Mt Hotham Resort Guest Information: FAQ's

Sun Apartments Location:
Sun Apartments are located on a cross-country ski trail close to Bus Stop 7 (Jack Frost).  You can ski straight from the Sun Apartments to the lift network via Frosty Drop and the Davenport Access Trail.  See trail map.  It is worthwhile doing a few runs on the Blue Ribbon before proceeding to the Village and beyond.  Most of the intermediate runs are located in the Orchard area at the far side of the resort.  The easiest way back to the Sun Apartments is on the free shuttle bus from the Top of the Village Chair.   

Getting there:
There are two approaches to Mt Hotham.  The route via Harrietville is slightly shorter from Melbourne but has steep grades and is somewhat exposed.  Drivers should expect to fit chains if there has been recent snowfall, however, a chain fitting service is generally available for a fee. On occasions the Harrietville approach is closed during periods of heavy snowfall (which is a great problem to have!). If in doubt, take the Omeo approach.

The Omeo approach has a much shallower grade and is significantly less exposed.  It is unlikely that chains will be required when driving the Omeo route, especially if you have a 4WD. This road will always be open. Buses connect Hotham with Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Albury and many other destinations  See  http://www.hothambus.com.au/ and https://www.snowballexpress.com.au/default.aspx

What if the road is closed?
If you are delayed in Harrietville due to road closure and cannot get to Hotham on your arrival date, we will do our very best to accommodate your booking and make changes if possible. We cannot refund any days from your booking or compensate for any expenses that you may incur. Travel insurance is recommended. If in doubt, take the Omeo approach!

Snow Chain Information:
Diamond pattern snow chains (ladder chains, spider chains, and snow socks are not permitted) are now mandatory for all vehicles including 4x4's at all times during the declared snow season and must be fitted where directed. It is a legal requirement for all vehicles entering the Mount Hotham Alpine Resort, and it is also a safety measure. 

Whether you use the chains will depend on the conditions on the day you travel. You will be informed along the way by either signage or staff advising that chains need to be fitted. Chains must be carried in your car from the Harrietville approach or Omeo approach. If you are found not to have the compliant chains necessary for you vehicle, you may incur a serious fine. Please ensure that you stop at HAPPY VALLEY HUB, in Ovens (just past Myrtleford)  or OMEO SKI HIRE in Omeo before you head up the hill. These outlets will assist with fitting and securing the correct chains for your car.

Ski / Snowboard Hire:
We are pleased to offer our guests VIP service and a significant discount when wheel chains / equipment hire is pre-paid in conjunction with your accommodation booking.  Collect your pre-paid equipment and enjoy custom fitting at Snow Monkey, right near Sun Apartments.  Then cross the road, strap in and launch down Frosty Drop and the Davenport access to the Hotham ski lift network!  The savings will vary with equipment type and duration of hire, but a significant discount from our competitors prices can be expected.  Great savings can also be made with Family Package Deals.  Download our exclusive equipment hire form.

Collect your chains on approach to Hotham at:-
Happy Valley Hub
5023 Great Alpine Rd, Ovens. Vic 3738
Tel: 03 5751 1845
Open: Sat - Wed 7am - 7pm, Thur 7am - 9pm, Fri 7am - 11pm

Or...

Omeo Ski Hire
196 Day Avenue, Omeo. Vic 3898
Tel: 03 5159 1600

Fit and collect and swap your ski/board equipment on-mountain:-
Snow Monkey
Jack Frost Building (Bus Stop 7)
Great Alpine Rd, Mt Hotham
Tel: 03 6759 3663

You can also collect & return your rental equipment in Melbourne if you prefer. (Gear can still be swapped on-mountain if required.)
Snow Monkey
432 Smith St, Collingwood. Vic 3066
Tel:  (03) 9417 0170
Open:  10am-5pm daily, and 10am - 7pm Thursday and Friday.

Meet & Greet:
Meet & greet with over-snow luggage transfer is included in your tariff upon arrival.  This service operates from near Bus Stop 7 (Jack Frost) during the hours Friday 7am – Midnight, Sunday 7am – 7pm and all other days 8am – 6pm.  Please call 0408 516162 when passing through the Hotham Village to advise your imminent arrival.  On arrival, you will be provided with a luggage transfer as well as being shown to the apartment and given directions for parking.  You are strongly advised to ensure that your arrival falls within the operating hours or you will need to find your own way to the apartment and carry your own gear!

Keys:
For convenience, the entry door is provided with a code lock.  The code for your visit will be provided by the meet & greet service upon arrival.

Parking:
Almost without exception, there is no private or undercover parking at Mt Hotham.  Day parking is available about 120m from the Sun Apartments on the Great Alpine Road where your car may remain up until 11pm.  All overnight parking is in the designated areas towards DP which are connected back to the apartment by a free shuttle.  It is recommended to move the car before settling in for the evening and you should allow about 20 minutes for the return trip.

As you approach the resort, your car registration number will automatically be taken by the cameras along the road. You do not need to stop at the entry gates anymore. The resort will know what time you entered the resort so it is important that you either pre-register your car before you arrive or within an hour of your arrival.

Parking permits are required for all vehicles that are parked within the Mt Hotham Resort boundaries.  Buy your parking permit at https://www.mthotham.com.au/discover/getting-here/resort-entry-permits/day-and-multiday-permits  A parking permit is not required for the first day if you arrive after 3pm.  This corresponds with our check-in which is from 3:30pm.

Diesel Vehicles
Diesel fuel is susceptible to thickening in cold temperatures which may cause your car not to start.  Hotham RACV spend many hours thawing out diesel vehicles every cold snap and long delays can be expected.  Ensure that alpine diesel or additive is used when parking on the mountain. Don’t get caught out!

