All vehicles must carry snow chains

All vehicles entering Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Mt Stirling must carry snow chains at all times during the declared snow season (7 June – 4 October 2026).

At Lake Mountain, the requirement to carry snow chains is determined daily, subject to weather and road conditions.

These requirements apply to all vehicle classes, including all‑wheel drive and four‑wheel drive vehicles.

Type of chains to use

Snow chains must be diamond‑pattern chains that are suitable to be properly fitted to the vehicle.

Ladder chains, spider chains and snow socks cannot be used at any resort.

Where can I purchase chains?

Snow chains can be bought or hired from many vendors in the region.

Chains are not available for hire once you are on the mountain. They must be carried with you from the beginning of your mountain ascent.

Check your vehicle is suitable for chains

Not all vehicles can fit wheel chains due to clearance and design limitiations.

Before travelling, check your vehicle manual to ensure your vehicle is compatible with snow chains and that chains can be fitted safely.

Snow chains must be fitted when directed

Snow chains must be fitted to your vehicle when directed by signage, authorised resort staff or Victoria Police.

For the safety of everyone, chains must be fitted to vehicles in designated chain fitting bays or pullouts.

Why are snow chains mandated?

Snow chains improve safety for drivers, passengers and other road users in alpine conditions.

They also help maintain traffic flow on mountain roads, reducing delays and supporting safe access up and down the mountain.

Regulation, enforcement and penalties

An authorised officer, police officer or authorised person may, at any time during the snow season, for reasons of safety or for the management, protection or control of an alpine resort, direct the driver of a motor vehicle to:

  • produce wheel chains suitable for that motor vehicle
  • ensure snow chains are properly fitted to the drive wheels, or for four‑wheel drive vehicles, to either the front or rear wheels
  • leave the alpine resort if the driver fails to comply with a direction.

Failure to comply may result in an infringement notice or a penalty of 20 penalty units.

Page last updated: 21/04/26