Several motorists and hikers were rescued from the Alpine regions of Victoria and New South Wales due to heavy snowfall at the beginning of the snow season. Rescue operations in Victoria involved 13 travelers stranded near Mount Hotham, where 50cm of snow fall was recorded, and the rescue team utilized snowmobiles and assistance from the Wangaratta Ski Club and Country Fire Association. The roads in the area were challenging, even to experienced volunteers who often work in snowy conditions.
In New South Wales, near Mount Kosciuszko, two bushwalkers were evacuated after being stranded due to blizzard conditions. Earlier, a search party attempted to reach the hikers but had to return due to severe snowfall. Trained Alpine officers later managed to escort them to safety.
Warnings were issued about the risks of traveling without proper equipment; police turned back nearly 1,500 vehicles from the Mount Hotham area in 2024 for not having mandatory wheel chains. The Alpine Shire Council advised against using the roads during the weekend and officially closed them on Sunday morning, though some areas remained accessible.
Heavy snowfall continued, with Hotham Alpine Ski resort reporting significant snowfall and the Snowy Mountains expecting additional snow. The areas are bracing for more snowfall in the coming days, presenting ongoing risks for those venturing into the regions without adequate preparation.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/09/thirteen-people-trapped-in-cars-overnight-and-hikers-rescued-as-heavy-snow-falls-across-victorian-and-nsw-alps
