Rescue underway for hikers stuck in heavy snow at Mount Hotham

Emergency crews are scrambling to rescue two hikers stuck in heavy snowfall at Mount Hotham, after several major rescues at the popular holiday spot over the weekend.

Emergency crews rescued 13 people after their cars got stuck in heavy snow on Saturday night about 10.30pm. Picture: VICSES

An emergency rescue is underway for two hikers stuck in heavy snowfall in Mount Hotham amid several major rescues at the popular holiday spot.

Police say the pair became stuck along the Wonnangatta walking track.

It comes as emergency crews rescued 13 people after their cars got stuck in heavy snow on Saturday night about 10.30pm.

Meanwhile, a man in his 40s was injured after his vehicle rolled.

Ahead of the long weekend, police had warned holiday-makers to arrive prepared at Mount Hotham this year, with more than 1400 vehicles turned back from the tourist hotspot last year because their vehicles were not fitted with chains.

A Victoria Police spokesperson last week said officers would be taking a “zero tolerance” approach for drivers who were ill-prepared for the mountain’s dangerous conditions.

Eastern Region Division Superintendent Joy Arbuthnot said: “Without snow chains, your car simply won’t grip on icy roads”.

“We’ve seen cars slide off the edge of mountainsides, families stranded in dangerous conditions, and collisions that could have been avoided.

“Visiting the snow is a popular tradition for many, and an exciting trip for tourists, but it’s important to remember it can quickly turn into a very serious situation if you’re not prepared.”

Drivers have been warned to obey road closure signs in the area as crews search the area for others who may have been stranded.

Victoria Police expect more road closures at Mt Hotham after a snow dump on opening weekend as emergency services hunt for anyone still trapped.

Emergency crews rescued more than 20 people after their vehicles became stuck near Hotham heights on the weekend. Picture: VICSES

Wangaratta Inspector Tracy Johnston said police did not believe people were still stuck in their cars but patrols in the snow were continuing.

“They will go through section by section and make sure there aren’t any people who are stranded,” she said.

Inspector Johnston said 13 people had been rescued following reports of several cars being stuck due to heavy snowfall that occurred about 10.30pm on June 7.

She said a man in his 40s was treated for minor injuries after his vehicle rolled but there were no reports of any other injuries.

The Dargo High Plains Road is closed to all traffic due to the extreme weather conditions.

The Alpine Shire website states the road will not reopen until spring 2025.

Inspector Johnston said further road closures would be announced by Parks Victoria.

“We believe the snowfall was heavier than was anticipated and that may have led to people not being as prepared as they may have been,” she said.

“We’re urging people to heed the weather warnings and monitor the conditions for their own safety and ensure their vehicles are appropriately equipped for these conditions we’re facing for the opening of the snow season.”

The heavy snow caught many drivers off guard. Picture: VICSES

“We have to expect when we have a snow dump like we’ve had that conditions and warnings can change rather quickly.”

Hume SES regional duty officer James Boler said Bright and Falls Creek units initially supported the rescue operations with alpine search and rescue teams.

He said they were then supported by eastern metropolitan and Gippsland units who provided 14 highly trained alpine search and rescue members and a six-wheeled travelling device.

Mr Boler said units attempted to use four-wheel-drives to access some of the rescue sites and where that was not possible there were four motorised skidoos that allowed members to get across snow a lot easier.

Search and Rescue Squad acting Inspector Amber Rawson said preparation was the key to success to enjoying the snow and alpine region.

She said people needed to prepare themselves, their vehicles and have the skills required to handle a situation if the weather changed.

“We want to make sure you look after yourselves, your families and don’t put the communities, emergency services or volunteers at risk to respond to incidents that could have been avoided,” she said.

Originally published as Rescue underway for hikers stuck in heavy snow at Mount Hotham