Kangaroo Hoppet

Every year in 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 42km Kangaroo Hoppet, a member of the prestigious Worldloppet series, is the signature race in the event. It attracts both elite skiers from Australia and overseas, and passionate cross country skiers who enjoy the sense of achievement that comes from completing Australia’s premier cross country ski race.

For those who don’t feel up to the challenge of the longer distance, there’s the 21km Australian Birkebeiner and 7km Joey Hoppet that allows everyone to be part of an international ski event in a safe and fun environment.

Spectators can enjoy the awesome atmosphere in the Falls Creek Nordic Bowl and cheer all the participants along at both the start and finish lines.

The Hoppet started in 1979 when the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club decided to hold their own version of the famous Birkebeiner race and the 25km Australian Birkebeiner was held with some 80 participants, all carrying a 5kg pack (the pack symbolised the weight of Prince Haakon part of the original Birkeberiner legend). The course started and finished at the alpine ski village of Falls Creek, and took participants out into the wilderness area of the adjacent Bogong High Plains.

The Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club has been actively running and supporting this community event since 1979. Birkebeiner members are expected to volunteer and help our on the day and we also have a two Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club representatives on the Hoppet Committee.

You can find our more about the Kangaroo Hoppet, how to volunteer and enter on their website - hoppet.com.au