Australia’s Easy Alpine Access

Australia’s Mount Hotham Alpine Resort has a new resort entry system for easier road access.

Australian skiers and snowboarders will find it easier to get to Mount Hotham Alpine Resort in 2011.

This winter, the resort will launch an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) resort entry system.

Skiing at Mount Hotham Alpine Resort.

Mount Hotham Alpine Resort visitors will be able to purchase resort entry online via www.alpineeasyaccess.com.au and their smartphone for travel through to the resort.

The alpine resort, which has its own airport, attracts an estimated 30,000 carloads of people and 150,000 visitors every snow season.

This customized technology uses infrared cameras to photograph guests’ vehicle number plates when they enter the resort.

Software then reads and matches the vehicle plates against guests’ pre-purchased entry.

Mount Hotham Alpine Resort is expected to be the first alpine destination in Australia to implement this resort technology.

It’s a $250,000 joint venture between the Mount Hotham Resort Management Board and technology providers Sensor Dynamics and PayByPhone.

“The new automated resort entry system offers Hotham guests an even greater level of service and convenience, while providing the most practical and cost effective solution to the mountain’s increased patronage, says Gina Woodward, resort spokesperson.

Mount Hotham Alpine Resort says it has tested the new resort entry system in all alpine weather conditions including heavy snow storms and low visibility.

Resort visitors who don’t have Internet or smartphone access can purchase ticketless resort entry over the phone, at off mountain providers including Hoys in Harrietville and Billies in Omeo or at the Resort Management Board Office in Hotham.

The new entry system will go live on May 16, 2011 in time for opening of the snow season on June 11, 2011.

Resort entry fees go towards guest services including ski patrol, village snow clearing, free village bus transportation, traffic and car parking management, cross country trail grooming and waste management.

Prior to June 11, 2011, the resort has this special offer: visit www.alpineeasyaccess.com.au and receive a free child pass to visit King Penguins at the Melbourne Aquarium.

Images courtesy of Hotham Alpine Resort.