my boyfriend and l are going to the snow for the first time in july, (aus winter) we will be driving there, but our hotel is 20 mins from the ski field. we will be taking a 4WD is there any advice or specific information anyone would be able to provide me with on any special considerations or safety measures that we would need to ensure while driving in snow or on roads that have snow on them?
Thankyou
one responder mentioned chains, the state we are going to requires chains, do we have to have them attached to the car at all times or just in the car?

first & foremost:respect it. dont start driving like an idiot because u have a 4WD. take ur time wherever u r going. if the car start to slip DO NOT STOMP ON THE BRAKES. u do that & u r bound to skid. when the car starts to slide turn the wheel to attempt to regain balance. due to this do not tailgate or u r bound to crash into someone. know ur terrain:if u r going up hill & it is covered in snow, probably a good idea to find another way or wait until the plows come thru some. pay more attention than u normally do as u may go to change the tune & start to skid. lastly, dont trust other drivers to know as much as you. if some is tailgating you, let them go around & then laugh at them when they end up in the snow bank. have fun

Even though you have 4WD, some states require you have chains on your vehicle when is snow, if so respect the law and put those chains on, or it might cost five times the lift ticket or more.

Do everything the first responder said. Also, if your back end starts to swing around, always turn into it. For example, if your back end starts swinging out to the left, turn the wheel left. If you turn with the back end, you will just spin around and around.

A 20 minute drive is not a long distance at freeway speeds, it is a days walk if u r on foot.Know the road u r traveling, carry emergency supplies, 3 days food for each person per day of the trip. Canned goods like peaches, fish, so on in case u get lost & stuck somewhere. This is for emergency survival, not for meals, also water 2L/person/day.
About driving, slow down, AWD keeps u going, it does not help with stopping. Carry the chains, know how to put them on & remove them. A small shovel & a plastic tarp r also helpful. A survival blanket per person takes up very little space, but can save a life. Now that I've scared you, be aware of ur surroundings, follow the posted speed limits or less, despite what the other drivers r doing. If u r late, u r late but alive. Save the speed thrills for the ski slopes & enjoy ur vacation. There r many winter driving tips posted on line, but the best advice is to be cautious. There r also postings about car kits for survival, that r useful even in the summer. If this is just a one time trip, use the chains when required, if a long term use snow tires also.

cary a shovel in the car. if you slide out of control dont use brakes or you will skid. use your gas pedal to keep your wheels spin under control