If you’re planning a snow trip and driving a diesel car, you may have heard the term alpine diesel and wondered: Is this something I really need to worry about?

Around this time a few years ago, I had my very first snow experience in Australia. Surprisingly, I wasn’t that excited. I had been living here for five years already and kept telling myself, it’s just ice — it’s not going anywhere.

That changed when we finally decided to head up to Mt Hotham.

Like most family trips, I left the planning to my wife — accommodation, itinerary, all that good stuff. My contribution was making sure we had snow chains… and a toboggan. That should be enough, right?

Then during dinner with my uncle, he asked a question I wasn’t prepared for:

“Is your car diesel?”

“Yes,” I replied.

“Well, you’ll need alpine diesel for that.”

Wait — what?

What Happens To Diesel In Cold Weather?

Let’s keep this simple and non-technical—because I am many things but technical.

Diesel fuel, unlike petrol, thickens in cold temperatures. As the temperature drops, the wax in diesel can begin to crystallise, turning the fuel thicker — almost jelly-like.

That’s a problem. Thickened diesel can clog fuel filters, restrict fuel flow, make cold starts difficult, and in worst cases, stop the engine from running altogether.

Thanks, Google.

What is Alpine Diesel?

Alpine diesel is a type of diesel fuel designed to perform in sub-zero temperatures. It stays fluid in cold conditions where regular diesel may start to gel.

In Australian snow regions, petrol stations often switch to alpine diesel during winter.

Thanks again, Google.

Driving To The Snow Without Alpine Diesel

We started our climb to Mt Hotham with around 40% fuel left. My plan was to top up with alpine diesel once we got closer to the mountain.

Bad plan.

There were no petrol stations along the way.

As we climbed higher, the dashboard snowflake icon appeared — a warning for icy conditions. The temperature hovered around 2°C, and suddenly the “diesel jelly” conversation from dinner replayed in my head.

Should You Use Alpine Diesel in Snow Trips?

Yes — if you can.

Even if your car is modern or conditions aren’t extreme, using alpine diesel (or a winter diesel additive) provides peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

If you miss the last petrol station and don’t have alpine diesel, don’t panic. Now you know at least one person made it out. Yay!

But if you’re planning a snow trip and doing your due diligence, topping up with alpine diesel is one small step that can save a lot of unnecessary stress.