Ahead of Victoria's snow season officially commencing next week, Victoria Police is urging those planning to hit the slopes to plan ahead after thousands of visitors had their trip disrupted last year due to inadequate planning.
After two COVID interrupted years, last year's snow season resulted in a record number of visitors heading to Victorian snowfields, including Mt Buller, Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw, Lake Mountain, and Mt Stirling.
While the overwhelming majority of visitors were well prepared for the conditions, around 5,700 vehicles were turned around by police and authorised officers at Mt Hotham alone for not carrying appropriate wheel chains to drive in the snow.
Victoria Police and authorised officers will again be conducting random vehicle checks, both at alpine resorts and the roads leading to resorts, this year to ensure wheel chain compliance.
Wheel chains are a crucial piece of equipment when driving in alpine conditions, preserving the stability and traction of the vehicle's wheels on roads affected by snow or ice.
It is a legal requirement to carry suitable wheel chains at all times during the snow season and they must be fitted when directed to do so. Failing to carry wheel chains may result in a $370 fine, while failing to fit wheel chains when directed incurs a $970 fine.
Visitors are encouraged to visit the VicRoads and snow resort websites to learn more about snow chain requirements.
In addition to a heavy police presence across key roads leading to resorts, local police will also maintain a seven-day-a-week presence at Mt Buller, Mt Hotham, and Falls Creek for the duration of the season.
These officers have undertaken specific training in alpine areas in the lead up to snow season, ensuring they are well placed to maintain public order on the slopes, respond to incidents, and conduct search and rescue missions.
Police conducted 19 search and rescue events during last year's snow season, including twelve at Falls Creek, five at Mt Hotham and two at Mt Buller.
Responsible service of alcohol will also be a focus, with patrols and spot checks of licensed venues to occur throughout the season.
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 Superintendent, Shane Cashman:
"Last year, thousands of people had their trip to the snow significantly disrupted when they were turned around on the doorstep of ski resorts such as Mt Hotham for not being equipped with snow chains.
"Driving on roads covered with snow or ice without appropriate chains is a recipe for disaster that could quite easily end in lethal consequences.
"Snow season is the highlight of many people's year and Victoria Police wants everyone to get to and from the ski fields safely.
"To make this happen, we will be out in force again on the roads surrounding Victoria's most popular ski slopes, ensuring everyone is staying safe behind the wheel and conducting random snow chain compliance checks.
"We have seen far too much trauma on Victorian roads this year and we implore anyone driving to the snow this season to be well prepared, drive cautiously, and take care of themselves, their family, and their mates.
"Those heading to the snow can also expect to see a heavy police presence on the mountains themselves, with local officers based at Mt Buller, Mt Hotham, and Falls Creek every day during the snow season."
