VICTORIA. — As tens of thousands of people prepare to head to Victoria’s alpine region this snow season, police will be out in force to help keep roads, resorts and communities safe across the snowfields.
Police will be highly visible on the roads and areas in and around Victoria’s key snowfields, including Mt Baw Baw, Mt Buller, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Lake Mountain and Mt Stirling.
Following a bumper snow season last year – an almost 50 per cent increase on the year prior at Mt Hotham alone – Victoria Police is urging visitors to plan.
Skiers, snowboarders and hikers are implored to stick to designated tracks, regardless of their experience, after several people needed to be rescued last year.
Police responded to 26 search and recovery incidents in the 2025 season at Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek, including:
-
- Two men who became disoriented during heavy fog and snow showers on the Bon Accord track veered off course and slipped onto steep terrain. The pair was located by the Mt Hotham Ski Patrol unit;
- An 11-year-old boy who became lost while snowboarding. Mt Stirling Ski Patrol officers located him safe and well two hours later;
- A group that was camping near Dargo High Plains Road when they decided to move during adverse weather conditions. Their vehicle slipped, with one wheel hanging on a steep embankment. Emergency services assisted with their safe extraction, and no one was injured;
- Several occupants from six vehicles who were rescued by snowmobile after becoming stranded near Blue Rad Track following heavy snowfall, having had to shelter in place until daylight hours.
Another incident involved two hikers who were lost on the Back Country Walking Track heading to Craigs Hut. The pair managed to make their way back safely, due to them being prepared with a map, headlamps, food and water.
Local police will be well supported by dedicated alpine officers, the Highway Patrol and the Heavy Vehicle Unit to ensure safety on the roads and respond to any incidents that may occur.
They will conduct highly visible proactive patrols and enforcement every day at Mt Buller, Mt Hotham, and Falls Creek for the duration of the season.
Police and authorised officers will again be testing drivers for drugs and alcohol and conducting vehicle safety checks across key routes in and out of alpine resorts.
The 2025 snow season saw more than 4000 vehicles turned around for failing to carry legally required wheel chains, placing themselves and others at serious risk on icy roads in areas with increased traffic.
All vehicles entering alpine areas during the declared snow season are required by law to carry wheel chains and fit them when instructed.
Failing to carry chains may result in a $407 fine, while failing to fit them when required results in a $1018 penalty.
Wheel chains provide crucial traction and steering control on steep, icy roads and can be the difference between staying on the road or sliding off it.
Visitors are encouraged to visit the VicRoads and snow resort websites to learn more about snow chain requirements.
Other key safety tips for those heading to the snow include:
-
- Never go on hikes solo and have a detailed check-in procedure so people know where you are and when you’re expected to arrive and return;
- Have a registered Personal Locator Beacon (PLB);
- Carry enough food and water for more than one day;
- Have clothing and gear suitable for all weather conditions.
- Regularly check weather and snow conditions as conditions can change quickly;
- Ensure your car’s radiator is filled with antifreeze, 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;
- If lost – stop, seek shelter, call Triple Zero (000) and wait.
More information can be found at www.police.vic.gov.au/snow-and-winter-driving-safety.
