“The hiking is outstanding, if you can get past your hangover.”
Nick Sutcliffe in Little Alaska at Mount Olympus. Photo: Joe Harrison
Mount Olympus is at the south eastern end of the Craigieburn range and is accessed from Windwhistle, rather than highway 73. Olympus picks up good snow in southerly storms and is sheltered from the strong north westerly winds that scour out some of the other club fields. Its access road is sporting at the best of times and usually closes after a decent snowfall, but the main accommodation lodge is halfway up the ski field so it's a perfect place to get snowed in. The inbounds terrain is fun but perhaps a bit smaller than some of the other clubbies. The hiking, on the other hand, is both awesome and extensive. There are a range of amazing terrain options on various aspects, so there's usually something in good condition if you're willing to put in some time bootpacking. Much of this terrain is above the ski area and presents an avalanche hazard to the skiers below so you need to check in with patrol (who occasionally close the terrain) before you go anywhere.
The accommodation lodge on the mountain has been recently extended and refurbished including some very effective (and necessary) sound proofing. Mount Olympus is definitely a party hill and if you're there at the right (or wrong) time you'll have ample opportunity to feel the burn in your liver as well as your thighs after a few days. There is a bar, a hot tub and the infamous dress-up box, as well as espresso coffee to help you get started the next day. Fortunately that new sound proofing is miraculously effective, so you can always get a good night's rest if you just want to make the most of the unreal terrain.