Hikers have been being reminded to check for bad weather before heading out after seven people were rescued in snowy conditions in Kosciuszko National Park.
The search began about 1.15pm on Saturday, after a personal locator beacon was activated near Dead Horse Gap Track, south-west of Thredbo.
Officers from the Monaro Police District and police search and rescue, NSW State Emergency Service alpine search and rescue teams and NSW Ambulance alpine paramedics were sent out to find the hiking party.
“The seven hikers – aged from 21 to 48 – were found about 7pm before they were assessed by paramedics and treated for exposure to the cold,” NSW Police said.
“Police were told the hikers had become disoriented after a sudden change in weather conditions.”
They were taken to Thredbo Village in a Snowcat.
Monaro Police District Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Keith Price, said the fact the group had a PLB with them had greatly assisted rescuers.
“Activating the PLB meant rescuers had a precise location as well as information about the stranded group, enabling the appropriate resources to be deployed more quickly,” he said.
“Even experienced hikers with the right gear can be impacted by sudden weather changes and our advice to all hikers in the Alpine area is to always check for weather alerts, plan your route carefully, and take a PLB.”
Mmore information on safe hiking can be found here.
Alerts for national parks in NSW.
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