Booking confirmation
Thank you for booking your tour with Howling Husky Sled Dog Tours. You have been sent this link as confirmation of your tour booking.
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please note that Howling Huskys operate at Mount Hotham, Mount Buller and Mount Baw Baw.
In the event of poor snow conditions or other unforeseen obstacles at Mount Hotham, tours may be relocated to Dinner Plain and operated on a wheeled cart. You will be advised in advance if this change is necessary. Please note that we are not responsible for any additional costs incurred due to the change in location, including but not limited to resort entry permits, parking fees, accommodation costs, fuel expenses, shuttle services, snow chain hire or purchase, road tolls, or any other travel-related expenses.
If snow conditions are low at Mount Buller or Mount Baw Baw, your tour may proceed on a four-wheeled cart instead of a sled. This experience is still highly enjoyable and offers the same exciting experience and interaction with our dogs.
NO SNOW, WE STILL GO!
If either of the above situations occurs, you may choose to continue your tour as planned (with the change of location or equipment), or you may reschedule to a later date within the 2026 season. If you are unwilling to participate in the adjusted tour and are unable to reschedule, payments already made will be non-refundable.
Tours may be cancelled due to unsafe weather conditions, such as high winds or fallen trees. As alpine weather is unpredictable, this decision may be made on the morning of your scheduled tour. The safety of our dogs and guests is our highest priority. If your tour is cancelled by us and you are unable to reschedule, we will issue a refund minus a 10% administrative fee to cover booking and processing costs.
Tours may run behind schedule due to trail conditions or the needs of our dogs. Please be patient - our huskies are not machines! On low-snow days, larger tours may be adjusted to smaller tours to ensure the comfort and safety of our dogs and guests.
Our trails can become muddy or slushy, and guests may be asked to exit the sled and walk a short distance to reduce strain on the dogs.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time to finalise payment, get seated, and receive your safety briefing prior to the tour. If you are late, you may forfeit your tour and your deposit. If you anticipate being late, please contact us so we can attempt to reschedule.
Pregnant guests are not permitted to ride, as per our insurance policy.
All participants must sign a liability form before beginning the tour. Guests under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian sign on their behalf. Failure to meet these requirements will result in refusal of service without refund.
SAFETY
Our tours take place in alpine winter conditions, so it’s essential to dress appropriately. We strongly recommend wearing warm, layered clothing and slip-resistant footwear. Please note that UGG boots and standard gumboots without insulation are not suitable for snow conditions.
At times, you may be required to exit the sled and walk a short distance. This helps reduce strain on the dogs, particularly in slushy or muddy trail sections.
There is a strict 160kg combined weight limit per sled. If the total weight of participants exceeds this limit, you must book an additional sled (additional charges will apply). There are no exceptions to this policy, as it ensures the safety and wellbeing of our huskies.
If you book a tour for three participants in a single sled, please be aware that your guide will assess the trail conditions on the day to determine whether it’s suitable. If conditions are not appropriate for three passengers, we’ll discuss alternative arrangements with you on-site.
Please be aware that sleds may occasionally tip as a method of safely controlling the ride in certain terrain. Our guides are trained to manage this safely and will always prioritise your wellbeing.
In the event of any incident, it must be reported to staff immediately, and a written incident report must be completed before leaving the premises.
WHAT TO BRING
If this is your first trip to the snow, we recommend packing plenty of warm layers and always having extra socks on hand – especially for children! Staying dry and comfortable is essential to enjoying your experience with us. Waterproof snow jackets and pants, thermal layers, gloves, and beanies are all important for keeping warm, and footwear should be waterproof with good grip, as UGG boots and non-insulated gumboots are not suitable for snow conditions.
Don’t forget sunglasses or snow goggles, as snow and dirt can be kicked up by the dogs during your tour. We also suggest bringing a water bottle, snacks (especially when travelling with kids), and a camera or phone – but please be aware that batteries tend to drain quickly in the cold, so it’s a good idea to keep devices warm in your pockets.
Please also be aware that it is a legal requirement in Victoria to carry snow chains when travelling inside Alpine Resorts during the declared snow season. Make sure your vehicle is properly equipped before your journey.
