The location of the Hotham lodge has to be experienced to be believed. It is a ski-in & ski-out lodge, located below the main road with some of the best views of the mountain.
The views from the lounge and dining areas look out straight onto the main ski slopes.The Drift lodge was built in 1946 as a commercial chalet. It was purchased by the club in 1973 from Mt Hotham identity, Lindsay Salmon. After numerous minor refurbishments it was extensively renovated in 1991.
Getting there
The lodge is on the Great Alpine Road, opposite Arlberg and bus stop #3. Exact Location GPS Location: Lat/Lon: GPS 36" 59.14'S, 147" 08.71'E
Travel Time Hotham can be accessed from the Harrietville side and the Omeo side. From Melbourne, allow around:
• 5 hours via Harrietville or
• 6 hours via Omeo.
Diesel Drivers do not forget to get alpine diesel in Myrtleford, Bright or Omeo to prevent your fuel freezing.
Transport
Need help with luggage?
Call Snow Tow on 0408 516 162 to arrange transport of your gear down the hill!
Entry Permits & Parking Info
There is a resort entry permit required which includes parking off road. Parking is in the allocated bays. A free resort shuttle bus service runs from 6:45am till 2:00am daily, servicing the car parks and village.
Resort Permits are purchased online and can be purchased ahead of your stay here: https://mthotham.alpineeasyaccess.com.au/
The Drift is near the main village on the lower side of the main road. When coming from Harrietville, drive past the Arlberg and look for bus stop #3. The track heading down the mountain from this bus stop goes to the Drift. When unloading and loading your gear, make sure you park your car in a parking zone on the opposite side of the road and not in the bus stop!
During summer months, no entry fees apply and you can park your car down amongst the snowgums next to the lodge.
To ensure you're stay is as comfortable as possible, bring the following basics:
• Single sheets, doona cover and pillowcase (doonas and pillows provided), or bring a sleeping bag.
• Bath towel & toiletries.
• Food for your stay, apart from the basics which are provided by the club such as flour, oats, coffee and tea, condiments, oil and various other basic cooking supplies
• Sensible warm and waterproof appropriate clothing (regardless of the season)
Doonas and pillows are provided, BYO sheets and pillow cases.
Shopping on the way or on mountain
• Woolworths in Bright, is open until midnight on Friday’s and 9pm on other nights.
• Foodworks in Omeo is open to 7pm on all days.
• On the mountain, The General at the Big D stocks basic food suppplies and is open year round.
Lodge Info
The lodge facilities include:
• comfortable accommodation for 34 people, over three levels.
• Bedrooms and bathrooms are on the top level.
• The middle level is the kitchen, dining and lounges. There are two lounges with a fireplace in one and TV in another.
• On the lower level is the unski area, a ski/board racks area, drying room, games room and workshop and laundry.
Take a look at this drone footage of the Drift taken earlier this year!
Resort Info
Hotham is a skiers and boarders heaven. There are also beginners facilities and a ski school. Check out the Hotham Web Site for information on lessons and lift tickets.
