Pinnacle Road is the highest and busiest sealed alpine road in Tasmania. It is narrow with steep embankments. Snow and ice can create dangerous driving conditions.
Why is the road closed
The road is usually closed due to snow, ice or other dangers.
We work as quickly as we can to clear the road of snow so that it can be re-opened as soon as possible.
Pinnacle Road is the highest and busiest sealed alpine road in Tasmania. It is narrow with steep embankments. Ice can create invisible and very slippery, dangerous driving conditions.
The road can also be closed ahead of severe weather conditions as a safety measure.
When the road will re-open?
As soon as it is safe. We can't say for sure as it depends on weather and conditions, but we aim to open the road as soon as we can.
The road can often be opened in stages. For example, the road may open to The Springs while we work on clearing the road higher up.
Why can't the road open sooner?
Snow often melts fairly quickly on Pinnacle Road, but ice can linger in shady areas and pose serious safety hazards to motor vehicles.
Sometimes the dangers are not visible from where the gate has been closed. Dangerous snow or ice conditions may be just around the corner or higher up the mountain. There are no safe places to park large numbers of vehicles or turn cars around between The Springs and Big Bend.
How is the decision made to close the road in snow or ice conditions?
Our staff carry out regular road inspections and monitor weather forecasts and conditions.
The road can also be closed ahead of dangerous weather conditions. This helps make sure vehicles are not caught out in dangerous conditions.
Why can't I drive on the road with snow chains or a 4WD?
Road conditions need to be safe for all. Opening the road to some vehicles during snow clearing operations would slow down this work. This would delay the time it takes to re-open the road to all vehicles.
Can I walk up the road even though the gate is closed?
You can walk up the road when the gate is closed, but please be aware snow clearing operations may be taking place.
How far is it to the snow?
Snow could be 100 metres away, or several kilometres. This depends on conditions and where the road is open to.
Try to find out from other visitors or City of Hobart staff if they are present where the snow is and its condition. Is it icy? How deep is the snow? Is it easy to walk through or difficult?
It is very important to be prepared for alpine conditions. It may feel sheltered and safe at The Springs, but conditions can quickly change on the mountain. It will be much colder at the summit. For every 100 metres you ascent the temperature typically falls one degree.
If the snow is only a couple of hundred metres past closed gate, it might be easiest for you to walk along the road to the snow.
Inform yourself of the distances by road from The Springs to The Chalet, and also the summit. It's a long way even in good weather.
The lower road and tracks are sheltered, but near the summit it can quickly become freezing. Wind chill is a major danger at higher elevations. 'Feels like' temperatures can plummet to minus 20 degrees!
Alpine conditions can change very quickly – you should always be prepared to turn back. Low cloud can reduce visibility to a few metres and all tracks can be slippery in snow and ice.
Can I walk to the summit?
It is possible to follow the road to the summit in snow or, if you are well prepared, experienced and with a group you can take Pinnacle Track then the Zig Zag Track onto the summit.
Remember the summit is 1271 metres above sea level and exposed to wind gusts that can exceed 100km/h. Wind chill makes hypothermia a serious risk to walkers if not properly prepared.