Winter Driving

Driving & Safety Tips

Driving in the Snowy Mountains and Australian Alps in the winter months is spectacular with scenic lookouts, dramatic views and gorgeous snow-capped peaks. Unfortunately, the roads can be as dramatic as the views with unpredictable and difficult driving conditions in the winter months. High winds, snow and ice, logging trucks and heavy vehicles, wombats, and kangaroos are all possible encounters on your road trip to Jindabyne and the Australian ski fields.

Winter driving can be hazardous and the Kosciuszko National Park has regulations in place to ensure the safety of visitors. If you have a 4WD, chains are not compulsory but we recommend you always carry snow chains in the mountains. If you’re in a two-wheel drive, snow chains must be carried at all times and are compulsory from 1 June to the October long weekend on the following roads: Kosciuszko Road from the park boundary at Thredbo River, Alpine Way between Thredbo and Tom Groggin, and Island Bend/Guthega Road for its full length. They are not compulsory between Jindabyne and Thredbo and on the Snowy Mountain Highway, but again, we recommend you ALWAYS carry snow chains in the mountains! Failure to comply with park regulations will result in a fine.

Here are some helpful links from Alpine Country Holidays to prepare you for driving in the Snowy Mountains. If you haven’t driven in the snow before, we urge you to do your homework, be prepared and drive safe.

BP Skihire [Boss Rentals]: Snow Chain Rentals

BP Skihire [Boss rentals] are the leaders in snow chains in the Snowy Mountains, located here in Jindabyne. They do chain hire and fitting for all models and makes of cars as well as ski and snow hire for all your winter sports equipment.

BP Skihire [Boss Rentals]: Snow Chain Fitting Demonstration

If you’re wondering how to fit snow chains, BP Skihire [Boss] has put together an instructional video and step-by-step guide to get you safely on the road. Snow chains must only be used if there is snow on the roads and must be removed on clear stretches.

Winter Tips from SnowSafe

Plan your winter drive to the Snowy Mountains with this great guide from SnowSafe. Get info on all the Aussie ski fields, learn what to do in case of an emergency, and get helpful hints on the basics of driving in the snow. Pre-planning is key!

Shuttle Bus to the Resorts [Winter Only]

Why drive when you can sit in a warm coach to the mountains? – During the ski season, a service operates between Jindabyne and Perisher during the Peak Season (19 June to 21 September) on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. During the Off-Peak Season (10 June to 18 June and 22 September to 01 October), services between Jindabyne and Perisher, Friday to Sunday, operate at the same frequency as the Monday to Thursday timetable.

Driving in the Snow in NSW

If you’re heading to the snow, it’s smart to be prepared! If you haven’t driven in snow before, the Transport for NSW has some helpful tips from the mechanics on your car to how to fit a snow chain. Read up and be prepared.

Snowy Mountains Weather Forecast

Always check the local weather conditions before heading out on your road trip to the Snowy Mountains. The weather can be unpredictable in the winter months so planning ahead and knowing what to expect with the weather on your journey is a must. You can also call the local traffic hotline on 132 701.

Live Traffic NSW

Live Traffic is a great source to use when planning your winter trip to the Snowy Mountains. They alert you to accidents, roadworks, adverse weather and so much more! Enter your origin and destination and they’ll let you know exactly what to expect before you head out.

NSW National Parks

The road from Khancoban to Cabramurra and many of the minor roads in Kosciuszko National Park are closed in the winter months and in extreme weather conditions, further road closures are likely. Get up-to-date alerts on all road closures in the park from NSW National Parks.