Snow Chain Hire & Fitting – Mt Baw Baw
HOW TO FIND US
Mount Hotham:
We operate just outside the main village at Wire Plain, located near the Day Car Parking Area, Car Park 9. You will see a building named ‘Hotham Hub’, and we are directly situated behind this building. If arriving by shuttle, you can hop off at Bus Stop 12 which is directly in front of the Hotham Hub building. Wire Plain is approximately 12km from Dinner Plain.
Dinner Plain:
You’ll find us at the entrance to Dinner Plain, to your left, located at Crisps Hut, near the playground and tennis courts. Our setup is visible from the main road and easily accessible on foot. Once you enter the Dinner Plain entrance, there is a small car park on your left-hand side.
Mount Baw Baw:
Our team operates across from the Village Bowl, right behind the ski kiosk. From the main stone entrance of Mount Baw Baw, follow the main road through the village towards the ski lifts. Cross the bowl at the bottom of the lifts, and you’ll spot our huskies and handlers waiting to greet you.
We’re located at Cornhill Road: Howling Huskys Location
If you are travelling by car, please use the above link to navigate to the closest accessible car park to Cornhill Road, where possible.
Mountain staff will be available to help direct you down Cornhill Road. We also have a limited number of reserved parking spaces available nearby. Please note that 2WD vehicles are permitted down the road, and Mt Buller staff clear snow along the road to the end when required. As always, snow chains may need to be fitted depending on road conditions and your vehicle type.
If you are relying on public transport, this is organised through Mt Buller Transport.
Please note that the closest shuttle drop-off and pick-up point is Celia’s Car Park. Guests without a vehicle will therefore need to arrange a rideshare service either from Celia’s Car Park or directly from their location within the village to reach us.
Upon arriving at Mt Buller, you will enter the main resort car park area. From there, follow the signage toward Cornhill, or use the map link above for guidance. Once parked, continue walking down Cornhill Road along the snow-covered track.
At first, the track may appear to lead to a dead end, however, please continue following it through the snow. You’ll find us just around the corner on the left-hand side in the designated sled dog area.
If you’re unsure how to reach us or require more detailed travel instructions, please click the locations in blue above or please don’t hesitate to contact us prior to your tour day – we’re always happy to help you find your way!
CANCELLATION, DEPOSIT AND REFUND POLICY
All bookings require a deposit to confirm and secure your tour. The remaining balance is to be paid on the day of your tour. Cash and credit cards are accepted.
Cancellations made 14 days or more before your tour date are eligible for a refund, less a 10% administration fee, or can be refunded in full as a gift voucher to be used at a later date (valid for 3 years).
Cancellations made within 14 days of your booking will be refunded in full as a gift voucher or, if you prefer a refund to your original payment method, a 50% booking fee will apply.
Cancellations within 7 days of your booking are non-refundable unless Howling Huskys cancels the tour due to unforeseen circumstances, such as extreme weather events. In this case, a refund will be issued.
In cases of no snow, we will operate a modified tour using our wheeled cart. If you choose not to attend the modified tour and cannot reschedule, any deposit or payments made will not be refunded.
If you are redeeming a gift voucher, no deposit is required. You must provide the voucher number at the time of booking and bring the voucher with you on the day of your tour - e-vouchers are accepted. Failure to present a valid voucher will result in being charged the full price. Gift vouchers are forfeited if you fail to show up for your tour without prior notice.
Please note that fuel prices, travel expenses, road tolls and other transportation-related costs are outside of our control and do not qualify as valid reasons for cancellation or refund. Guests are responsible for planning their travel accordingly before booking.
At all of our locations including Mt. Baw Baw, Mt. Buller, Mt. Hotham and Dinner Plain guests are responsible for ensuring they allow enough time to locate and access our tour departure area 15 minutes prior to your booking time. Failure to arrive at the designated meeting point within the required timeframe will result in forfeiture of the tour and all payments made will be non-refundable.
COMPLAINTS
We are committed to providing the best possible experience for all our guests. If you encounter any issues before, during or after your tour, we kindly ask that you raise them with a staff member immediately after your tour concludes. This allows us the opportunity to understand the situation and address it as quickly and fairly as possible.
If you prefer to provide feedback after your visit, or if you feel your concern was not resolved at the time, please contact us via email at info@howlinghuskys.com.au. We take all feedback seriously and aim to respond within 3–5 business days.
