Welcome to Summer

After another eventful year in 2021, we think it's time to chill out in the mountains! Take advantage of the cooler conditions and hike Mt Hotham's many spectacular walking trails, showcasing our unique environment and our long and fascinating history.

We're seeing lots of visitors on the iconic Razorback walk, but there is so much more to explore at Mt Hotham. We're helping you and your guests do this with the new Summer walking map, and for the first time ever, a guide to Mt Hotham's unique flora - see the articles below for more information!

Alpine Gateway update

As with most of Victoria, production schedules for contractors and suppliers on mountain have been impacted by COVID directives and restrictions, which, combined with possibly the wettest summer in a decade during our tight construction window, has made progress for some projects challenging.

The construction of the Alpine Gateway has been particularly affected by COVID’s many surprises. Initially the required workers were unable to leave Melbourne due to lockdown, then the construction industry specific lockdown hit, resulting in a substantial delay in timing.  COVID isolation requirements have now led to significant staff shortages for the supplier of the prefabricated elements of the facility, causing a delay in the manufacturer and supply of these key components and further delaying the project.

Although these are situations over which the RMB has little control, it now means the full Alpine Gateway facility will not be completed by winter 2022. Instead, the RMB is working towards getting some of the car park operational for winter, and completing the build (including the visitor facility) post-winter. Updates on the project status will continue to be provided leading into winter.

Whiskey Flat Recreational Facility takes shape

If you've driven past Whiskey Flat area this summer, you will have seen the new Recreational Facility taking shape near the Biathlon Range.

This development is proceeding to scheduled timeframes despite the weather being wetter than hoped. The steel frame is complete, and the roof will be completed by the end of January.  

If this progress continues, and no unforeseen delays arise, it is expected the development will be complete for winter 2022.

Rent relief extended for commercial head lessees

The Victorian Government has extended its Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme (CTRS) to further support businesses who continue to face financial hardship due to COVID-19. While the CTRS was due to expire on 15 January 2022 it will now be extended until 15 March 2022.

In alignment with the CTRS, the RMB will extend the rent relief program currently offered to resort head lessees for the same period (16 January – 15 March 2022). Rent relief will be paid proportionately to the level of commerciality of the head lease and its subtenants, just as it was in 2020 and 2021. For the purpose of this program, not-for-profits and incorporated associations are again categorised as 100% commercial.

Head lessees are not required to provide any additional documentation in support of this extension. The RMB will simply apply a refund or a credit note against this period, depending on what payments have already been made by the head lessee for the quarter.

If you have any queries, please contact Dominic Nicholson on (03) 5759 4028 or email DominicNicholson@mthotham.com.au

New Mt Hotham Summer walking map

Resort Management has produced a new free Summer walking map that is now available from our office. The new map has been updated to include local food options, activity suggestions, and our "Top 5" lists - photo spots, short walks, iconic long walks, and picnic spots. 

If you would like copies for your guests, please drop in during our office hours.

The map can also be downloaded from the Hotham website.

Mt Hotham Flora Guide now available online and in print

The Mt Hotham Flora Guide is the perfect way to identify the many beautiful flowers you find on Mt Hotham's fabulous tracks and trails. 

You can download the Mt Hotham Flora Guide or use our interactive guide on our website. You can also buy a printed copy from the Mt Hotham Resort Management Office for $5.

All proceeds from the printed guide will be used on revegetation projects in the resort, at the two Mountain Pygmy-possum (MPP) tunnels, focussing on plants that provide food for the MPPs. 

Summer visitation survey

Mt Hotham Resort Management has engaged Urban Enterprise to survey summer visitors to better understand their experience and work on ways to improve guest experiences. 

Completing the survey puts them in the running for a $1400 holiday at Mt Hotham, including 2 nights' accommodation, dinner, a $500 voucher from Alpine Nature Experience, and e-bike hire.

We would appreciate on-mountain businesses sharing the survey link with your guests so we can collect their feedback. They can access the survey through either the QR code below or via https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VisitingMtHotham.

Entry for the prize draw ends 5pm,
29 April 2022.

Enabling Tourism Fund

The Enabling Tourism Fund supports regional and rural Victorian tourism projects to reach investment ready status. It will do this by funding activities such as feasibility studies, master planning and business case development. 

The fund will focus on four growth sectors identified in the Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan – nature, epicurean, arts and culture, and First Peoples’ led experiences.

The fund will deliver grants up to $500,000 per project, with a minimum funding amount of $20,000 per project.

Applications for the Enabling Tourism Fund will be accepted until 11:59pm, Friday 4 March 2022.

Great Alpine Road update

The Regional Roads Victoria works on the two sites on the Great Alpine Road (GAR) are nearly complete. There are still some minor works happening on the bottom site.

This includes a culvert replacement and resulting resurfacing, which will continue through to mid March. Traffic will be reduced to one lane at this work site until the work is completed.

These may cause minimal delays so we ask that guests are advised of the works to manage expectations.

We're awaiting an update on timing for the work on Diamantina Corner and will advise once we have that information.

Media love for Mt Hotham's summer offerings!

Get Lost magazine has done a gorgeous write-up of Alpine Nature Experience's curated Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing tours.

We're seeing a consistent interest in offerings that enable visitors to see Mt Hotham's remoter beauties with guidance and support.

If you have a on-mountain product or service you'd like to promote and would be interested in helping host a media visit, please contact Anita Coia on 0447 331 267 or via media@mthotham.com.au

Events

Sat 5 Feb: Above the Clouds - bring your dancing shoes and spend your Saturday dancing to beautiful music at Australia's only tree tent eco-glamping village at Mt Hotham.

Thu 10 Feb: TNE Industry Forum, 10-11:30am, online.

Sat 12 March: Run to the Hills - Mountains, music, friends, great food and cold beer. What more do you need? FREE event.

Don't Forget! Essential Admin

Update your contact details

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Bushfire Preparedness of your property

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