Backcountry skiers are being reminded to prepare for potentially dangerous conditions as they journey into remote alpine country during winter.
The State Emergency Service (SES) and Parks Victoria have issued the reminder after a number of cross-country skiers and visitors found themselves in difficulty over the winter months.
Skiers in the Victorian Alpine National Park, especially those visiting the Mount Bogong and Mount Feathertop areas, have been asked to remain particularly vigilant of winter hazards, including unstable snow, steep icy slopes, cornice formation and extreme weather.
Parks Victoria district manager Ty Caling said preparation was vital for visitors travelling in remote alpine areas to avoid becoming lost, seriously injured or dying in the extreme conditions.
"We want visitors to enjoy the Alpine National Park and the winter activities it has to offer, but to do this visitors must be prepared, experienced, and understand the hazards," he said.
"On occasion people do become disorientated, become lost, or have injuries as a result of the activities that they're undertaking, so it's important that people do understand the risk."
Data from the Victorian SES shows there were 35 steep angle rescues in the 2016-17 financial year, including operations in remote alpine terrain over winter months.
Being avalanche aware
Visitors to snow-covered mountains in Australia are also being reminded of the potential danger of avalanches.
"Avalanches do occur in Australia, although they aren't as common as in Europe or North America," SES acting assistant chief officer Neil Payn said.
"Recent weather conditions have caused unstable snow conditions in some alpine areas, with at least one avalanche recorded [in July] in the Mount Bogong area."
According to Bush Search and Rescue Victoria, visitors in alpine areas can look for several avalanche warning signs, including slab fracture lines, avalanche debris along slopes and in gullies, and high temperatures.
Avalanches are more likely to occur on 30-degree slopes or steeper.
Skiers have also been advised to travel near ridges and windward slopes that have been stripped of loose snow, and to carry a transceiver, avalanche probe and snow shovel.
They should also let friends, family or authorities know where they are intending to travel, and should be prepared for sudden changes in conditions.
"It's vital people access snow and weather safety information before they visit," Mr Payn said.
Visitors heading into remote parts of the high country are advised to be aware of the latest weather conditions at www.snowsafe.org.au or www.bom.gov.au before beginning their journeys.
