CHAINS

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

Chain Requirements for Mt Hotham

It is a legal requirement to carry chains during the declared winter period at Mt Hotham (as per the Alpine Resorts Management Regulations 2020). Only diamond-pattern chains are permitted — ladder chains, spider chains, and snow socks cannot be used in Mount Hotham Alpine Resort.

Fines Apply

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

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.

Important Notes:

Chains are not available for hire once on-mountain. They 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. If your vehicle cannot be fitted with chains then alternate resort access must be arranged.
Click here for Alternate travel options

Hiring Chains
Fitting Chains
Accepted Chains Type
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 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.

As per the Alpine Resorts Management Regulations 2020, it is a legal requirement to carry chains during the declared winter period at Mt Hotham. Only diamond-pattern chains are permitted — ladder chains, spider chains, and snow socks are not permitted in the resort.

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.