Minns government issues alpine road safety warning amid ski season boom

A bumper start to snow season has caused chaos on NSW’s alpine roads, with the state government warning too many skiers and snowboarders are driving into snowy conditions underprepared.

A bumper start to the state’s snow season has caused chaos on alpine roads, with the state government warning too many skiers and snowboarders are driving into snowy conditions underprepared following a string of accidents.

Bursts of polar weather in the past month have delivered consistent snowfall to the slopes for the first time in three years, luring families and thrillseekers to the Snowy Mountains these school holiday.

But many motorists heading into the mountains have been caught off guard by the conditions, with emergency services increasingly called out to help speeding motorists who have crashed into embankments and vehicles without snow chains that have slid off icy roads.

In response to the spike in incidents, the government has doubled down on snow-clearing and its free SMS Alert Service to notify travellers when carparks are full or when key alpine roads like Kosciuszko Rod or Alpine Way are closed.

The popular Snowy Mountains Bus service is also running every 30 minutes between Jindabyne and Perisher to meet demand following a 30 per cent increase in passenger numbers.

Many motorists heading into the mountains have been caught off guard by the conditions. Picture: NSW government

Drivers are urged to pack and learn how to apply snow chains following a string of accidents. Picture: NSW government

More than 28,000 trips have been run between the ski resorts and local towns this year so far, with 3000 journeys recorded during the first week of the school holidays.

Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison urged travellers without four-wheel drives or experience fitting snow chains to take public transport, which also eases pressure on key mountain routes.

Cars have ended up down embankments, stranded in dangerous conditions. Picture: NSW government

Motorists without a four-wheel drive or snow chains are encouraged to use public transport options. Picture: NSW government

“It’s fantastic to see so many people enjoying our beautiful alpine region, but good snow doesn’t mean good driving conditions. We want the thrills to stay on the slopes, not on icy roads,” Ms Aitchison said.

“My advice to drivers is to plan ahead, sign up for alerts, and consider public transport, so the only drama you face this snow season is picking between Perisher and Thredbo.”

Visitors are also advised that a National Parks pass or ski lift ticket does not guarantee access during road closures, meaning public transport or the Skitube may be the only way to reach the snowfields on peak days.

Motorists are reminded to get a full mechanical check, add antifreeze to radiators, pack snow chains and learn how to use them, and fill tanks with Alpine Diesel for diesel vehicles before heading into snow.

Preparing an emergency kit with blankets, water, food and first aid is also advised, while drivers on the road are urged to always use their headlights – even in daylight hours – and watch out for black ice on the roads at dawn and dusk.