Shuttle Busses:
Regular free shuttle buses operate throughout the village between 6am and 3am.  Sun Apartments are just a short walk from Bus Stop 7.

Check-In / Check-Out:
Check-in is from 3:30pm.  Check-out is strictly at 10am on your departure day because your Sun Apartment needs to be cleaned for incoming guests.  Late fees may apply.  The best option is to vacate early.  Get packed and loaded before breakfast so you can enjoy the day skiing or riding.  Your car is now close handy, packed and ready for the return journey.  Please turn off all lights and heating before you leave.

The return luggage service is not included but can be ordered at a cost of $50.  If you require the service, please phone 03 5759 3333 to arrange pickup.  Most guests do not find this necessary with the lighter load.  It is just a short over-snow walk on level ground.

Towels & Linen:
Your Hotham Sun apartment accommodation will be made up like a luxury hotel room with all towels and linen provided.

Cleanliness:
The Sun Apartments accommodation must be vacated in a clean and tidy condition.  The dishwasher must be stacked with any dirty dishes and cutlery and activated prior to your departure.  Extra cleaning charges will apply if dirty dishes are left for our cleaning staff or if the apartment is not vacated in a tidy condition.  Any damage to the apartment will be charged to your credit card.

No Party Policy: Hotham Sun Apartments has a strict "No Party Policy" and excessive noise or unruly behavior will not be tolerated.  Non compliant guests may be evicted without notice and no refund will be given.

Smoking:
Smoking is not permitted anywhere in Sun Apartments.  If smoking is detected in the apartment, a $500 cleaning fee will apply.

Recycling & Garbage:
Garbage is to be placed in the black garbage bags provided.  Recycling goes in the clear bags.

Extra bags are located under the sink to use as required.  Garbage receptacles are located in Dargo Crt and Davenport
Drive in the form of large cupboards with a roller door on the front.  Bags are to be tied and placed in receptacles as required.  Please do not place garbage bags outside the apartments because animals will tear them open and spread the garbage about.

Internet:
Sun Apartments, Mt Hotham Accommodation has free wireless internet.  The access code is prominently displayed in each apartment.

Mobile Phones:
Telstra mobile has full strength coverage throughout Sun Apartments and the Mt Hotham resort.  Other carriers may be patchy in some resort locations.

Lift Tickets:
Lift tickets will be a significant cost portion of your snow holiday, so any available savings are well worthwhile.  Recharge your existing Snow Pass card for a $5 saving.  Buying your lift tickets on-line is 5% cheaper than over the counter and multiple day tickets will also save extra money.  See http://www.mthotham.com.au/lift-pass/lift-tickets/search-and-book On mountain, lift tickets can be purchased at Hotham Central.


The Big D Kids Snowzone:

Located next to the Big D chairlift (Bus Stop 6), the Kids Snowzone features a huge variety of lessons programs, activities, theme days, fun games and of course lots of snowplay! Children from as young as 3 years old can participate in group snowsports lessons. The Snowzone is staffed by a range of qualified instructors that are dedicated to ensuring your kids have a great time. Group participation is also encouraged, meaning that the Snowzone is the perfect place to make new friends!
Tip:  There is no need to catch the bus home from the Big D.  The kids will look forward to the adventure of an easy ski back to Sun Apartments at the end of the day!  See more at: http://www.mthotham.com.au/lessons-hire/lesson-type/kids-lessons

Adult Lessons:
Adult and Youth Group lessons at Hotham Snowsports Centre cater for beginner to expert skiers and boarders. They are a fun and cost effective way to improve your skills, not to mention a good opportunity to meet people of a similar ability - See more at: http://www.mthotham.com.au/lessons-hire/lesson-type/adult-lessons

Supermarket:
The closest supermarket is at the General (opp Police Station) which is a pleasant walk on the over-snow trail or you can take the bus to stop 6.  There are also supermarkets at Hotham Central (Bus stop 1) and the Arlberg (Bus stop 2).  Please be aware that grocery prices on the mountain are quite expensive and choice is limited.  You are advised to bring your supplies with you and only rely on the local supermarkets for milk, bread and incidental items.

Medical Centre:
The Hotham medical centre is locatedopposite Hotham Central near Bus Stop 1. The centre can deal with all sorts of injuries from minor sprains and cuts to major trauma.  The medical centre is privately operated and fees are due at the completion of treatment.  The centre can be contacted on 035759 3551.

Payment and Cancellation Policy:
50% deposit is due at the time of making your booking and the accommodation balance must be paid 35 days prior to your stay.  Cancellation prior to 35 days is subject only to a $125 cancellation fee.  Cancellation within 35 days will result in 100% forfeiture.  Travel insurance is recommended to guard against any unexpected situations.

A 1.75% surcharge is applied to all payments by Visa & Mastercard and Amex.  However, we encourage guests to avoid card surcharges by paying by direct deposit.  The direct deposit option will be given after your booking has been confirmed with a credit card.

Travel Insurance:
We recommend that guests purchase Travel Insurance, which is generally inexpensive, but can really save a lot of emotional distress if an unforeseen event occurs. Your travel insurance will cover you for airline flight and accommodation cancellation. We also recommend you are covered for accident, illness, medical evacuation and theft.

Hotham Sun Apartments cannot be responsible for road closures, acts of nature or any reason as to why you are not able to attend your holiday.

Security deposit:
Your card will be scanned upon arrival to act as a security deposit against against missing items or damage to the apartment.

We look forward to welcoming you to Hotham.