TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please be aware at our Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain locations, your tour may change to the opposite location. This may be due to snow conditions and other obstacles that may come in our way. Whenever we move locations this is to ensure you receive the best experience we can deliver. Please note, we are not responsible for any charges that may apply in the process of moving locations.
As you will appreciate, it is hard to predict what the weather will be like on the day, in the case that snow conditions are extremely low, we may be required to run your tour on a four wheeled buggy instead of a sled. However, don’t be disheartened as this is just as fantastic as a sled!!!
NO SNOW, WE STILL GO!!!
In the event of this happening, you have an option of continuing your tour in a buggy or reschedule to a later date when the snow conditions may be better. If you are unable to reschedule your tour and unwilling to participate in a buggy tour, any payments already made are non-refundable.
Your tour may be cancelled without notice due to unsuitable conditions - for example high winds. If this happens, you will be welcomed to come meet the dogs and take part in a Powder Pup tour if you so desire. We can reschedule at a later date for another tour or you’ll receive a gift voucher.
Due to our trail conditions, please understand your tour may be running late as our dogs are not machines. Please note that for our larger tours in times of low snow may be altered to a smaller tour.
Our trails can get quite muddy and slushy, please be aware as stated in the safety section you may be required to exit the sled and walk a short distance to relieve stress and excess pulling on the dogs in tough sections of the trails.
It is important to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your tour start time in order to organise your final payment and to get fitted with helmets. If you are late you may miss out on your tour and forfeit your deposit. If you know you are going to be late, please call us so we can try and reschedule the time of your tour. The dogs don’t wait so don’t be late!
Unfortunately due to our insurance policy we cannot take pregnant women on our tours.
All clients participating in a tour with us will be obligated to sign a liability form. Anyone under the age of 18 will require a parent/guardian to sign before participation. All clients are also obligated to wear a helmet which will be provided. If you choose not to follow the above criteria you will not be allowed on your tour.
SAFETY
Your tour will be conducted in winter conditions so please dress yourself and your children appropriately. Wind and sun burn can be common in snow conditions. Please wear warm slip proof foot wear. UGG boots and gum boots (without insulation) are not suitable for these conditions.
You may be required to exit the sled to help ease the stress on the dogs due to trail conditions (i.e. slushy snow and mud) and walk a short distance to climb back in the sled.
The maximum weight per sled is 160 kilograms. If the total amount of people booked for a tour exceeds this amount please contact us as you will need to book another sled (please note this will incur extra fees). There are NO exceptions to this weight limit. Howling Huskys will never overload the sleds for the safety of our dogs.
If you have booked a tour for 3 participants in the same sled please be aware that it is up to the discretion of your guide on the day if they see it suitable with trail conditions to proceed with the tour. If trail conditions are unsuitable for three participants in the sled we will work out an alternative arrangement.
It is possible your sled may tip during your tour. Your guide is trained on how to safely do this as it can be a safer way to control the sled in unpredictable conditions.
If any incident occurs you will be required to fill out an incident report form.
WHAT TO BRING
If this is your first trip to the snow we recommend you pack lots of layers and always have extra socks, especially for children! Bring sunglasses or goggles for your tour as the dogs can sometimes kick up snow and dirt. Don’t forget your cameras and remember in cold conditions battery life to mobile devices and cameras drains quickly so keep your phones and cameras warm. You will be required to wear a helmet during your tour and are more than welcome to bring your own (ski or bike helmet only). It is a legal requirement in Victoria that you must carry snow chains while travelling inside Alpine Resorts during the declared snow season.
HOW TO FIND US
Mt. Hotham – We are located just outside of the main village, operating out of Wire Plain, located near the day car parking area, Car Park 9. You can also reach us by stopping at Bus stop number 12. We are located only 12 kms up the road from Dinner Plain.
Dinner Plain – We are located at the entry of Dinner Plain in Crisps Hut beside the Playground / Tennis courts.
Please find below maps of our Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain locations.
Cancellation, DEPOSIT AND REFUND POLICY
All cancellation refunds are less our booking fee of 20% OR refunded in full as a Gift Certificate to be used at a later date.
Within 14 days of your booking in the event of cancellation your booking will be refunded in full as a Gift Certificate to be used at a later date or less our booking fee of 50% for all moneys refunded.
Within 7 days of your booking your deposit is non-refundable unless Howling Huskys cancels your booking due to unforeseen circumstances such as extreme weather events. In the unfortunate occurrence of no snow, we will run a modified tour with our dry land buggy.
If you have a gift voucher you are not required to pay a deposit. Please tell us your voucher number and you must bring your voucher at time of your tour. If you do not have your voucher to hand you will be charged full price. If you have a gift voucher and do not show for your tour without contacting us before your tour, your voucher will be forfeited.
The remainder of your tour cost is to be paid at the time of your tour. Credit cards are accepted.
COMPLAINTS
If you have any issues with your tour please advise the staff immediately after your tour finishes. This helps us understand the situation better and can be resolved quickly.
We have a combined weight limit of 160kg in the sled on all of our tours. Please be aware of this when booking your tour and ensure the participants of your tour will not exceed this limit.
Our insurance policy also prevents us from offering rides to pregnant women.
Due to the weather and trail conditions your tour may be running early or late.
You are required to arrive at our Husky Hut at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time to check in. If you are late you may forfeit your deposit and your tour.
WE ARE PLANING AND HOPING FOR OUR WINTER SEASON TO GO AHEAD AS NORMAL.