Emergency services warn of avalanches in Victoria’s alpine region

TOURISTS have been told not to ski, snowboard or hike in remote areas of Victoria’s alpine region after emergency services issued an avalanche warning this week.

EMERGENCY services have issued an avalanche warning for Victoria’s alpine region as tourists have been urged to avoid skiing, snowboarding, or hiking in remote areas.

Warmer weather and strong wind is expected to increase the risk of avalanches at Mt Bogong, Mt Feathertop, Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek.

A small avalanche at Mt Hotham is a warning of the risks skiers face if hitting the back country.

Scene of the snow avalanche at Mt Hotham.

The avalanche area can be seen at the top of this picture.

Winter wonderland at Mt Hotham.

Prime conditions at Mt Hotham.

Skiers at Mt Buller Ski Resort in the Victorian Alps. Picture: Andrew Railton

Skiers at Mt Buller Ski Resort in the Victorian Alps. Picture: Andrew Railton

Ski resorts conducted controlled avalanches on Monday to reduce risks ahead of this week’s conditions.

Victoria Police Hume region emergency inspector Paul Hargreaves said ski resorts such as Mt Buller and Mt Hotham are patrolled and were the safest.

“These type of popular destinations are patrolled and tourists should not feel unsafe,” he said.

“If conditions severely change, those patrolling will close the ski lifts straight away.”

But he said experienced skiers and snowboarders should be aware that avalanches in back country areas are highly likely on snow-covered steep slopes.

“There is a very high risk of avalanches in back country such as Mt Bogong so we are urging experienced skiiers and snowboarders to be aware of risk,” Mr Hargreaves said. “Where it is quite steep, the risk increases.”

Motorists have also been warned of road closures and urged to drive on main roads.

For more information visit: www.emergency.vic.gov.au

In 2014, two snowboarders were tragically killed by an avalanche at Mt Bogong.

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