THE allure of a day spent arcing turns through untouched, fresh snow without a lift line in sight, is what draws many people to the Alpine backcountry.

It’s what initially drew Danny Foster, tour manager for Hotham Backcountry tours.

“I love that you get further out into nature and that you’re operating under your own power and earning your turns,” says Danny, “it just brings me a lot of satisfaction”.

In recent years, backcountry touring has increased in popularity.

Guided tours, like Hotham Backcountry tours, have sprung up across the Australian Alps making this seemingly impossible terrain more accessible than ever.

With 24 winters of backcountry experience, Danny has been leading the charge to establish a range of tours operating from Hotham’s Snowsports School to guide visitors into its renowned backcountry terrain.

“It’s such an amazing experience that people are often completely unaware of," Danny says.

“Running these courses is a way to help people get out and explore Hotham’s backcountry in a way that is safe for them, and also the environment”.

Danny began his backcountry journey in Canada where he spent 10 winters exploring the Canadian terrain, experiencing many unforgettable moments most of us can only dream about.

“I still remember the first time I bagged a proper, impressive peak,” he said.

"I was in Canada touring to reach the peak of Ymir”.

Ymir mountain stands at 2398 metres and the hike through deep powder took Danny and his friend four hours to get to the top.

Once there, and after an internal pep talk, Danny skied down the steep and exposed slope in four huge turns.

“It was mind–blowing!” he exclaims.

The experience was so good, Danny and his friend made the four hour hike back to the top for a second lap.

“It was well worth the climb!" he says.

Leaving Canada, Danny toured in Austria and Japan before settling back at Mt Hotham and pursuing aims to share his passion with others by launching Hotham Backcountry tours.

After a difficult season last year where COVID–19 drove the closure of the resorts, the crew are back for their third season.

Expanding courses into a sixth zone, they’re looking forward to guiding visitors into Hotham’s backcountry, and to also teach them how to explore untouched terrain safely.

“There’s really two parts of our tours,” Danny explains.

“We want you to enjoy the terrain and the physical experience of being in the backcountry, but we also want you to learn about the environment around you and ensure you’re able to operate safely in the backcountry”.

For this reason, Danny worked with an experienced team from Hotham’s Snowsport School to create the Intro to Backcountry tour.

The tour invites snow goers who have limited experience in the backcountry to join a group and learn vital information while enjoying the unique terrain.

“You don’t need to be an advanced skier or boarder to get out and explore the backcountry,” Danny says.

“A strong intermediate rider will have enough skills to have a great time on our tours.

“Our guides are all qualified instructors at Hotham and all of them have professional level avalanche certifications, and loads of experience.

“They want to share their knowledge, so before heading out they will sit down with the group and go over maps and terrain that they’ll be exploring for the day”.

From here, the group are guided to one of the six entry zones into the backcountry where they’ll be taught essential skills.

“We’ll go over how to use touring equipment and what to do in emergency situations,” says Danny.

“We can also delve into snowpack analysis and how to make decisions based on the terrain available and the group we are riding with”.

For people with more backcountry experience, or private groups, Hotham Backcountry tours offer private tours where you can work with your guide to customise your experience.

“Whether you want to get nerdy and learn about the snow science or explore different areas with the safety of a guide, we can craft your day, so you get the most out of it,” says Danny.

With COVID–19 impacts making this another challenging season for the region, Danny and his team are looking forward to introducing more guests to Hotham’s backcountry again.

“There’s such amazing untapped terrain all around you if you get off the beaten track, particularly around Hotham,” he says “and because they’re hidden away, they’re like you’re own little playground – it’s a lot of fun”.

Head to mthotham.com.au/backcountry–tours to find out more.