The Mount Hotham ARO is a good guy. Call him. The issues with Hotham are more weather related than altitude related. Its subject to fog, haze and local cloud all of which can change rapidly. Unless the day is 8/8 blue, don't be committed to getting in or out at a particular time. The snow cams can be useful, but the weather can vary significantly from the summit to the airport.
The runway has quite a bit of slope which creates a bit of a challenging visual reference on final approach. Its easy to get too low. If you struggle for climb on take-off you can turn to the right toward lower ground. Especially for your first time, it would be better not to be heavily loaded.