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Driving Requirements

Remember antifreeze in your radiator

  • Leave your windscreen wipers up off the windscreen (avoids them freezing to the glass).
  • Leave your handbrake OFF and your car in gear (avoids freezing the brake on).

Chain Fitting

  • Fit chains at bays where you see the "Fit Chains Here" sign.
  • Always fit chains to driving wheels only. When required, four wheel drive vehicles should fit chains to front wheels.
  • Chain fitting bays are level and make fitting easier. If you don't use the chain fitting bay you may find yourself in a lot of trouble. Chains are hard to fit on slopes, and you will obstruct other vehicles and snow clearing equipment.
  • At all resorts, you can be fined for not carrying and fitting chains as directed.
  • If it has not been necessary to fit chains when travelling to the resort, it is advisable to fit them upon arrival in preparation for the return trip. It is quite difficult to fit them to cars covered by snow.
  • Do not drive faster than 40kph.

Chain Fitting Checklist

  • Fit chains to driving wheels only.
  • Always test fit chains before a trip.
  • Fit at fitting bays on level ground.
  • If chains fall off or loosen when a vehicle is in motion stop and check brake lines for damage, before retensioning.
  • Keep speed below 40kph.
  • Carry a torch, plastic garbage bag and gloves to make fitting easier.
  • Use correct fitting chains.
  • Tyres must be in good condition with minimal wear.
  • The use of diamond pattern chains is recommended at most resorts.
  • Chains alter your car's handling, take time to readjust your driving and take care!

Parking

  • Park only where directed. If you do not, you run the risk of another vehicle or snow clearing vehicle, running into what looks to the driver like just another drift of snow.
  • Do not apply the handbrake: moisture can freeze the cables and brake linings.
  • Leave the car in gear with the front wheels turned away from the slope.
  • Always park as close to the bank as possible, to leave room for two-way traffic.
  • Do not use rocks to chock wheels as they may damage snow clearing machines.
  • Remove wheel chocks from parking area when leaving.
  • Even if chains were not required to enter the area, it is advisable to fit them when parking. It is much easier than trying to fit them later for the return trip if weather conditions change or the vehicle is snowbound.
  • Cover the radiator to help prevent freezing.
  • Periodically clear snow from on and around the vehicle.

More Hints

  • Lift wipers from windscreen or place in a plastic bag if parking for an extended period so that wipers do not stick to the glass.
  • Cover door locks with masking tape to stop locks freezing up.
  • Don't use wooden chocks, these tend to slip on icy surface.
  • Clear all glass and mirrors of ice before attempting to drive away from snowfields.
  • For fast demisting of the front windscreen, use the car's heater and fan in conjunction with the vehicle's air-conditioner.
  • Warm the engine for a few minutes before driving off.
  • Motoring on alpine roads not only requires concentration and adept driving skills, but also a lot of patience. Keep your cool if stuck in a long queue of traffic, and always follow directions by resort staff and road signs. They are there for your safety.

Information courtesy Mount Hotham Resort Management Board

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