Snow Hunter-Australia, July 8, 2008- The first week of July has seen the 'real' start of winter at many Australian resorts after poor natural snowfall in June. Mount Hotham has reported 29cm (12 inches) of snow in the past week, with an additional 13cm (seven inches) in the past 24hrs, enough to open Heavenly Valley for skiing and riding tomorrow, Wednesday 9th July, for the first time this season. Up to 60cm (two feet) of snow is predicted to fall by the weekend.

The opening of the Heavenly Valley Chair will provide access to some of Hotham's signature terrain such as Imagine, Milky Way, Black Snake, Brockhoff and Purgatory Spur. The resort's new snowmaking expansion into Heavenly Valley has played a critical role in topping up the natural snowfall in the area Mount Hotham and neighbouring Dinner Plain Alpine Village will be hosting the third annual Mountain Fresh Festival from July 18th to 23rd. The six-day winter festival of delicious regional food and cool climate wines from the Alpine Valleys will incorporate a diverse program of individual events held at venues that will strongly feature food and wine from the Alpine Valleys Wine Region. From wine tastings and master classes, to foodie films, pampering sessions and much more, there will be something for everyone at the festival. www.mountainfresh.com.au

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