Winter Driving in the Alpine Areas

Exploring the Snowy Mountains and Australian Alps in winter is an unforgettable experience. From snow-capped peaks to breathtaking scenic lookouts, the journey is as beautiful as the destination. But along with the stunning views come some serious driving challenges—icy roads, sudden weather changes, strong winds, heavy vehicles, and unexpected wildlife like wombats and kangaroos.

Be Prepared for Alpine Driving Conditions

Driving in alpine areas during winter requires extra care, and there are regulations in place to keep all visitors safe. If you’re heading into Kosciuszko National Park, here’s what you need to know:

  • 4WD/AWD Vehicles: Snow chains are not mandatory, but we strongly recommend carrying them at all times.

  • 2WD Vehicles: You must carry snow chains between 1 June and the October long weekend on these roads:

    • Kosciuszko Road from the park boundary at Thredbo River

    • Alpine Way between Thredbo and Tom Groggin

    • Island Bend / Guthega Road (entire length)

Snow chains are not compulsory between Jindabyne and Thredbo or on the Snowy Mountains Highway, but we always recommend having them on board just in case. Failing to carry or fit chains when required can result in fines.

Tips for Driving in Snow and Ice

  • Operation SnowSafe

Be warned, the Police and Roads and Maritime Services conduct operation Snowsafe to target speeding, drink driving and seatbelt offences committed by people travelling to and from the snow.

  • Watch your speed

Adjust your speed to the weather. Slow down when conditions deteriorate and proceed with caution, particularly in fog, snow or ice.

  • Use fog lights or headlights

When the weather gets bad, use your headlights or fog lights to increase your visibility to other drivers.

  • Take extra care overtaking

Never overtake on a hill, at a bend or at intersections.

  • Don’t tailgate

Braking distances in snow and ice are increased compared to dry conditions. Allow extra distance from the vehicle in front.

  • Brake and accelerate gently

Braking should be gentle and early. Accelerate slowly.

  • Obey traffic signs

Of course, you should always obey the speed limit and any signs. But in the snow country, you need to watch out for signs advising you to fit snow chains.

Also take note of wildlife warning signs because many road crashes in alpine areas involve native animals crossing roads, particularly at night.

  • Snow poles and road edges

Snow poles are painted orange and are tall enough for drivers to get their bearings in heavy snow. Don’t keep driving if you can’t see the edge of the road or the next snow pole. Stop your car, put on your hazard lights and wait for a break in the weather.

  • Black ice

Certain sections of the mountain roads are signposted as snow and ice danger areas. Black ice is actually a clear layer of ice which forms on the road surface in certain conditions, especially in shaded areas. You can’t see it, but you’ll certainly know about it if you hit it.

If you do find some and manage to safely get through it, use your headlight to warn any oncoming drivers – they may not be so lucky.

Pay attention to the signs and always drive very carefully in these areas.

  • Snow chains

It’s a good idea to carry snow chains on the Snowy Mountains Highway and the Alpine Way. All two-wheel-drive vehicles entering the Kosciuszko Road in the Mount Kosciuszko National Park must carry snow chains in winter unless the signs say otherwise (you’ll be fined if you’re caught without them).

The chains must be fitted when directed by signs or a Roads and Maritime Services Traffic Commander. Generally, this will happen at the special chain fitting bays along the route.

If you do need to fit them on the roadside, choose a straight stretch of road where other drivers can see you and where there’s enough room to safely park and fit the chains.

What are they? Snow chains are loops of chain that fit over your car’s wheels (usually the back wheels on rear wheel drive cars and front wheels on front wheel drive cars) to provide extra traction in the snow.

If you’re not sure which wheels to fit the chains to, ask your mechanic or check your car’s handbook.

While four-wheel drives may not be required to fit chains, it’s still wise to carry them if you lack experience driving on ice and snow.

You may also need them in the event of extreme weather conditions.

Helpful Resources

If you’re new to snow driving, we urge you to plan ahead, understand the conditions, and stay safe on the road. Alpine Country Holidays has put together some helpful resources to guide you:

LINK – BP & [Boss Rentals]: Snow Chain Rentals

BP Skihire [Boss rentals] are the leaders in snow chains in the Snowy Mountains, located here in Jindabyne. They have chain hire and fitting for all models and makes of cars as well as ski and snow hire for all your winter sports equipment.

LINK – BP Skihire [Boss Rentals]: Snow Chain Fitting Demonstration

If you’re wondering how to fit snow chains, BP Skihire [Boss] has put together an instructional video and step-by-step guide to get you safely on the road. Snow chains must only be used if there is snow on the roads and must be removed on clear stretches.

LINK – Winter Tips from SnowSafe

Plan your winter drive to the Snowy Mountains with this great guide from SnowSafe. Get info on all the Aussie ski fields, learn what to do in case of an emergency, and get helpful hints on the basics of driving in the snow. Pre-planning is key!

LINK – Shuttle Bus to the Resorts [Winter Only]

Why drive when you can sit in a warm coach to the mountains? – During the ski season, a service operates between Jindabyne and Perisher during the Peak Season (19 June to 21 September) on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. During the Off-Peak Season (10 June to 18 June and 22 September to 01 October), services between Jindabyne and Perisher, Friday to Sunday, operate at the same frequency as the Monday to Thursday timetable.