Getting There Alpine Road | Mt Dobson Ski field Ski Field, Fairlie

Mount Dobson is located on State Highway 8, 11 km west of Fairlie and 18 km east of Lake Tekapo. Keep an eye out for the road signs. 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 7km

The first 7 km takes you through the working farms of “Horwell Downs” and “Cloudy Peaks Station”. Please travel no more than 30 KPH and avoid unnecessary stopping in this area . Stock may wander on the road , be patient while they move off , do not use your car horn . Please show due respect while traveling on these working farms. Do not let your dog out of your vehicle in this area. Be aware of bends and blind corners for the safety of others , traffic is 2 way at all times. If you have to stop for any reason , please ensure other vehicles such as Emergency Services and Road Safety operations can get past .

At Dobo the high altitude creates Alpine Road conditions on most days.
Please carry snow chains at all times, regardless of your vehicle type.

The scenic alpine drive takes about 30 minutes and is suitable for all cars, campervans, and buses. There are some great selfie
opportunities along the way in the TeKahui Kaupeka Conservation Park. Advisory signs located at the free car park area indicate “snow chain status” requirements and ski area status.

Snow chain requirements

You will find “Fit Chains Here” signs on the road , usually at the snow line , this is where you need to fit your snow chains as indicated on the “Snow Chain Status “ signs . Please drive slowly as there will be pedestrians in this area. Snow chains are normally required on 2WD vehicles. If you are not confident driving on snow , please fit your chains regardless of vehicle type. If your 4wd or “all wheel drive” SUV or 4wd car has low profile tyres or ”highway only “ tyre tread , please fit your chains as per all 2wd vehicles. Occasionally snow chains need to be fitted to ALL VEHICLES to improve safety during poor weather or very cold post storm road conditions. If “snow chain status” indicates “ snowchains to be carried “, you are presently able to travel to the ski area without having to fit snow chains to any vehicle . The weather may change quickly thus the need to be prepared by having snow chains with you at all times. The chain fitting area will be wide enough park but will usually need a “handbrake “ or hill start to get moving again. TIP -Practice fitting your chains at home before you hit the mountain!

Driving on snow & ice

Driving on snow and ice is not a difficult task, focus on gentle braking, turning and accelerating. We suggest speeds up to 25KPH with chains fitted. Very hard or smooth ice will require lower speeds, 15-20 KPH. When descending the road on snow and ice, speeds up to 15-20KPH for all vehicles. For decent on hard ice that may occur in shady or south facing corners, lower your speed to10-15 kph ( These areas will normally have sand and gravel applied to improve traction but be prepared to drive slowly if slippery road conditions or poor visibility is encountered) Other Advisory signs you will encounter are “ hairpin corner”( sharp corner , slow down), “ No Stopping – Avalanche zone “. ( do not stop in this zone as avalanche risk may be present .) On decent , advisory signs indicate “Slow- Steep grade” for some sections . Safer to use a lower gear for these short sections. A Road Safety Vehicle monitors the road condition during the day , feel free to ask for advice , we are here to help!

The first 7km

Snow chain requirements

You will find “Fit Chains Here” signs on the road , usually at the snow line , this is where you need to fit your snow chains as indicated on the “Snow Chain Status “ signs . Please drive slowly as there will be pedestrians in this area. Snow chains are normally required on 2WD vehicles. If you are not confident driving on snow , please fit your chains regardless of vehicle type. If your 4wd or “all wheel drive” SUV or 4wd car has low profile tyres or ”highway only “ tyre tread , please fit your chains as per all 2wd vehicles. Occasionally snow chains need to be fitted to ALL VEHICLES to improve safety during poor weather or very cold post storm road conditions. If “snow chain status” indicates “snowchains to be carried “, you are presently able to travel to the ski area without having to fit snow chains to any vehicle . The weather may change quickly thus the need to be prepared by having snow chains with you at all times. The chain fitting area will be wide enough park but will usually need a “handbrake “ or hill start to get moving again.

TIP: Practice fitting your chains at home before you hit the mountain!

Driving on snow and ice

Driving on snow and ice is not a difficult task, focus on gentle braking, turning and accelerating. We suggest speeds up to 25KPH with chains fitted.
Very hard or smooth ice will require lower speeds, 15-20 KPH Descending the road on snow and ice for all vehicles 15-20KPH . For decent on hard ice that may occur in shady or south facing corners. 10-15 kph ( These areas will normally have sand and gravel applied to improve traction but be prepared to drive slowly if slippery road conditions or poor visibility is encountered) Other Advisory signs you will encounter are “ hairpin corner”( sharp corner , slow down), “ No Stopping – Avalanche zone “. ( do not stop in this zone as avalanche risk may be present .)On decent , advisory signs indicate “Slow- Steep grade” for some sections . Safer to use a lower gear for these short sections. A Road Safety Vehicle monitors the road condition during the day , feel free to ask for advice , we are here to help!