CHAINS

To ensure you and other road users can reach the slopes safely, Diamond Pattern Wheel Chains must be carried and fitted where required. Ladder chains, spider chains and snow socks are not permitted for use in Hotham Alpine Resort. As it is a mandatory legal requirement, fines are applicable for not carrying and fitting chains as directed in a Victorian Alpine Resort.

All vehicles travelling to Mount Hotham are required by Law to carry Diamond Pattern Wheel Chains that are constructed of high-quality steel which criss-crosses around the whole surface of the tyre and therefore ultimately offer more traction and contact with the road surface compared with other chain patterns.

Diamond Pattern Wheel Chains are a mandatory legal requirement. These are the safest and most suitable chain for the challenging conditions on the Great Alpine Road. Please ensure that you know how to fit your chains and that they fit correctly.

An authorised Diamond Pattern Wheel Chain must be:

Comprised of interlocking steel links or rings
The correct size for the wheels and tyres fitted to the vehicle
Suitable for the wheels, tyres, weight and construction of the vehicle
When fitted will fully enclose the tyre and which effectively grips both side walls of the tyre
Constructed of hard high quality steel
Of a pattern and design where some part of the chain will be in contact with the road surface at all times when fitted
Suitable and durable enough for a road of varying gradients, sharp corners and variable conditions
Not modified or altered from the original commercially manufactured Diamond Pattern Wheel Chains

If the above conditions of Diamond Pattern Wheel Chains are met, then they are permitted at Mount Hotham.

Hiring Chains
Fitting Chains
Contact

Chains are not available for hire once on-mountain and must be carried with you from the beginning of your mountain ascent in Harrietville and Omeo.

Chains can be hired from the following locations:

Myrtleford: Rays Ski Shop

Harrietville: Hoys Harrietville

Omeo: Hoys Omeo or Omeo Ski Hire & Service Station

Melbourne: Snow Monkey

Fit chains where you see the 'Fit Chains Here' sign. This sign will be located at a designated chain bay so you can pull of the road to safely fit your chains.

For assistance in fitting chains, Hoys offer a chain fitting service on the Harrietville approach to Mt Hotham. If you hire chains from Hoys Harrietville, they will meet you roadside and fit them for free.

Your tyres must be in good condition with minimal wear and your chains should only be fitted to your driving wheels, though 4WD vehicles should fit chains to manufacturers recommendation. Remember to always test your chains before a trip as they can alter your car's handling, so you may need to take a moment to adjust your driving. Even if it hasn't been necessary to fit chains when travelling to the resort, we recommend you fit them upon your arrival in preparation for your return trip - as it is quite difficult to fit them to cars covered by snow!

It is recommended to check with you car manufacturer that you car is able to fit chains before commencing your journey.

For more information on chains, please contact the Mount Hotham Resort Management Board.