Driving to the Snow?

All roads to the snow are country roads, with long stretches, blind corners, sweeping bends, potholes, wildlife (Kangaroos, Wombats, Deer, Mountain Goats and Wild Horses).

Be alert, focus on the road ahead of you, leave early, share the driving, take a break every 2 hours, don’t rush as the snow will be there and we want to see you there!

Wait for overtaking lanes. If you need to over-take, do it safely.

Take your time on our country roads, enjoy our unique scenery, as it’s all part of your snow experience!

Before you go

• Purchase your National Park Pass – Victorian Resorts; Mt Buller, Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw,  New South Wales Resorts
• Have your car check by a qualified mechanic; battery, alternator, heating, brakes, cooling system/antifreeze level, engine and windscreen wipers/washers, tyres.
• Get Snow Chains. if you have them already check for any damage, check the size and practice putting them on. In all Victorian resorts, all cars need to carry chains – that includes 4WD/AWD.
• Check road condition reports – local radio stations are great or check online road & weather conditions. 

10 Tips for safe snow driving

1. Watch your speed, slow down especially on bends.
2. Break slowly, accelerate carefully.
3. Don’t tailgate, allow extra distance from the vehicle in front, especially at night and snow icy conditions.  
4. Have good tyres, winter tread will help you.
5. If you have to pull over, do it well off the road.
6. Keep your eyes on the road and hand on the wheel, keep focused on the road ahead.
7. Put chains on when you feel snow conditions on the road are unsafe and if you’re told the road ahead needs chains. 
8. Turn your headlights when it snows (do not use high-beam)
9. Don’t drive if you can’t see the edge of the road.
10. When you arrive, don’t put your handbrake on, put a rock under wheel, put up your windscreen wipers.

Before leaving the Resort

• Check weather and road conditions.
• Remove snow from car roof and bonnet.
• Warm your engine for a few minutes before leaving.
• Clear ice/snow from windows and mirrors, use the cars heater, fan and air conditioner. Never pour hot water on your car window!

Be prepared for Emergencies

• Carry a First Aid Kit
• Torch
• Ground Sheet
• Gloves
• Tow Rope
• Blanket
• Spade

Snow Chains – General Information

All 2 wheel drive cars need to carry snow chains when entering resorts. Snow chains are fitted to your cars driving wheels (back wheels on rear wheel drive and front wheels on front wheel drive cars).

There are several chain fitting bays on the road up to resorts. Fit your chains when you are told to or when you need to.

In Victorian Resorts, it is law for all cars including 4WD and AWD to fit chains when instructed.

In NSW Resorts, you are advised to carry them, but it’s not a requirement to fit them to a 4WD

Tips to fit snow chains

1. Practice putting your chains on before driving to the snow. 
2. When putting on chains on snow, stop off the road in a safe spot.
3. Use ground sheet and gloves when putting on chains as happy hands & knees will help you to have a happy chain fitting experience. 
4. Ask for help, if not confident.
5. Check and double check chain fits perfectly – tight is good, loose is dangerous & noisy!
6. No snow – take the off!

 

…more information