Police urge snow travellers to plan ahead as Alpine season begins

Police are looking forward to this year’s snow season and are issuing a reminder to the community about the importance of planning ahead to ensure a safe trip for all.

Last year, 1,471 vehicles were turned back at Mt Hotham alone for failing to carry legally required wheel chains, placing themselves and others at serious risk on icy roads.

With a growing number of people travelling to the snow for single-day trips, police have seen many arriving without understanding the road rules, weather risks or equipment requirements for alpine travel.

Police and authorised officers will again be conducting checks across key routes into alpine resorts including Mt Buller, Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw, Lake Mountain and Mt Stirling.

A zero-tolerance approach will be adopted for drivers who are not properly equipped for the conditions.

All vehicles entering alpine areas during the declared snow season are required by law to carry wheel chains and fit them when instructed. Failing to carry chains may result in a $395 fine, while failing to fit them when required may attract a $988 penalty.

Wheel chains are essential for navigating steep, icy roads and can be the difference between staying on the road or sliding off it.

Police will also maintain a visible presence across the snowfields with local police, highway patrol, the Heavy Vehicle Unit, Liquor Control Victoria officers and dedicated alpine police conducting proactive patrols and enforcement during the season.

These officers have undertaken specialised training in alpine conditions and are prepared to respond to collisions, maintain public order, and assist in search and rescue operations.

Police responded to 16 incidents during last year’s snow season, including:

• Police responded to a serious head-on collision on Mt Buller Road involving multiple vehicles. The crash occurred 800 metres west of Mirimbah Gate where a number of people received injuries, including four children. The road was closed for more than two hours while emergency services treated and evacuated those involved. One of the drivers was allegedly travelling on the wrong side of the road.
• In another incident, a family travelling from Gippsland to Mount Hotham entered the destination into their vehicle’s GPS and followed a recommended route. The navigation system directed them onto the seasonally closed Dargo High Plains Road, which is a remote and unsealed track unsuitable for winter travel. The vehicle became stranded in deep snow and required assistance from police to safely return to Gippsland. The incident serves as a reminder that GPS systems may not give the correct destination for Alpine resorts, seasonal road closures or hazardous alpine conditions.
• Police also assisted in the rescue of an experienced solo hiker on Mount Feathertop, who lost sight of the track during a cold front that brought approximately 15cm of snow. The hiker became disoriented and was required to camp out overnight in freezing conditions. As the hiker was well equipped and had adequate survival gear, police and emergency services were able to locate and safely escort them back to Harrietville the following morning. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation and how quickly conditions can change in alpine areas.

Police also detected several impaired drivers across the snowfields last season, including those caught driving over the legal alcohol limit or under the influence of drugs.

Those planning a snow trip, particularly day-trippers, are urged to familiarise themselves with alpine road rules and conditions, and ensure they have a backup plan in place should the weather change or access be restricted.

Other key safety tips for those heading to the snow include:

• Ensure your car’s radiator is filled with anti-freeze and if diesel use Alpine Mix
• Drive cautiously with gradual pressure on the accelerator to avoid wheel spin
• Brake gently and avoid unnecessary gear changes
• Maintain a safe braking distance from vehicles in front, especially in poor visibility
• Let someone know where you are going and how long you will be
• Regularly check weather and snow conditions as conditions can change quickly
• If lost – stop, seek shelter, call Triple Zero (000) and wait.

Quotes attributable to Eastern Region Division Four Superintendent, Joy Arbuthnot:

“Last year, in Mt Hotham alone, police turned back 14 drivers a day who didn’t have snow chains. That’s not just a statistic, it’s almost 1500 drivers who put themselves, their passengers, and others on the road at serious risk.”

“Without snow chains, your car simply won’t grip on icy roads. We’ve seen cars slide off the edge of mountainsides, families stranded in dangerous conditions, and collisions that could have been avoided.”

“Visiting the snow is a popular tradition for many, and an exciting trip for tourists, but it’s important to remember it can quickly turn into a very serious situation if you’re not prepared.

“If you arrive without snow chains or the proper preparation, you’ll be turned around.”

“We want people to enjoy their time in the snow. But your safety, and the safety of everyone else on the mountain, starts before you even leave home. Take responsibility. Be ready. Don’t put lives at risk.

Media Unit

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