Your satisfaction and the wellbeing of our dogs and team are important to us, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
Mt. Baw Baw
MT. BAW BAW MAP
Driving to Mt. Baw Baw
When coming form Melbourne, we recommend coming via Moe/Erica and South Face Road. It is slightly longer in kilometers from the city but shorter in time. It is a more reliable road as it is wider and less winding than Baw Baw Tourist Road, a great option for people prone to travel sickness. Moe is the last petrol station before heading up to Mt. Baw Baw - there is no fuel available at Mt. Baw Baw Alpine Resort. You can find more information on driving to Mt. Baw Baw on their website here.
Where to Hire Your Equipment
Erica Ski Hire
Phone - (03) 5165 3353
Email - enquiries@ericaskihire.com.au
Baw Baw Snow Sports
Phone - (03) 5628 1636
Website - www.bawbawsports.com.au
Baw Baw Ski Hire
Phone - (03) 5165 1120
Where to Stay on Mt. Baw Baw
We recommend staying at EdSki Lodge. It is a wonderful, family-friendly lodge with a great atmosphere. It's also very close to the day car pack so you won't have to hire over snow transport. The rates are very reasonable.
Phone - 0422 990 656
Website - www.edski.com.au
Mt. Hotham and Dinner Plain
Driving to Mt. Hotham and Dinner Plain
Coming from Bright is a long windy road which can often be closed due to poor weather conditions - please prepare your trip accordingly. There is a bus service from Bright to Mt. Hotham which is recommended for day trips to Hotham. Coming from Omeo the drive is much shorter and with far better road conditions but can still be prone to closure in adverse conditions. The trip made from Melbourne is very similar coming via Omeo as it is from Bright so please consider your options. Be sure to fill up with petrol in Omeo or Bright before heading up the mountain.
MT. HOTHAM MAP
Bus Service to Mt. Hotham
Leaving from Bright
Phone - 1800 467 669 or (03) 5759 2589
Email - info@hoysski.com.au
Leaving from Omeo (via Dinner Plain)
Phone - 0477 991 377
Email - omeo.bus@bigpond.com
Where to Stay at Mt. Hotham and Dinner Plain
For on-mountain accommodation at Mt. Hotham please visit www.mthothamaccommodation.com.au
For Dinner Plain accommodation please visit www.accommodationdinnerplain.com.au
DINNER PLAIN MAP
For off-mountain accommodation we recommend:
Omeo Caravan Park
Phone - (03) 5159 1351
Hilltop Hotel Omeo
Phone - (03) 5159 1303
Where to Hire Your Equipment
Omeo Ski Hire
Phone - (03) 5159 1600
Harrietville HOYS
Phone - (03) 5759 2658
Mt. Buller
Driving to Mt. Buller
When travelling from Melbourne, the most common route to Mt Buller is via Mansfield and the Mt Buller Road. There are several route options from Melbourne including via Plenty Road, the Hume Highway or the Maroondah Highway through Yea. Wildlife is commonly seen along the Mt Buller Road, particularly around Merrijig, Sawmill Settlement and Mirimbah, so please drive carefully, especially at dawn, dusk and at night. Be sure to fill up with petrol/diesel in Mansfield before heading up the mountain as there is no fuel available at Mt Buller. During the declared snow season, all vehicles are required by law to carry diamond-pattern wheel chains regardless of weather conditions. Vehicle resort entry should ideally be pre-purchased online before arrival to allow faster access to the resort car parks and avoid disappointment. For further information regarding this please contact Mt Buller directly at info@mtbuller.com.au.
Bus service to Mt. Buller
MT. BULLER MAP
Leaving from Mansfield Phone - (03) 5775 2606 Email - enquiries@mmbl.com.au
Leaving from Merrijig Phone - (03) 5775 2606 Email - enquiries@mmbl.com.au
Where to stay at Mt. Buller
For on-mountain accommodation at Mt. Buller please visit https://www.mtbuller.com.au/winter/accommodation
For off-mountain accommodation we recommend: The Deliatite Hotel Phone - (03) 5775 2004
Greenvale Holidays Mansfield Phone - 0428 385 369