By JEFF ZEUSCHNER and CHRIS EPSKAMP

MT HOTHAM'S new multi–million dollar 'Alpine Gateway' development won't be completed in time for this coming winter season.

A combination of one of the wettest summers on record, together with COVID directives and restrictions have impacted production schedules for contractors and suppliers on mountain, making progress on the two–storey visitor centre and car park very challenging.

Mt Hotham Resort Management chief executive officer Amber Gardner said that 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," she said.

"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."

Ms Gardner also confirmed that the existing toilets at the top of Heavenly Valley will continue to be available during winter, and there are no plans to remove them even after the Alpine Gateway is completed.

In contrast, the new recreational facility being built at Whiskey Flat near the biathlon range – between Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain – is proceeding to scheduled timeframes and it is expected to be complete for winter 2022.

The Alpine Gateway project promises to transform the area between Mt Hotham alpine resort's snow making dam and the Great Alpine Road into a purpose built visitor centre and car park, providing comforts that most users of the current car park will have only dreamt of.

Supported by $4.2 million in funding from the Victorian Government, the new building incorporates a top deck with a large level space for 135 cars (an increase of 45 car spaces on the current number of around 90) and a viewing platform with a fully enclosed lower level providing visitors to the ski area with change rooms and toilets plus safe and direct ski field access for the skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.

Interpretive facilities will welcome visitors and showcase the resort.

Significantly, Alpine Gateway will provide a real alternative to the Corral Car Park, reducing vehicular congestion in the heart of the Mt Hotham village.

The Alpine Gateway building is being stepped into the slope, reducing its visual bulk and minimising the impact of the regular and intense prevailing weather.

The colour palette and building materials have apparently been selected to reflect the natural tones and textures found at Mt Hotham and draw inspiration from high country huts.

The car park level is expected to provide easy entry and egress from the Great Alpine Road for 2WD and 4WD vehicles, something that has been sorely missing.

Outside the snow season, Alpine Gateway will be the trailhead for the proposed Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing multi–day walk and a range of other signature walks.

The project is part of the resort's efforts to support climate change adaptation and sustained community resilience by providing a year–round facility.

Whilst improving the visitor experience, it is also hoped the development will stimulate new commercial opportunities in the village and local communities.

"The Alpine Gateway is a strategic enabling project that will create a new visitor hub and parking facility with capacity for further public and private investment within the resort in support of a new visitor precinct," Ms Gardner said.

"This facility will provide a much–needed boost to Mt Hotham's year–round offering and the local visitor economy."