Every year, on the third Saturday of August, over 1000 cross country skiers of all nationalities, ages and abilities come to Falls Creek for the Kangaroo Hoppet. This unique event, held on Falls Creek’s world class network of groomed trails extending out into the Bogong High Plains of Australia’s Alpine National Park, is a great opportunity for everyone from beginners to Olympians to step into their skis and celebrate cross country skiing in Australia. 

The 2026 Kangaroo Hoppet is being run on Saturday, 15th August, starting at 9:30 am.   

There are three options to choose from:

• The 7 km Joey Hoppet is the ‘one size fits all’ of cross country skiing. From primary school kids, family groups, athletes of the future and everyone in between, regardless of age and ability there is a place for you in the Joey. On an undulating course with the spectacular backdrop of the Alpine National Park, the Joey provides the opportunity to be part of a major international ski event at your own pace. 

• If you’re a skier with a passion for the sport and have a reasonable fitness level, the 21 km Birkebeiner is the event for you.   Warm up with a lap of Sun Valley then head out over the Dam Wall into the Alpine National Park and the challenge of the Paralyser uphill. Enjoy the views to Mt Bogong and Rocky Valley Lake as you cruise across the top of Heathy Spur and finish up with the thrilling descent of the Bladerunner, back over the Dam Wall and on to the finish line where you can mingle with other skiers and enjoy the after race vibe in the Falls Creek Nordic Bowl.
• Experience our iconic Worldloppet international cross country ski event, spanning 42km of breathtaking Australian high plains. The 42km Kangaroo Hoppet course is a 26km lap consisting of the Sun Valley loop, the Langfords Loop and the Heathy Spur loop with a diversion to the right at the Park drink station (Johnstons loop), followed by a second lap (16km) consists of another Sun Valley loop then the Langfords loop and return along the Two Pauls track.

Please visit www.hoppet.com.au for more details about the race and how to enter.