The road is the artery to our business and at all times is kept in the safest possible condition.  It is subjected to harsh winter elements and some unavoidable conditions occur. It is also two way traffic at any time of the day or night due to our tyre testing enterprise, lodge guests and other activities.

For road conditions call the office if you are in doubt on 03 443 0300.

Preparation

Before going to the mountain, ensure that you:

·        Have good tread on your tyres

·        Fit chains to make sure they fit and you know how to use them

·        Are aware that 4WD vehicles also require chains in ice or snow conditions

·        Consider carrying an extra set of chains (i.e. have 4 chains)

·        Check that you have antifreeze

·        Familiarise yourself with driving guidelines, Snow Farm support and potential road conditions (as described below).

·        Make sure that you are comfortable with driving in the conditions that are likely to be encountered, i.e. mud, ice, snow and loose gravel

·        Are aware that mountain road conditions change with the weather and be prepared for changes. Carry a torch, goggles for driving or walking in a blizzard and warm clothing: jacket, gloves, hat and over trousers

Guidelines

·        The rule of thumb is that downhill traffic gives way

·        Drive to be able to stop. Prepare to stop before you need to

·        Don’t use brakes on the icy bits – if you have to stop or slow down, brake before you need to on a piece of road that has dirt, grit or a roughened surface

·        Use a low gear when driving down so that you need to brake less

·        If you use an automatic change to second gear for downhill sections where it is icy

·        Assess the conditions for yourself. Put on chains if in doubt

·        Keep your speed down at all times to be prepared for the unexpected

·        Always fully clear windscreens of any ice or misting to ensure good vision

·        Leave your vehicle in gear with the handbrake off when parked on the mountain

Snow Farm Support

·        In the event of poor visibility due to fog or storms, management will ask all vehicles to remain at the carpark on the mountain until road-clearing machinery can escort the group down the mountain. Please follow instructions.

·        If you find yourself in difficult conditions it is better to stop until conditions change or until you receive help from the ski area staff. Ski area staff are likely to be aware that you are on the road and know how to deal with difficult conditions.

·        If you become stuck, make ski area staff aware by contacting them or alerting a passing vehicle. Staff will then deal with the situation.

Road Conditions

ICE

Black ice is the most dangerous. Always be prepared as black ice is usually not visible and can be encountered in shaded spots especially after rain. Roads can be come icy as a grader clears the snow, so be aware that following a grader may result in the road becoming icier.

MUD

Mud is not difficult to drive on. Ruts will throw you around but are not as potentially dangerous as black ice. Try to stay out of the ruts if possible, but assess each situation as an individual case.

GRAVEL

Loose gravel can cause unexpected sliding and can be dangerous.

SNOW

Snow can be deceptive. At lower altitudes it can be soft so beware of changes as you progress to higher altitudes. Be wary that there may be ice under the snow especially at lower altitudes after a snowfall that started with rain during the day and turned to snow as the temperature dropped. Attempt to drive in the roughened areas where you can see grit, dirt or gravel it is better for traction than where everyone else drives except when the vehicles in front have been using chains. If you need to slow down prepare in advance by choosing a roughened area.

FOG

Fog creates difficulty in finding the road. Additional fog poles are put out as soon as the staff are aware of the problem. Good goggles / sunglasses are essential. Keep fresh warm air coming on the windscreen to prevent the build up of mist.

BLIZZARD

Blizzard conditions are very difficult. Do not continue unless you can see the road ahead but make sure you keep your hazard lights on if you do stop so other vehicles can see your car.  If there are no road markings it can help to have an adult in bright clothes walk out in front (make sure that you can stop without hitting them).

Further Notes for Buses & Larger Vehicles

·        Road Reports are given for cars not buses

·        Buses should, if in doubt, contact the ski area before proceeding up the road; fit chains when in doubt

·        N.B. Carry 4 chains. If the road is icy, front chains give steerage.

·        Buses and larger vehicles must carry four chains and always fit chains at the admission gate at the bottom of the mountain when chains are required