Snow trip from Melbourne: checklist and what to hire
Updated 13 October 2026 · Four Swags
A trip to the snow from Melbourne takes a bit of planning: chains for the car, warm waterproof clothes, and skis or a board. Here's what to sort before you leave, and what you can hire near home instead of queuing at the mountain.
For the car
- Snow chains that fit your tyres (you must carry them on the way to most Victorian resorts in the snow season)
- Practise fitting the chains once at home
- A full tank and an alpine resort entry pass booked online
- Check road conditions and the resort's chain rules for your vehicle before you leave
To wear
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Thermal top and bottoms
- Fleece or mid layer
- Waterproof gloves, beanie and neck warmer
- Goggles and sunglasses: the sun off the snow is strong
- Sunscreen and lip balm
To ride
- Skis and poles, or a snowboard
- Boots that fit (try them on at pick-up)
- Helmet
- Toboggans for the kids at Lake Mountain, Buller or Baw Baw
Hire near home and save
Hiring skis, boards, clothes and chains from a local in Melbourne is usually cheaper than resort hire, and you pick up the week before instead of queuing on the morning of your first day.