Thinking of travelling to Hotham by car? Well, you're in for a fantastic trip.

• Parking at Mount Hotham
• Road Reports
• Driving and Parking Tips

Hotham is located at the highest point of The Great Alpine Road, so you'll get to see some terrific alpine scenery on your way here.

And your journey will be hassle free. There is sealed road access from both sides of the mountain, as well as ample day and overnight parking, and unloading zones close to all accommodation. See the links below for more information.

*Important Note: You must carry snow chains at all times during the declared snow season, and fit them where directed. It's a legal requirement for all vehicles entering the Alpine Road Reserve, and it's also a safety measure. You can hire chains at the base of the mountain from: Hoys Ski Centre at Harrietville or Rays Ski Shop at Myrtleford.

A resort entry fee is applied to vehicles and passengers of coaches and taxis entering the resort during the declared snow season. For further details go to Resort Entry.

Parking at Hotham

If you are driving to Hotham you will need to park your car in an appropriate car park depending on whether you are visiting for the day or for an overnight period.

Day Vistors

For day visitors, parking is available in the Corral Car Park in the heart of the Village and along the Great Alpine Road towards the Davenport end of the village, until 11pm. Parking attendants are often on hand to direct you and you are asked to observe all parking directives and signs.

If you have kids then you should head to the Big D Centre, that is located half way along the village and park in the day car parking area adjacent to the Centre.

Overnight Visitors

For overnight visitors, car parking is available below Bus Stop 8 towards the Wire Plain cross-country area, depending on demand. Look for the large red sign indicating the start of overnight parking. Getting back to the village is easy with the free village transport service that will collect you from within the overnight car-parking zone. If in doubt with where to park, please check with the Resort Management Office or ask a parking attendant.

On Friday night parking attendants are on duty until 3am to assist and direct arrivals to overnight car-parking areas.

Reserved car parking

All reserved car parking places have now been allocated for the 2004 Season.

Road Reports

The Daily Snow Report on this website includes a road report. For any further information about road conditions please phone Resort Management on (03) 5759 3550.

RUD - Driving and Parking Tips

Quick Tips

• Remember antifreeze in your radiator.
• Leave your windscreen wipers up off the windscreen (avoids them freezing to the glass).
• Leave your handbrake OFF and your car in gear (avoids freezing the brake on).

Chain Fitting

• Fit chains at bays where you see the "Fit Chains Here" sign.
• Always fit chains to driving wheels only. When required, four wheel drive vehicles should fit chains to front wheels.
• Chain fitting bays are level and make fitting easier. If you don't use the chain fitting bay you may find yourself in a lot of trouble. Chains are hard to fit on slopes, and you will obstruct other vehicles and snow clearing equipment.
• At all resorts, you can be fined for not carrying and fitting chains as directed.
• If it has not been necessary to fit chains when travelling to the resort, it is advisable to fit them upon arrival in preparation for the return trip. It is quite difficult to fit them to cars covered by snow.
• Do not drive faster than 40kph.
• View the RUD Chain Fitting Video »

Chain Fitting Checklist

• Fit chains to driving wheels only.
• Always test fit chains before a trip.
• Fit at fitting bays on level ground.
• If chains fall off or loosen when a vehicle is in motion stop and check brake lines for damage, before retensioning.
• Keep speed below 40kph.
• Carry a torch, plastic garbage bag and gloves to make fitting easier.
• Use correct fitting chains.
• Tyres must be in good condition with minimal wear.
• The use of diamond pattern chains is recommended at most resorts.
• Chains alter your car's handling, take time to readjust your driving and take care!

Parking

• Park only where directed. If you do not, you run the risk of another vehicle or snow clearing vehicle, running into what looks to the driver like just another drift of snow.
• Do not apply the handbrake: moisture can freeze the cables and brake linings.
• Leave the car in gear with the front wheels turned away from the slope.
• Always park as close to the bank as possible, to leave room for two-way traffic.
• Do not use rocks to chock wheels as they may damage snow clearing machines.
• Remove wheel chocks from parking area when leaving.
• Even if chains were not required to enter the area, it is advisable to fit them when parking. It is much easier than trying to fit them later for the return trip if weather conditions change or the vehicle is snowbound.
• Cover the radiator to help prevent freezing.
• Periodically clear snow from on and around the vehicle.

More Hints

• Lift wipers from windscreen or place in a plastic bag if parking for an extended period so that wipers do not stick to the glass.
• Cover door locks with masking tape to stop locks freezing up.
• Don't use wooden chocks, these tend to slip on icy surface.
• Clear all glass and mirrors of ice before attempting to drive away from snowfields.
• For fast demisting of the front windscreen, use the car's heater and fan in conjunction with the vehicle's air-conditioner.
• Warm the engine for a few minutes before driving off.
• Motoring on alpine roads not only requires concentration and adept driving skills, but also a lot of patience. Keep your cool if stuck in a long queue of traffic, and always follow directions by resort staff and road signs. They are there for your safety.

Visit the RUD Website »

RUD Chain Fitting Video (12127 KB)