As Australia’s winter snow season kicked off, emergency services were called into action following back-to-back rescue operations triggered by sudden NSW snowfall and severe weather at Mount Hotham. Treacherous conditions have already led to multiple incidents involving stranded hikers and motorists, highlighting the hazards of early snow travel in the alpine regions.
Temperature in different areas of NSW (during the time of writing of the article) [Windy]
Hikers Rescued Amid Freezing Blast in Victoria and NSW
Two hikers were rescued on Monday after being trapped on the Wonnangatta walking track in Victoria’s Alpine National Park. The incident occurred between Mount Buller and Mount Hotham, where they had become isolated due to rapidly deteriorating weather conditions. Victoria Police confirmed the pair were “recovered safe and well” around midday after launching a coordinated rescue operation.
Thirteen individuals were stranded in their cars near Hotham Heights on Saturday night. [Image: Facebook]
The hikers’ ordeal followed an earlier incident near Mount Kosciuszko in NSW, where a 31-year-old man and 28-year-old woman became stranded in a blizzard roughly 3km from the summit. Blinded by a white-out and battered by strong winds, the duo had to wait for specialist alpine teams to reach them. The rescue party finally located and evacuated them around 4am on Sunday, after enduring extreme weather conditions.
Vehicles Snowed-In Near Mount Hotham
Emergency crews also responded to a significant situation at Mount Hotham, where 13 travellers became stranded in their vehicles on Saturday night along the Blue Rag Range Track near Dargo High Plains Road. Over 50cm of NSW snowfall fell in the area, trapping cars overnight.
A man in his 40s sustained minor injuries when his vehicle rolled, while a fire truck deployed to assist also became stuck in the snow. Emergency services used snowmobiles to reach those stranded, while other units, including the Country Fire Association and members of the Wangaratta Ski Club, joined the rescue efforts.
SES unit controller Graham Gales said conditions were challenging even for experienced volunteers. “We were very surprised at the number of vehicles we came across yesterday that had gone out for the weekend and been caught short by the snow,” he said.
The Victoria State Emergency Service assists in the rescue of individuals at Mount Hotham. [Image: Victoria State Emergency Service]
Warnings for Snow Travellers
Authorities have since urged people travelling to snow regions like Mount Hotham to remain alert and cautious. “Snow-goers are warned to obey road closure signs to allow emergency services to continue searches,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
Police also reminded travellers to heed weather warnings, monitor forecasts, and ensure vehicles are equipped with snow chains and winter gear. In 2024, almost 1,500 vehicles were turned away from Mount Hotham due to a lack of required snow equipment.
The NSW snowfall and blizzard-like conditions serve as a stark reminder of the risks involved in alpine travel, especially early in the season when people may underestimate the dangers.
Bitter Cold Grips the Southeast
The cold snap extends across much of Australia’s south and southeast. Millions of Australians woke to sub-zero conditions on Monday, with feel-like temperatures dropping to -5°C in Katoomba and -2°C in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire. Orange in NSW recorded a minimum of -3°C along with a dusting of snow.
Orange experienced snowfall as the temperature fell to minus 3°C. [Yahoo]
According to Helen Reid from the Bureau of Meteorology, the cold burst caught many people off guard. “We have these lovely days, and all of a sudden, wham — the temperature drops,” she said.
Steady snowfall was observed across the country’s ski resorts, including Hotham and Perisher, with up to 60cm reported over the weekend. Mount Carruthers also experienced heavy snowfall, contributing to the conditions that trapped the Kosciuszko hikers.
Alpine Businesses Hopeful After Early Snow
Despite the chaos, local businesses in alpine regions are welcoming the snow. Paul Burnham, an Airbnb owner in Hotham Heights, expressed optimism about the 2025 ski season. “Everyone thought Australia’s ski season was done for good with global warming — this snow is a godsend,” he said.
Burnham shared a quirky method for tracking snowfall, using beer cans on his porch to measure snow depth. “Five of my beer cans, each 12cm tall, disappeared under snow by Saturday night,” he reported.
The NSW snowfall and snow at Mount Hotham have renewed interest in the season, especially after the 2024 season was shortened due to unusually warm weather.
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Road Closures and Weather Outlook
Key alpine routes have been closed due to the extreme conditions. The Dargo High Plains Road and Omeo Highway remain shut in both directions, with authorities expecting no reopening until after the long weekend.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued ongoing snow and wind warnings. Snow showers are predicted to continue through the week above 900 metres, with additional falls of up to 20cm possible in NSW and Victorian resorts.
Launceston Airport in Tasmania felt like just 1.6°C on Monday morning, while Melbourne is forecast to remain under 15°C for the week, coinciding with the annual Big Freeze event at the MCG.
With more cold weather on the horizon and the Mount Hotham and NSW snowfall intensifying, travellers to alpine regions are urged to plan ahead, stay informed, and prioritise safety. Emergency services continue to remain on high alert, prepared for further incidents as snow season gains momentum.
