Understanding Resort Entry
What is a resort entry permit?
All vehicles stopping within the resort boundary, including momentary drop-offs and pick-ups, must pay a resort entry fee to purchase a valid resort entry permit for that day.
A resort entry permit allows you to stop within the resort boundary and utilise any car park, provided you follow the parking rules and have a valid resort entry permit for the day/s your vehicle will be parked there.
The resort entry permit fee contributes to essential services for guests around the mountain, including snow clearing operations in resort, ski patrol, village buses, waste management and environmental initiatives to make your visit comfortable, safe and sustainable.
Do I need to purchase a permit?
You need to purchase a permit for each day that your vehicle is stopped within the resort boundary, including after 3pm arrivals and if your resort entry point is the same as your resort exit point.
This includes stopping your vehicle in resort boundaries to:
- Momentarily drop-off or pick-up someone or something
- Use community facilities like public bathrooms
- Organise lift passes or ski or snowboard lessons
- Ski or snowboard
- Use snow play and toboggan areas
- Attend booked activities or experiences
- Dine at a restaurant
- Visit a lookout or stop to take photos
- Visit medical centre (please contact info.mthotham@alpineresorts.vic.gov.au for more info)
You do not need to purchase a permit if you are:
- Transiting through the resort without stopping and your resort entry point differs from your resort exit point
- Parking your car outside of the resort boundary
- Travelling to Mt Hotham via public transport, bus or taxi service. In this instance you are still required to purchase resort entry, which will be paid direct to the bus/taxi service.
Does resort entry cover parking fees?
Yes. A resort entry permit allows you to stop within the resort boundary and utilise any car park, provided you follow the parking rules and have a valid resort entry permit for the day/s your vehicle will be parked there.
You should follow the directions of signage and parking attendants to ensure you park in the correct location. Vehicles parked incorrectly, including in 'authorised vehicle only' zones, loading zones and 'drop off and pick up' zones may incur an infringement.
Vehicles not moved from incorrect parking locations immediately may be towed and impounded.
Which permit should I purchase?
Day & Multiday permits – For vehicles visiting the Mt Hotham resort for day trips or overnight stays. Vehicle must have a carrying capacity of under 10 seats.
Season permits – For vehicles visiting the Mt Hotham resort regularly throughout the winter season, either for day trips or overnight stays Vehicle must have a carrying capacity of under 10 seats.
Group permits – For vehicles with a carrying capacity of 10 or more seats.
Do I need to purchase a permit if I’m arriving after 3pm?
Yes. All vehicles stopping within the resort boundary are required to have a valid resort entry permit for that day. If you purchase a multiday resort entry permit (2 or more consecutive days) and arrive in the resort after 3pm on your first day and selected the ‘arriving after 3pm’ option when purchasing your permit, then the first day of your permit will be free.
What happens if I do not buy a resort entry permit?
An infringement notice will be issued to any vehicle stopping in the resort that does not have a valid resort entry permit. Please click here for more information on reminder notices and infringements.
Resort Entry Checkpoint
Resort entry checkpoints are located at Harrietville and Mother Johnsons (between Dinner Plain and Mt Hotham). You may be stopped at a resort entry checkpoint prior to arriving at Mt Hotham and asked to show evidence of your valid resort entry permit and wheel chains.
- If you do not have a resort entry permit you will need to purchase one whilst in transit, or immediately on arrival at Mt Hotham.
- If you do not have wheel chains you will need to return to a wheel chain hire outlet and hire appropriate chains for your vehicle.
Season permits holders must display a season permit sticker on their vehicle, which is proof of a valid resort entry permit and ensures more convenient access to Mt Hotham.
Resort Entry Boundary Points
Where are the resort entry points?
The resort entry points are located at the boundary of the resort – passing through these points means you have entered the resort and are the points between which all vehicles stopping must have a valid resort entry permit.
They are located on the Great Alpine Road at Buckland Gap (Harrietville approach) and Mother Johnson’s (Dinner Plain/Omeo approach).
Do I have to stop at the resort entry boundary points?
