Most of the skiing and snowboarding is based on one side of a large valley, and the area connects to the Bogong High Plains.

Hotham features 320 hectares (790 acres) of ski area including 35 kilometres (22 mi) of tree-lined cross-country trails and a network of fourteen lifts.

The resort features an abundance of runs for skiers and boarders of all standards from beginners (20%) to intermediates (40%) and advanced (40%).

However, due to frequent winter cloud and the mountain's exposed position, a temperature below −10 °C (14 °F) has only once-occurred since records began in 1990.

Owing to its short, cool summers and long, cold winters, Mount Hotham has a Subpolar oceanic climate (Cfc) bordering on Tundra (ET).