Although snow on Monday caused few problems, motorists were advised to carry chains when travelling over the Crown Range.
"The road is an alpine pass and this is winter.
"If you travel [over] the pass without chains, you put yourself and others at risk," Mr Marshall said.
The same applied to people planning to access ski areas and all residents were advised to carry chains at this time of year.
"The district can be subject to heavy snow to low levels.
"It is not unusual for roads at low levels to become impassable without chains," Mr Marshall said.
The council had the power to impound vehicles when owners failed to comply with a request to fit chains.
"In other years, it has become a matter of public safety.
"If people are not prepared to invest in chains, then they need to be prepared to leave their vehicles at home," Mr Marshall said.
Meanwhile, the council's emergency management officer, Brenden Winder, had met contractors, police and schools to revise and reinforce the action plan in the event of heavy snow.
Road closures, school closures and bus notices will be broadcast on local radio stations.
"The message is, `If in doubt then stay put.' "If parents can't get to schools and buses are not running, then children will be kept safe and warm until conditions improve," Mr Winder said.
It was also timely for people to ensure they had spare supplies of food and water.
Mr Winder said if conditions kept residents at home for a day or two, it was advisable to make sure there was extra food at home.
A chain-fitting demonstration will be held at the Wanaka Home and Leisure Show on May 16 and at the Wakatipu Ski Club sale on May 24.
