Warning for 2024 ski season after thousands turned around from snow

The ski season officially kicks off in NSW and Victoria this weekend despite the lack of snow – and authorities have a stern warning for visitors.

The snow season is officially open in NSW and Victoria this weekend and authorities are warning snow-goers to come prepared.

Victoria Police issued a warning on Friday saying it had zero-tolerance for unprepared travellers after turning around more than 3600 cars last season at Mt Hotham alone for not having the necessary wheel chains.

There will be a “heavy police presence” at Mt Buller, Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw, Lake Mountain, and Mt Stirling.

“We want travellers to create memories on the slopes, and not on the roadside,” Superintendent Shane Cashman said.

“If you’re driving in poor weather and contending with conditions like rain, ice or snow, please use common sense – slow down, keep a safe braking distance and use your headlights to see and be seen.

“We’ll be on the lookout for poor driving behaviour, so things like speeding, impaired driving, distraction, fatigue and people not wearing seatbelts.”

Failure to carry chains in Victoria could cost you $370, while not fitting them could lead to a $970 fine.

Authorities have warned they have a zero tolerance for people heading to the snow unprepared as the ski season kicks off. Picture: Victoria Police

Authorities drew attention to an incident on opening weekend last year where an 18-year-old drove off a cliff at Mt Buller, with the car coming to rest on its side and only stopped from sliding further down the mountain by trees.

Police responded to 19 search and rescue calls during last year’s snow season, including eight at Falls Creek, seven at Mt Hotham and four at Mt Buller.

Superintendent Cashman urged snow-goers to always inform someone of their plans.

Not carrying and using chains when visiting the snow can cost you. Picture: Victoria Police

NSW Police have deployed officers from across the state to the Snowy Mountains region.

Officers there will be targeting alcohol-related crime in licensed venues, dangerous and distracted driving on roads leading to the snow, and risky behaviour on the slopes.

Last snow season, SES teams responded to 31 incidents in the region.

NSW SES Acting Commissioner Debbie Platz told skiers, snowboarders and hikers on Friday to hire a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) before heading into remote areas.

“Snowfield conditions can be difficult to navigate,” she said.

“Visitors should expect bad weather and be prepared for it. Hikers – no matter how experienced – should stick to the tracks, as whiteouts and snow clouds can quickly and easily disorientate.”

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar said the snowfields attracted about a million tourists over the season and the new Jindabyne Police Station, which opened earlier this year, would be an important base for search and rescue operations.

It is home to the alpine operations room, which allows police to “co-ordinate and monitor emergency situations in real time”.

“Snowfield conditions can be difficult to navigate so we’d like to remind everyone to prioritise safety on your journey, plan your trip, take regular breaks, check the weather conditions before leaving and fix snow chains to your tyres in slippery conditions,” he said.

He said realistically, every year there is a new cohort of drivers that have just got their licence and want to bee line straight to the snow.

“Until you hit black ice, you don’t know how to handle it … whether it’s your first year driving or you’ve been driving for 30 years just drive to the conditions and take your time to get there safely,” he warned.

Front Valley at Perisher on Friday at about midday. Picture: Perisher Snow Cam

Unfortunately, there will be limited skiing options this opening weekend.

Local MP for Monaro Steve Whan said they were hoping for a huge dump of snow in the next week or so to get the season going.

“Hopefully we’ll get those temperatures that allow the snow-making happen,” he said.

“The resorts have put a huge investment into snow-making so we can be confident once we get the night time temperatures, there will be snow for people to come and ski on.”

Victoria Police’s key safety tips for those heading to the snow:

• Ensure your car’s radiator is filled with antifreeze and if diesel, use Alpine Mix.

• Drive cautiously with gradual pressure on the accelerator to avoid wheel spin.

• Brake gently and avoid unnecessary gear changes.

• Maintain a safe braking distance from vehicles in front, especially in poor visibility.

• Let someone know where you are going and how long you will be.

• Regularly check weather and snow conditions as conditions can change quickly.

• If lost – stop, seek shelter, call triple-0 and wait.