Kangaroo Hoppet returns again
Published Fri 24 Aug 2018
The 28th Kanagroo Hoppet will be staged at Falls Creek with exceptional snow conditions set to welcome over 1,000 skiers for the one day event.
Attracting young and old, participants will converge at the Victorian ski field on Saturday 25 August.
Adding to the event are the many international competitors from almost 30 countries, including for the first time Mongolia and Lichtenstein.
With the snow depth currently seventh highest on Falls Creek record, participants can expect a firm and fast trail.
Returning this year for Kangaroo Hoppet glory are dual Winter Olympians, Phil Bellingham and Callum Watson, both eagerly looking for top spot on the podium and their first ever event win.
Last year Belligham was beat by half a boot while Watson placed fourth, putting them in a good position to claim the first Australia men’s victory since Ben Sim in 2009.
In the woman’s Kangaroo Hoppet, triple Winter Olympian Barbara Jezersek will line up to defend her 2017 title, while fellow Australian and dual Winter Olympian Aimee Watson placed third last year meaning she will be one to watch out for.
Race Director Ben Derrick says this year’s Kangaroo Hoppet will be another memorable event for all participants.
“The weather forecast looks great and all preparations are in order for the weekend.
“We are anticipating another sunny day but our main goal is to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone,” he said.
The first across the line in the 7km Joey Hoppet, 21km Australian Birkebeiner and the first Australians in the 42km main event all receive a $500 scholarship from race sponsor AGL.
All 2018 Kangaroo Hoppet results can be viewed on SSA’s new and free Snowracer APP.
Kangaroo Hoppet Event Schedule 2018, Saturday 25 August:
- 42km Kangaroo Hoppet - 9:30am
- 21km Australian Birkebeiner - 9:40am
- 7km Joey Hoppet - 9:50am