth and the balaclava will cover all your head. This is for walking in the evening as you will wear a helmet while skiing/boarding).
• Socks. The general rule is thin woollen/thermal socks although many prefer thick socks. At least five pairs.
• Thermal underwear (specialist thermal underwear is readily available and effective. Inexpensive brands are suitable).
• Water bottle (or Camelback type water system).
• Whistle on a string (COMPULSORY - To be carried at all times).
• First Aid Kit (personal needs such as safety pins, elastoplast, elastic bandage, triangular bandage, sunscreen, lip balm/moisturiser and blister treatment - essential).
• Sunglasses and Snow goggles (essential to protect your eyes from the glare of the snow which can lead to ‘snow blindness’. These must be high quality UV protection sunglasses). It is compulsory to wear either sunglasses or goggles while on the slope.
• Boots (for walking in the snow, especially for walking up to the lodge on the first day and back down to the bus on the way home)
• Spare clothes (a set of clothes to be worn in the confines of the lodge - tracksuit/casual gear. Slippers are handy. No boots are allowed inside the lodge).
• Sheets and pillow slip (you must provide top and bottom sheets and pillow slip. Doonas are provided). You may choose to sleep inside a sleeping bag, however must have a sheet on the bed and a pillow slip.
• Pyjamas (this is a communal lodge with shared bathroom facilities. Modesty should prevail).
• Torch (a small, lightweight torch or light is useful. Carry spare batteries and reverse batteries inside torch when not in use to prevent wastage).
• Camera (optional, use zip-lock bags to keep dry).
• Toiletries (toothbrush, paste, soap, shampoo, towel, sunscreen, etc.).
• Bath towel.
• Daypack must be durable and large enough to carry lunch, drink bottle, spare clothing/jacket/hat, sunscreen, snacks, camera, etc. Each student must have their own. Lockers will be hired for bags to be stowed during the day.
• You may bring a small musical instrument - ukuleles are popular - cards, games or books.
DO NOT BRING
• Your own skis or snowboard – both must be hired.
• Personal electronic equipment/computers/laptops/iPads. These are antisocial
• Valuables, cameras or any articles that you would not like to lose or break (any valuables are brought at your own risk).
• An excessive amount of money.
• Excessive lollies or sugary drinks. Energy or strong caffeinated drinks are not permitted.
MOBILE PHONES
A reminder that the Woodleigh School Mobile Phone policy will be in effect throughout the week.
It is compulsory for every student to bring a mobile phone - this is a safety measure. Phones must only be used to contact staff to report possible lateness to pre-arranged meeting times/places, if lost, confused and in cases of an emergency while on the mountain. Phones should not be used (or visible) when not skiing/boarding (e.g.: rest breaks), on the bus, etc.
Students are to hand their phones to camp staff as they board the bus. They will be handed back to students the mornings and need to be returned to camp staff when they arrive back at the lodge.
RISK
There are elements of risk involved in this camp and whilst safety ratios and requirements will be adhered to, we believe it is important to make you aware of potential risks. These risks include but are not limited to:
• Exposure to cold weather and extreme temperatures.
• Soft tissue injuries.
• Injury due to collision or falling awkwardly.
• Getting lost.
This booklet includes important safety information and essential clothing, and equipment lists. In order to mitigate the above risks:
• We will always ski/board according to the Alpine Safety Code (see later in this booklet).
• You will be provided with a Woodleigh Ski tag – which includes contact numbers in case of emergency. You must wear this at all times when outside the Lodge.
• You will always be in a group – either with the lesson group (supervised by an instructor and a Woodleigh Staff member) during lessons, or skiing within a group on the same slope, always in 3s, under the general direction of a staff member.
• Ski/board within your capabilities.
• Know where you are – you will be given a trail map. If you are separated (from your lesson group, or your group of 3) wait at the bottom of the run.
• We will dress appropriately for the conditions – the minimum dress is helmet (and wrist guards for boarders), goggles, thermals, jacket, pants, gloves.
• Apply sunscreen and lip balm at least twice each day.
• Always wear either sunglasses or goggles.
• Carry adequate food (snacks) for energy and warmth and have a large drink of water in the morning, after the lesson, at lunch, and at night – skiing is very dehydrating.
PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST
Here is a checklist of things you need to ensure you do before departure, and also details of “Mountain Protocol” and the “Alpine Responsibility Code”.
Checklist
• Have all your clothes clearly labelled – gloves, goggles, thermals, jacket, pants, beanie, socks, daypack, drink bottle, etc.
• Go through the gear list of what you need to bring – don’t forget your whistle, daypack, drink bottle and other little pieces.
• Organise your lunch for Sunday and remember to keep it in your daypack on the bus.
• Confirm and complete all questions on Operoo.
• Check your gear – jacket, gloves, pants, thermals and goggles.
• Remember you need to organise five dinners with one or two other students.
• Pack yourself some high energy snacks to put in your pocket while on the mountain.
• Make sure you arrive punctually on the Sunday at Woodleigh.
• Keep your jacket, gloves and beanie in your daypack in case of bad weather on arrival.
• Work on general fitness. (You can extend this beyond our Activity sessions).
• All gear in the booklet must be brought on camp.
Mountain Protocol
• Whilst on the mountain, always carry your whistle, phone, ID card, lift pass, map card and snacks.
• Whilst on the mountain, you must always wear your helmet, a hat and goggles or glasses, and the minimal clothing requirements are thermals, jacket, pants, hat and gloves.
• Stay on the run elected by your group, and always ski/board in pairs.
• If you become lost – either from your buddy or group, go to the bottom of the run and wait for your buddy, or inform Ski Patrol. Do not get on a Chair Lift.
• If you have an accident, stand your skis or board up-right in the snow, have someone stay with you and another to go to the bottom of the run and seek help.
• If your group stops to rest, leave all your gear – skis and boards together.
• Have all your gear clearly marked.
• Avoid standing under eaves or trees in case snow drops from them.
• Remember to wear sunscreen as it is easy to burn at the snow.
• Your lift ticket and equipment are your responsibility, look after them.
• Green Run indicates “easiest”.
• Blue Run indicates “more difficult”.
• Black Run indicates “most difficult”.
• Double Black Diamond runs are not to be attempted regardless of ability.
• Always ski/board within your capabilities. Ski patrol will remove lift passes if you are skiing/boarding irresponsibly.
• The Lodge is privately managed, so please be extra mindful of cleanliness and take care when moving around the space.
• Look after the environment.
BEHAVIOURAL EXPECTATIONS
• As a participant in the Activities Week Camps program, there is a high level of responsibility and expectation with respect to behaviour. All normal school policies apply, in particular:
• Involvement with sex, drugs, smoking, vaping or alcohol is prohibited.
• A preparedness to participate wherever appropriate.
• Safety of all participants is paramount.
Infringement of these policies may result in the student being sent home, at your own expense.
• It is a courtesy to be respectful and positive at all events, even those you personally find less interesting. A good night’s sleep will be essential - being tired will not only affect you but also others on camp.
• Respectful language must be used at all times – including on the slopes and in the lodge.
• Never leave the lodge without the permission of a staff member.
• Each student is responsible for the immediate environment and must keep it tidy and not damage any of the surroundings.
• No-one is to enter anyone else's room before breakfast or after dark. You will only enter someone else's room if the people in that group are there, invite you in and you have obtained permission from a staff member.
Students will be rostered into groups to help with organisation which will include such things as setting out breakfast, lunch and washing up. There are also room and cleaning duties which will be performed every day during the camp along with maintaining individual equipment. Students will have some free time to rest, read and socialise in the lounge.
Students are not permitted to eat or hang out in the bedrooms. The rooms are only for sleeping, dressing and showering. The days will be long and tiring and therefore some students may wish to go to sleep earlier, we are living in a close group with peers and staff. Respecting each other’s privacy and being quiet in the house is of the upmost importance.
MT HOTHAM SKIING COMPANY: EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY
Your assumption of risk - these conditions affect your legal rights!
WARNING: If you participate in the Recreational Activities detailed below your rights to sue the supplier under the Fair Trading Act 1999, if you are killed or injured because the activities were not supplied with due care and skill or were not reasonably fit for their purpose, are excluded, restricted or modified in the way set out in or on this sign.
