By CHRIS EPSKAMP

THE art of the picnic in the snow is elusive for many.

A muesli bar, piece of chocolate and a splash of water tend to be the standard inside and on the fringes of the ski resort.

But with a little effort the mountain snow picnic can be one of the more memorable aspects of a ski holiday at Mt Hotham.

Inside the resort boundary (technically just outside it but who is counting!), the best spot by a country mile is a small little–known pinnacle historically called McCutcheon’s Shoulder on pre–1980s ski trail maps.

Identified by various other names (my circle of ski friends call it ‘Picnic’!), it is situated on the opposite side of Mary’s Slide, skier’s right of the entrance to the fabulous Spargos run.

Up on top, a lovely view of all the best Hotham terrain is laid out before you.

Awash with sun all day (assuming there is no cloud – big assumption), it is close enough, yet far enough away to make a super comfortable and quiet picnic location.

Getting off the Shoulder is either a traverse through the trees to Spargos, or a drop down open off–piste slopes or glades down to near the Mary's Slide Bridge and return trail.

A skin or snowshoe back up to the Orchard is an option for those not up to riding the reasonably difficult descent options.

Provisions for a snow ski picnic are only limited by your imagination and capacity to carry items in a backpack to your preferred location.

Last weekend our provisions included two sorts or crackers (a crusty loaf of bread would have been nice!), prosciutto, sardines in lemon and thyme, boiled eggs, tomato, blue cheese, double brie, kalamata olives and a thermos of coffee.

For a table, put the spread on the base of a snowboard or a couple of fat skis.

Finished off with a sweet treat, it is a perfect way to spend a lunchtime in the resort.

Other great winter picnic locations at Mt Hotham include several that come complete with their own picnic table.

The Village Lookout on the Christmas Hills cross country trails is a beauty (the table comes with its own set of snowboards!), as is the top of Mt Higginbotham, accessed either via the Big D lift or a short walk up from the Corral car park.

Alternatives a little further afield include the summit of Mt Loch which is easily reachable from the top of Orchard, or for the more adventurous, the gorgeous Spargos Hut via Golden Point.

Local Hotham snowboarder Brett Godden says, “The snow picnic is always a highlight, particularly on a busy Saturday in the resort. McCutcheon’s Shoulder is a spanking location and the combination of fine food, good friends plus a cracking ride down through the glades is a real treat”.

Pick your weather, purchase supplies from local providores and enjoy the outdoors with a snow picnic at Mt Hotham alpine resort.