IT is often the case that one does not realise you miss something until it is gone.

At the start of August, as the snow base slowly dwindled, what I really missed (aside from face-shots on powder days) was 7.30am lifts on the Heavenly Valley chair at Mt Hotham.

There are few, if any, ski resorts in the world where for five days a week, one can ski with the dawn an hour before any other lifts open and not pay a cent more for the privilege.

Clicking into skis or snowboard, often before the sun has even risen, and beginning the day at speed down the Basin, Sun Run, or Wendix (or a host of others if starting at Loch car park); the 7.30am first tracks sessions from Wednesday to Sunday is one of my favourite things at Mt Hotham.

Tingling, delicious morning cold, the banter whilst waiting for the chair to spin, perfect groomers, unsullied powder, orange and crimson skies, the hum of the snow-guns and general lack of humanity on the slopes are a recipe for the best turns of the day.

And all for the price of getting up a little earlier….

It is impossible to wipe the grin off regular Hotham skier and raconteur Shan Manickam as he gets ready to head down the hill in a race with the sunrise.

"It's bloody beautiful. Why would you want to be anywhere else? Mr Baskam would most definitely approve," he yells, launching into the Basin.

Oft referred to as the ‘Hour of Power,’ in mid-July, with natural snowfalls a little slow in the coming, a new term came to my notice during the morning session. Gun powder! Such was the perfection of the manufactured snow, those first runs were nearly as good as sliding on fresh, natural stuff, face shots included!

Kudos to the snow making crew.

It was dialled in to perfection.

Once the Loch car park (ahem …… Alpine Gateway) finally opens fully and the snow starts falling again, 7.30am lifts will be back and may be even more enjoyable for day-trippers.

Getting changed in a warm room and stepping straight out onto the slopes is a magnificent way to start the day.

Thanks to all the lifties and other mountain crew for getting up early and preparing everything for us when 7.30am lifts are running.

It may not be often stated, but it is greatly appreciated.

One, two, three, go ……. race you for the first chair!