Driving to Mt Hotham in July

[Coastie]

Taking the five of us to Mt Hotham in July for a skiing week from Queensland. Doing a stop over in Sydney on the way down. Clothes and gear is all included in the accomodation package.

Can anyone in the snow area or who has driven to the snow, give some advice on what to consider. I'm looking at hiring snow chains at the bottom of the mountain etc. they have a deal that staff will fit them at the appropriate area.

I've never driven in these conditions so local knowledge would be great.

[Utemad]

Well we did a similar thing last July. Five of us drove from Brisbane to Perisher via Sydney. Having been to Queenstown, NZ skifields before I assumed similar conditions. Such as steep winding icy access roads. So we bought chains for our tyres before leaving. However when we got to Perisher (stayed above snow line) we saw that (at least at the beginning of the season) there is no need for chains. Although 4x4 high came in handy in the car park.
We were told that we wouldn't need chains in a 4x4 at that time but I like to be prepared.

The only thing that we needed to do that was out of the ordinary for Qlders was to buy alpine diesel before going up the mountain (we filled up in Cooma).

One thing that I thought was funny was all the eskys outside the rooms. We stayed in a catered place so there were no fridges. So we took our Waeco inside. However other people had eskies and just left them outside slightly open over night so they could have their heaters on inside https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ Whatever works.

Another thing is that I was surprised how warm it was. No need for thermals on a sunny day (unless you're a female https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ ). I was boarding in a t-shirt and ski pants at one stage (just got to keep active to stay warm). That was quite interesting having been to NZ at the same time of year that required multiple layers 8O

Hope you have fun and remember not to break a leg!

We're off to Mt Ruapehu, NZ this year 8)

This is Perisher car park
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2006/03/2.jpg

[DeeJay]

Hi Coastie,
I presume you are taking a 4wd? If so, then I would suggest , if told to, you put the chains on the front wheels, especially Hotham as it can get Icy in July and the road tends to camber towards the edge..
Other than that, use commonsense, & go slowly, and don't forget the anti freeze & WD40. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/