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 during the winter season:

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. 

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

It is a legal requirement of the Mount Hotham Alpine Resort Management Board (as per the Alpine Resorts (Management) Regulations 2020) that chains must be carried during the declared winter period, and only diamond pattern chains are permitted.

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

What is a diamond pattern wheel (snow) chain type is one which is –

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

Ladder chains, spider chains and snow socks cannot be used in the Mount Hotham Alpine Resort.

Please see the link below for the Chain Determination governing Mt Hotham Alpine Resort for the 2023 winter season.

2023 Mt Hotham Chain Determination