NOTE: The change to your rights, as set out in or on this sign, does not apply if your death or injury is due to gross negligence on the supplier’s part. “Gross negligence” is defined in the Fair Trading (Recreational Services) Regulations 2004.
Mt Hotham Skiing Company Pty Ltd and Falls Creek Ski Lifts Pty Ltd, as the respective supplier of Recreational Services, sell all tickets and supply all recreational ski area services and facilities including, but not limited to skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing, tobogganing, skiing or snowboarding lessons, the use of ski lifts and helicopter flights between Mt Hotham Alpine Resort and Falls Creek Alpine Resort ("Resorts") ("Recreational Activities") subject to the following conditions:
• These conditions do not affect any rights you have under Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) ("the Act") except to the extent excluded in condition 2.
• We and our employees, directors, officers, guides, instructors, contractors and agents (“the supplier”) are not liable to you, your dependants or legal representatives in negligence, breach of contract or statute or statutory duty (including for breach of consumer guarantees implied by the Act) for personal injury or death suffered by you from our supply of Recreational Activities and the condition, layout, construction, design or use of ski runs or slopes or the presence of people or objects or any associated sporting activities or similar leisure time pursuits on or at the Resorts.
• You acknowledge that the Recreational Activities are dangerous with many inherent risks, dangers and hazards and personal injury and sometimes death can occur and you assume and accept all risk of personal injury or death from Recreational Activities, and you waive the right to sue the supplier for any personal injury or death in any way whatsoever arising from such activities.
• You must:
(a) wear your ticket on the upper part of your body so it is clearly visible; and
(b) not transfer or resell it.
• Your ticket is only valid for the date shown on it and if the seal is not broken.
• We will not refund or replace a ticket:
(a) if you lose it or suffer an illness or injury;
(b) if any lift service is not operating.
• You must comply with the Alpine Responsibility Code and our signs or other directions and we may suspend or cancel your access to Recreational Activities at our absolute discretion for non-compliance with these conditions, the Alpine Responsibility Code or for reckless or careless conduct.
MT HOTHAM SKI/BOARD CAMP PROGRAM
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
7.30am Arrive at school.
8am Bus Departs from Woodleigh main drive. Lunch on the way (BYO). 7am Wake up. Breakfast Group duties. 7am Wake up. Breakfast Group duties. 7am Wake up. Breakfast Group duties. 7am Wake up. Breakfast Group duties. 7am
Wake up. Breakfast Group duties.
Pack Up & Clean Up, Return Gear, Debrief, Pack bus.
9am Ski/Board lesson
10:30am-11am Break 11am-1pm - Ski/Boarding 1pm-2pm Lunch.
9am Ski/Board lesson
10:30am-11am Break 11am-1pm - Ski/Boarding 1pm-2pm Lunch.
9am Ski/Board lesson
10:30am-11am Break 11am-1pm - Ski/Boarding 1pm-2pm Lunch.
9am Ski/Board lesson 10:30am-11am Break 11am-1pm - Ski/Boarding 1pm-2pm Lunch. 10:30am Depart Mountain.
2pm Arrive at Mt Hotham 4pm
Collect gear from Hotham Central. 2pm Ski/Board Lesson 4pm Return to lodge. 2pm Ski/Boarding 4pm Return to lodge. 2pm Ski/Boarding 4pm Return to lodge. 2pm Ski/Boarding 4pm Return to lodge. * No Dinner stop.
6:30pm Dinner (provide own).
6:30pm Dinner (provide own). Group duties. 6:30pm Dinner (provide own). Group duties. 6:30pm Dinner (provide own). Group duties. 6:30pm Dinner (provide own). Group duties 8:30pm Pack and clean. 6pm Arrive at Woodleigh.
Please note: These times and activities could be subject to change.
BUS LOCATION - DEPART/RETURN
2025 ACTIVITIES WEEK CAMP BUS LOCATIONS
Please make sure you refer to your camp booklet for departure and return dates and times.
Parents, please park in designated parking areas when dropping off/collecting your child to avoid congestion around the buses on Monday departures and Friday returns.
MY CAMP CHECKLIST
Things to purchase / Things to take
