Australian backcountry enthusiasts found themselves in trouble this weekend with two separate incidents on Saturday night.
In New South Wales, Emergency Services attended a callout at 4.30pm on Saturday when two men became lost outside of Thredbo resort boundaries. The skiers had departed Dead Horse Gap trailhead for South Rams Head.
The weather predictably turned and they became lost on the mountain. Monaro Police revealed the skiers had adequate provisions but did not have personal location beacons, nor had they filled out a backcountry trip intention form with National Parks, a requirement in 2020 to enter the park if not resort skiing.
The men were located by NSW Police and Fire and Rescue Thredbo and were not injured.
Monaro Police posted a report on Facebook.
Mt Bogong, Victoria
Meanwhile in Victoria, on Saturday night, a group of six people were stuck on the top of Mount Bogong during a forecast blizzard. Falls Creek Ski Patrol, Police Search and Rescue and Bright SES responded to the rescue call after the group were unable to make their way down the Staircase Spur.
They were forced to spend the night in two tents in the cold while a rescue effort was co-ordinated including a helicopter. They were rescued on Sunday morning and VIC SES in Bright posted a report on their social.
If you’re heading backcountry this year ensure you have the appropriate emergency and avalanche equipment and location beacons, a solid expedition plan and a close eye on forecasts. Also ensure you have submitted trip intention forms and alerted people that you are going into the mountains.
Especially in 2020 when it is expected more skiers and snowboarders in particular will head into the backcountry after failing to secure resort tickets.
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