Mt Hotham’s resort entry system is managed through cameras at the resort entry points. Your vehicle registration plates will be automatically recorded at the resort entry boundary point and matched to your pre-purchased resort entry permit.
- If you do not have a resort entry permit you will need to purchase one whilst in transit, or immediately on arrival at Mt Hotham.
Resort Entry Permit Details
How do I change the registration details on my permit?
Day & Multiday permits
Vehicle registration details can be changed up to 1hr prior to the permit start time by logging into your account using your email address and password, or by searching your booking using your email and booking reference number.
If you need to change the vehicle registration details of your permit after the permit start time, you will need to email info.mthotham@alpineresorts.vic.gov.au.
Group and School permits
If you need to change the vehicle registration details of your group or school permit, you will need to email info.mthotham@alpineresorts.vic.gov.au or call 03 5759 3550 before permit start date.
How do I extend my Day or Multiday permit?
If you would like to extend your permit you will need to purchase a new permit before your current permit expires, for the additional days you wish to stay.
How do I change the dates of my Day & Multiday permit?
Day & Multiday permit dates are non-transferrable.
If your permit has not yet begun, you can cancel your permit by logging into your account using your email address and password, or by searching your booking using your email and booking reference number.
Cancelling your permit will process a refund for your permit. Once your permit is cancelled, you may purchase a permit for the new dates.
If your permit has already begun, contact info.mthotham@alpineresorts.vic.gov.au .
How do I cancel my permit?
If your permit has not yet begun, you can cancel your permit by logging into your account using your email address and password or by searching your booking using your email and booking reference number.
Cancelling your permit will process a refund for your permit.
If your permit has already begun, contact info.mthotham@alpineresorts.vic.gov.au .
I entered the incorrect contact details on my permit, can I change these?
Please contact info.mthotham@alpineresorts.vic.gov.au to change the contact details of your permit.
The email address that is associated with an account is not able to be amended.
Why have I not received an email confirmation for my resort entry permit purchase?
It may be that you entered your email address incorrectly. Contact info.mthotham@alpineresorts.vic.gov.au for a copy of your resort entry permit and tax receipt.
Unintentionally Stopping In Resort
I was not aware I needed to purchase a permit for my visit to Mt Hotham, how can I purchase one?
If your vehicle first entered the resort within the past 72 hours, a resort entry permit can be purchased online. Ensure you select the correct dates when purchasing a backdated permit.
If your vehicle first entered the resort over 72 hours, contact us on 03 5759 3550 or email info.mthotham@alpineresorts.vic.gov.au as soon as possible to purchase a permit.
If a vehicle is detected having been in resort without a permit and more than 72 hours have passed, an infringement (fine) may be issued. To avoid receiving an infringement you must have a valid resort entry permit.
I stopped to fit chains in the resort without a permit, will I get an infringement?
If you were transiting through the resort and were directed to stop and fit chains from a point within the resort boundary, you will not receive an infringement.
I experienced mechanical problems and stopped in the resort without a permit, how can I make sure I don’t get an infringement?
Contact us on 03 5759 3550 or email info.mthotham@alpineresorts.vic.gov.au as soon as possible to avoid receiving an infringement.
Account And Payment
Which forms of payment do you accept?
Online - Visa and Mastercard
In person at the Visitor Information Office – Cash, Visa or Mastercard
Can I get a tax invoice?
A tax invoice is automatically emailed to your registered email address when you purchase a permit.
Why do I need to give my mobile phone number when registering?
Providing your mobile number allows us to send you important road condition updates and relevant resort information via SMS.
Why must I get the vehicle registration number correct?
You need to provide your vehicle’s number plate detail so a permit can be assigned to the vehicle. Our number plate recognition system notes your number plate detail and checks if you have a permit. If you have incorrectly entered the number plate detail, your vehicle will be deemed as not having a resort entry permit and will incur an infringement notice.
How do I view my permit online?
You can view your permit online by logging into your account using your email address and password, or by searching your booking using your email and booking reference number.