Safety paramount as 2026 snow season kicks off

As tens of thousands of people prepare to head to Victoria’s alpine region this snow season, police will be out in force to help keep roads, resorts and communities safe across the snowfields.

Police will be highly visible on the roads and areas in and around Victoria’s key snowfields, including Mt Baw Baw, Mt Buller, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Lake Mountain and Mt Stirling.

Following a bumper snow season last year – an almost a 50% increase on the year prior at Mt Hotham alone – Victoria Police is urging visitors to plan ahead.

Skiers, snowboarders and hikers are implored to stick to designated tracks, regardless of their experience, after several people needed to be rescued last year.

Police responded to 26 search and recovery incidents in the 2025 season at Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek, including:

• Two men who became disorientated during heavy fog and snow showers on the Bon Accord track, veered off course and slipped onto steep terrain. The pair was located by the Mt Hotham Ski Patrol unit.
• An 11-year-old boy who became lost while snowboarding. Mt Stirling Ski Patrols officers located him safe and well two hours later.
• A group who was camping near Dargo High Plains Road when they decided to move during adverse weather conditions. Their vehicle slipped, with one wheel hanging on steep embankment. Emergency services assisted with their safe extraction, and no one was injured.
• Several occupants from six vehicles who were rescued by snowmobile after becoming stranded near Blue Rad Track following heaving snowfall, having had to shelter in place until daylight hours.

Another incident involved two hikers who were lost on Back Country Walking Track heading to Craigs Hut. The pair managed to make their way back safely, due to them being prepared with a map, headlamps, food and water.

Local police will be well supported by dedicated alpine officers, Highway Patrol and the Heavy Vehicle Unit to ensure safety on the roads and respond to any incidents that may occur.

They will conduct highly visible proactive patrols and enforcement each and every day at Mt Buller, Mt Hotham, and Falls Creek for the duration of the season.

Police and authorised officers will again be testing drivers for drugs and alcohol and conducting vehicle safety checks across key routes in and out of alpine resorts.

The 2025 snow season saw more than 4000 vehicles turned around for failing to carry legally required wheel chains, placing themselves and others at serious risk on icy roads in areas with increased traffic.

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 $407 fine, while failing to fit them when required results in a $1018 penalty.

Wheel chains provide crucial traction and steering control on steep, icy roads and can be the difference between staying on the road or sliding off it.

Visitors are encouraged to visit the VicRoads and snow resort websites to learn more about snow chain requirements.

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

• Never go on hikes solo and have a detailed check-in procedure so people know where you are and when you’re expected to arrive and return
• Have a registered Personal Locater Beacon (PLB)
• Carry enough food and water for more than one day
• Have clothing and gear suitable for all weather conditions
• Regularly check weather and snow conditions as conditions can change quickly
• 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.

• If lost – stop, seek shelter, call Triple Zero (000) and wait.

More information can be found at www.police.vic.gov.au/snow-and-winter-driving-safety.

Quotes attributable to Commander of Greater Shepparton, Mitchell and Benalla Superintendent Brett Kahan:

“This region can be as equally dangerous as it beautiful if you are not well prepared.

“The landscape and weather can be incredibly unforgiving if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“Whiteouts can appear suddenly and quickly disorientate even the most skilled of snow-goers. We’ve seen this in previous years and need others to heed the warnings.

“Our priority is to keep people safe – on the slopes, on the roads, in licenced venues, and across the wider alpine area.

“Alpine roads come with additional risks, so we are pleading with motorists to drive to the conditions and ensure they have the correct snow chains fitted. Cheap alternatives found online could not only ruin your holiday to the snow but could have deadly consequences.

“No matter how long you’re going to the snow for, these are needed to keep you, your passengers and other roads users safe.

“There are unique challenges that come with policing during the snow season influx, however, our officers and stakeholders are well prepared to do everything we can to keep visitors, residents and workers safe.”

Media Unit
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