How to survive in a blizzard: lessons from the ski slopes

IF YOU thought it never snowed in Australia, think again. Matt Young took on the Victorian ski fields only to find himself confronted with sub-zero temps and ice. And a winch.

IT'S TRUE what they say. You never forget your first time.

My debut appearance at the Aussie snow was a bit grim for the first few hours (don't even get me started on the turbulence on my travels), but it wasn't long before the flakes started falling on the Victorian ski resort of Mount Hotham - and I found myself experiencing a ski trip like no other.

For now, here are a few helpful tips on how to be the envy of your fellow snow bunnies, and how to survive during a huge blizzard.

PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED

On the day of my arrival at Hotham, the landscape was barren. By midnight we were in full blizzard mode with 41cm of fresh snowfall. Three days later we were stuck. Literally. Flights cancelled, a village isolated.

"Things can change in a dime up here," Hotham General Manager Belinda Trembath told me.

During my short stay, Hotham received 51cm of snowfall. It was the first major dump of the season, which had been a bit patchy until I arrived. I must have been a good-luck charm, because consistent falls through the first half of August mean the resort now has a base of up to a metre.

"This is the storm we have been waiting for and, while it's been a long time coming, it's great to finally kick the season off in true Hotham powder form," said Hotham spokesperson Ms Woodward.

My first snowfall! @_hotham @newscomauHQ pic.twitter.com/o3wUNFTKf6

— Matt Young (@the_mattyoung) July 19, 2013

THERE'S NO HIDING

Save yourself some extra luggage space and ditch the cosmetics bag. Snow is like an exfoliant, when it falls, it rips at your skin like sandpaper. And forget the spray tan. Within a day I looked as white as, well, snow.

COLOURS OF THE RAINBOW

Fashions on the field aren't just restricted to spring racing and during blizzard conditions you're more than likely to be spotted wearing bright colours than those dull earth tones. I called myself Daft Pink for the trip. Get it? Daft Punk? Nevermind.

You could spot me a mile away!

LAYERS ARE YOUR BEST FRIEND

Funnily enough I was warmer in -7C temperatures than I am on a chilly day in Sydney, but that's because I came prepared - with layers upon layers upon layers. The more clothes the better! One thing though, scarfs are almost pointless - see why below.

Hard to keep you warm when it's frozen!

LIP BALM IS A SAVIOUR

Because when it's THIS COLD, your lips need some extra TLC.

Yes. That's an icicle you see. ON HIS CHEEK! (Hi Sean!)

SKI INSTRUCTORS ARE HOT

It's true. They are. The ski fields are like a hotpot of international sex appeal. And who doesn't love a bit of European eye candy?

INNUENDO AHOY

Oh, the innuendo! A 'poma' is a type of ski lift which drags you up the slope. Problem is, it's not exactly a graceful climb to the top. Prepare yourself for the jibes, because they WILL come.

Because I'm THIS classy.

The view from behind. Awkward.

DON'T BE FOOLED, IT'S EASY!

If you've watched the clip above, you'll notice I may have fallen once or twice. OK, maybe more. But in all seriousness, learning to ski is pretty darn easy. Especially, I'm told, if you have previous experience rollerblading or ice-skating. Not to toot my own horn, but after an hour with an instructor I was ripping up the slopes.

"Most people who go into a two hour lesson will be skiing by the end of the lesson if you're of reasonable fitness level," said Trembath.

"The best thing to do is come for a five day holiday. By the end of that week people are able to tackle our intermediate terrain."

On the slopes at @_hotham! @newscomauHQ https://t.co/3UkUaZGz0P

— Matt Young (@the_mattyoung) July 20, 2013

THERE'S MORE TO DO THAN JUST SKI

The slopes are fun and all, but there's a bunch of other winter activities for all you keen snow bunnies out there. Retreat from the slopes and ease the ski pain with a massage, or try your hand at the toboggan, or take in the sights of Hotham on a dog sled tour. And if you're really lucky, you'll be handed the reigns!

On the trail! @spin111 @_hotham https://t.co/ITYpauTiCk

— Matt Young (@the_mattyoung) July 21, 2013

Yep, that's me. Steering 16 Siberian Huskies. Watch out!

REDISCOVER YOUR INNER CHILD

Because it's worth every last minute.

My first snow angel! @_hotham @newscomauHQ https://t.co/p0osP9vbEE

— Matt Young (@the_mattyoung) July 20, 2013

DON'T TRY THIS ALONE, FOLKS

While on the beginner's slope I noticed a scarily large number of beginners taking to the top of the slope with no prior training. Understand that while winter activities like skiing or snowboarding is a hell of a ride, it can also be incredibly dangerous. I advise booking yourself in with one of those sexy instructors I talked about earlier. You'll be a gun on the slopes in no time and you know what they say, what happens on the slopes, stays on the slopes.

The writer was a guest of Mount Hotham Tourism and Qantas Airlink.

Continue the conversation via Twitter @the_mattyoung | @_hotham