New Magic Carpet Opens With Smoking Ceremony at Hotham Alpine Resort, Australia

By Oz Brains on June 30, 2024

Gunai elder Sandra Patten performing 'Welcome to Country' and 'Smoking Ceremony.' | Image: supplied by Vail Resorts

Bunderool Carpet at Hotham Alpine Resort, Australia, officially opened to guests today, July 1. This achievement was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the resort's snowmakers and groomers, as well as a timely assist from Mother Nature, who graced the resort with 20cm (8 inches) of fresh snow over the weekend.

"We're excited to open both Bunderool Carpet at Hotham Central and Cobungra Platter Carpet at Dinner Plain today for our school holiday families and beginners. It's a beautiful day on the mountain and there's so much fun to be had!"
— Tina Burford, Vice President & General Manager, Hotham

Senior Mountain Operations Manager Luke Rickards and Gunai elder Sandra Patten ride the Bunderool Carpet. | Image: supplied by Vail Resorts

Hotham was honoured to welcome senior Gunai elder Sandra Patten for a special 'Welcome to Country' and 'Smoking Ceremony' to officially name its Bunderool carpet on Friday June 28. "I have never performed a Smoking Ceremony on the snow before," said Sandra. "I'm very privileged and am mesmerised by the mountains, I feel home. As the smoke drifts over the area, it will keep it safe and welcome people to this land."

A ribbon cutting launched the carpet and Senior Mountain Operations Manager Luke Rickards gave Sandra a hand to ride the new conveyor-carpet after the ceremony. "We are extremely lucky at our special mountain-top village to have this experience for our guests, which reimagines the beginner experience," said Ms Burford.

Bunderool carpet is part of an ongoing commitment to improve the experience for beginners on the mountain, alongside improving the safety of all skiers and snowboarders. "The naming of Bunderool is also a reflection of our ongoing commitment to our Be Inclusive value – both with the naming of the carpet and with welcoming beginners to the sport," said Ms Burford.