Winter 2025 is on the way. Opening June 28th depending on snow coverage.
Winter 2025 is on the way. Opening June 28th depending on snow coverage.
There is a free car park area available beside the State Highway. Please do not park on the State Highway. The 15 km gravel road begins here and takes you to the ski area car park area right next to the ski lifts.
The first 7 km of the road passes through the working farms of Horwell Downs and Cloudy Peaks Station. Please drive slowly — no more than 30 km/h — and avoid stopping unnecessarily. Stock may be on the road; be patient, do not use your horn, and always show respect while travelling through this area.
Dogs must remain in your vehicle. Be alert for bends and blind corners, and remember the road is two-way at all times. If you need to stop, ensure emergency services and road maintenance vehicles can still pass safely. At Dobo, the high altitude means alpine road conditions are common. Snow chains must be carried at all times, regardless of your vehicle type.
The scenic alpine drive takes about 30 minutes and is suitable for cars, campervans, and buses. You’ll find great photo spots along the way in the Te Kahui Kaupeka Conservation Park. Check advisory signs at the free car park for current snow chain requirements and ski area status.
Look for “Fit chains Here” signs near the snow line — this is where you must fit snow chains if required by the “Snow Chain Status” signs. Drive slowly, as pedestrians may be in the area.
Chains are usually required for 2WD vehicles, if you’re unsure or inexperienced with snow driving fit chains regardless of vehicle type. 4WD or AWD vehicles with low-profile or highway tread tyres must also fit chains when required. In some conditions, all vehicles may be required to fit chains for safety. If the sign says “Chains to be carried”, you can drive without fitting them — but you must have chains with you, as weather can change quickly. The chain fitting area has room to park, but a handbrake start or hill start may be needed to get moving again.
TIP: Practice fitting your chains at home before you head up the mountain!
Driving on snow and ice isn’t difficult — just keep movements gentle and controlled. With chains fitted you can drive up to 25 km/h. On hard or smooth ice, reduce speed to 15–20 km/h. When descending, stick to 15–20 km/h, or 10–15 km/h on icy, shaded corners where traction may be low, even if sand or gravel is present.
Watch for advisory signs such as “Hairpin Corner” (slow down), “No Stopping – Avalanche Zone”
(keep moving), and “Slow – Steep Grade” (use a low gear).
A Road Safety Vehicle patrols the route throughout the day — feel free to ask for help or advice at any time.
The first 7 km of the road passes through the working farms of Horwell Downs and Cloudy Peaks Station. Please drive slowly — no more than 30 km/h — and avoid stopping unnecessarily. Stock may be on the road; be patient, do not use your horn, and always show respect while travelling through this area.
Dogs must remain in your vehicle. Be alert for bends and blind corners, and remember the road is two-way at all times. If you need to stop, ensure emergency services and road maintenance vehicles can still pass safely. At Dobo, the high altitude means alpine road conditions are common. Snow chains must be carried at all times, regardless of your vehicle type.
The scenic alpine drive takes about 30 minutes and is suitable for cars, campervans, and buses. You’ll find great photo spots along the way in the Te Kahui Kaupeka Conservation Park. Check advisory signs at the free car park for current snow chain requirements and ski area status.
Look for “Fit chains Here” signs near the snow line — this is where you must fit snow chains if required by the “Snow Chain Status” signs. Drive slowly, as pedestrians may be in the area.
Chains are usually required for 2WD vehicles, if you’re unsure or inexperienced with snow driving fit chains regardless of vehicle type. 4WD or AWD vehicles with low-profile or highway tread tyres must also fit chains when required. In some conditions, all vehicles may be required to fit chains for safety. If the sign says “Chains to be carried”, you can drive without fitting them — but you must have chains with you, as weather can change quickly.The chain fitting area has room to park, but a handbrake start or hill start may be needed to get moving again.
TIP: Practice fitting your chains at home before you head up the mountain!
Driving on snow and ice isn’t difficult — just keep movements gentle and controlled. With chains fitted you can drive up to 25 km/h. On hard or smooth ice, reduce speed to 15–20 km/h. When descending, stick to 15–20 km/h, or 10–15 km/h on icy, shaded corners where traction may be low, even if sand or gravel is present.
Watch for advisory signs such as “Hairpin Corner” (slow down), “No Stopping – Avalanche Zone”
(keep moving), and “Slow – Steep Grade” (use a low gear).
A Road Safety Vehicle patrols the route throughout the day — feel free to ask for help or advice at any time.
Foote Rest Café
Accessible Roads
What to Bring
Dobson Live
Foote Rest Café
Accessible Roads
What to Bring
Dobson Live
