CHAINS

To ensure you and other road users can reach the slopes more safely, diamond pattern wheel chains must be carried and fitted where directed.

Visitor safety is our number one priority, and this includes on our roads.

It is a legal requirement of the Mount Hotham Alpine Resort Management Board (as per the Alpine Resorts (Management) Regulations 2009) that chains must be carried during the declared winter period, and only diamond pattern chains are permitted. Ladder chains, spider chains and snow socks cannot be used in the Mount Hotham Alpine Resort.

Fines apply for not carrying and fitting diamond pattern chains as directed.

Diamond pattern wheel chains are the safest and most suitable traction device for the challenging conditions on the Great Alpine Road or Alpine Resort during the declared snow season or when snow chains are required.

All vehicles must carry chains when entering the resort.
All vehicles must fit chains as directed by ‘fit chains’ signage.
Exemptions for fitting chains (ie. 4WD exemption) are determined by road conditions on an ongoing basis.
Fitting winter/snow tyres does not negate the requirement to carry or fit chains as directed.

If your vehicle cannot be fitted with chains then alternate resort access must be arranged.

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.

PLEASE NOTE: NOT ALL VEHICLES CAN FIT WHEEL CHAINS DUE TO CLEARANCE ISSUES
Please check your vehicle manual before you leave home and make sure your vehicle is suitable for chains.
Vehicles that cannot fit chains are not permitted to enter the resort. There are alternative travel options available.
Click here for travel options

HOYS CHAIN FITTING SERVICE

On the road between Harrietville and Mt Hotham Hoys run a mobile chain fitting service

Click here for more info

Hiring Chains
Fitting Chains
Contact
Chain Determination

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

Ovens: Happy Valley Hub

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 off the road to safely fit your chains.

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 manufacturer's 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!

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

Hotham Alpine Resort is lucky to have Hoys Chain Fitting service operating on the GAR between Harrietville & the Mt Hotham Village during the snow season.

Click here for their operating times & info.

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