AFTER 50 years of operation, one of Hotham's most iconic lodges, Zirkys, has changed hands, with a new owner and management team for the 2022 ski season.

The sale marks a new chapter for the business which has been associated with Hotham legend Peter 'Zirky' Zirknitzer and his family since it was constructed.

Peter first came to Hotham in 1963 as a wide–eyed ski instructor from Austria.

Despite some alleged early misgivings about the relatively small stature of the local mountains compared to those in his homeland, he stayed on and eventually opened Zirkys in 1971.

With the help of his wife Heather (and over time, his children), from its humble beginnings as a simple ski lodge sleeping 22 guests, Zirkys evolved into one of Mt Hotham's most enduring and identifiable businesses.

Nowadays a high–end hotel with rooms and apartments, snow equipment rental, boutique ski shop, a legendary bar, fine dining restaurant and café, the new owners are looking to manage the establishment under an ethos of "essentially no change".

The sale of Zirkys proceeded just prior to the start of the ski season.

New manager, Michael Hewett, has a long history in the hospitality and events industry.

To assist with the massive challenge of operating the multi–faceted operation, Annelies Zirknitzer is staying on–board throughout this winter, helping with the transition.

There are expectations the new team will carry on the best traditions and maintain all the good things that Zirkys represents.

As one of Hotham's most 'enthusiastic' après ski locations, the bar at Zirkys has seen many thousands of patrons pass through its doors over the 50–year journey.

Most will carry fond memories of Peter moving amongst the tables, bantering with the guests, and gently ensuring that everyone had a drink and was merry!

It will be interesting to see how Zirkys evolves in the next 50 years....