ANYONE driving across Mt Hotham over summer might have noticed the steady construction of the 'Alpine Gateway', a much–needed new visitor facility and multi–level car park at the current Loch Car Park site.
There is both good and 'not so good' news for winter enthusiasts looking forward to being able to fully use the infrastructure this season.
The good news is that the top parking level will be available for visitors to Mt Hotham during the 2022 season, helping ease some of last winter's parking pressures.
On the 'not so good' front, any dreams of undercover parking, a warm change room and toilets will have to be put on hold.
The combination of COVID related impacts and an extremely wet summer disrupting the relatively short construction window has seen the project completion delayed until next year.
From the outside looking in, the design of the facility appears to conform remarkably well with the landscape and current infrastructure at the Loch Car Park.
When finished it will doubtless be a fantastic asset for Hotham and Alpine National Park users.
Construction of the Alpine Gateway is expected to continue during the 2022/23 summer period, with full completion expected prior to the 2023 winter season.
