Hotham’s Alpine Resort Management Board have revealed new resort entry processes for visitors to Hotham in the 2020 season.
Capacity management and contact tracing means a new system for visitors arriving via Omeo or Harrietville. These will involve pre purchasing of permits online or you will not be allowed entry to the resort.
The new system goes into effect from Friday, June 5, inline with the government’s public health guidelines that apply from 1 June 2020.
The number of visitors in the resort will be managed through the Resort Entry permit system and resort management is advising that visitors must buy online and buy ahead of their visit or they will not be permitted to enter the resort. Resort Entry Season Permit (Season Pass) holders do not need to pay additional Resort Entry fees but must register their visit before they travel.
The measures are designed to ensure the resort can comply with the government’s public health guidelines and keep both visitors and staff safe during the season.
“It’s a challenging situation for everyone,” said Amber Gardner, CEO of Mount Hotham Alpine Resort Management Board. “But I am certain everyone now understands why these measures are necessary.”
Mt Hotham replaced their gate-based Resort Entry system with an electronic camera-based system to provide faster, queueless access but for 2020 is temporarily reinstating checking of valid Resort Entry permits before vehicles enter the Hotham Village.
Sales of Resort Entry permits and registration for Season Permit (Season Pass) holders will be managed via the existing Alpine Easy Access Resort Entry Permit system from Thursday 4 June.
New Resort Entry processes for 2020
For the 2020 snow season (from 5 June 2020), all vehicles entering the resort must have pre-paid resort entry permits that are valid for the period the vehicles will be in the resort. Holders of valid Resort Entry Season Permit (Season Pass) do not have to pay any additional resort entry fees but will be required to register their visit in advance.
In addition, Resort Entry purchasers and Season Permit holders will be required to provide the details of all passengers who will be travelling in their vehicle, to enable traceability.
From 5 June, all Resort Entry permits will be checked before vehicles are permitted entry into the resort.
At peak times, this will involve checkpoints at the resort boundaries on both the Harrietville and Omeo approaches.
“The message this winter is clear – think ahead, plan your trip and book early to avoid disappointment,” said Ms Gardner.
“A safe and successful season relies on our valued guests understanding the reasons for these measures and adhering to them, particularly in advance of skifield operations commencing on 24 June.”
The capacity management system accommodates the needs of staff, residents and contractors, whose passes are preregistered in the system, allowing them to access/exit the resorts as per normal.
To support capacity management across all of the Victorian alpine resorts, no All Resorts Season Passes will be available for the 2020 snow season.
How to pre-purchase Hotham Resort Entry permits
Go to the Resort Entry page on the Hotham website. Log into your Alpine Easy Access account to purchase if you are an existing account holder. New customers – select the link to Alpine Easy Access, then select the Day and Multiday permits and follow the prompts. Remember you will be required to provide your registration details, and details of occupants in the vehicle.
How to register your visit with a Resort Entry Season Permit (Season Pass)
To register your visit simply log into your account via the link on our Resort Entry page, select the “Register your visit” button on your dashboard and follow the prompts. Remember you will need to include the details of all occupants of the vehicle.
Overnight guests
All people staying in the Hotham resort overnight will be able to purchase their multi-day Resort Entry permit unrestricted, but will need to purchase their pass online and in advance of their arrival.
