Kangaroo Hoppet

The Kangaroo Hoppet Race Committee remains optimistic ahead of Australia’s Worldloppet race on Saturday, 15 August. Despite a challenging winter at Falls Creek.

Unusually warm temperatures and limited snowfall have affected the Australian alpine region over the past two months. Nevertheless, several cross-country trails remain groomed and have provided good skiing considering the conditions. The Australian Cross-Country Ski Championships were also successfully held at Falls Creek last weekend.

With further snowfall possible before race day, the organising committee is working closely with the resort and trail teams to identify the best available course options. Participant safety and the quality of the event remain the main priorities, and updated course information will be communicated as preparations progress.

Skiers can follow the current conditions through a newly installed snow camera overlooking the Falls Creek Nordic Bowl and the traditional Kangaroo Hoppet starting area.

Beyond the race itself, participants can once again look forward to the welcoming atmosphere for which the Kangaroo Hoppet is known. Every entrant will receive a commemorative backpack at bib collection, while Kangaroo Hoppet and Australian Birkebeiner participants will also receive ski ties provided by the Cross-Country Skiing Association Victoria.

The Hoppet Shop will open on 8 August, offering bib collection, official merchandise and Worldloppet Passport stamping throughout the event period.

The Kangaroo Hoppet team remains committed to delivering the best possible race experience under the available conditions. Worldloppet wishes the organizers, volunteers and participants a successful final stage of preparation and looks forward to another memorable celebration of cross-country skiing in Australia.

Update 12.08.2026

Unfortunately, the anticipated snow in the past four days was a letdown with 64mm of rain at Falls Creek and snow falling well above the elevation of the resort. On Monday snow levels did drop, and we have received approximately 10-15mm of snow.  The Hoppet Race Committee met Tuesday night to narrow down the options for courses for each of the Kangaroo Hoppet distances. All distances will be shortened. The main event will be laps within the Falls Creek inner cross-country ski trails. Depending upon what magic the Falls Creek XC groomers can produce in the next couple of days we may be able to include an out and back flat section to extend the lap distance. The Joey Hoppet and Australian Birkebeiner courses will be decided depending upon snow and grooming conditions in the next couple of days. 

Entries to ALL distances of the Kangaroo Hoppet are now closed. This measure is being undertaken to provide the best and safest event possible. Changes to a longer distance are no longer being accepted.