Hikers rescued after becoming lost in Mount Kosciuszko blizzard
A pair of hikers have been rescued from a dangerous blizzard in the shadow of Australia's tallest mountain, with shocking footage showing the treacherous conditions they faced.
The 31-year-old man and 28-year-old woman became stranded in a blizzard below Mount Carruthers, about 3km from Mount Kosciuszko, on Saturday, with rescue efforts hampered by a 'white out' blizzard and strong winds.
Alpine rescue staff from the SES and police had gone out to help the pair, along with paramedics and the police rescue squad.
About midday on Saturday, the rescue party got within 1.2km of the stranded bushwalkers, but the extreme conditions forced them to turn back.
Specialist emergency services were then forced to take over the search, and were finally able to reach the pair, who were unharmed, in the early hours of Sunday.
About 10.30pm the specialist alpine police and SES crews hiked to the stranded pair.
Footage released by police shows at least nine people trudging through darkness, as wind drives snow sideways.
Just after midnight Sunday, the pair were escorted to a makeshift camp set up by rescuers, but the group had to wait there again as the Snowy River rose, and more strong winds and heavy snowfall inhibited their descent.
Everybody got off the mountain about 4am Sunday, police said.
The incident comes as the ski season officially kicks off in Australia's alpine regions.
Monaro police Acting Inspector Andrew Woods said bushwalkers need to be prepared and should consult checklists such as the Think Before Trek guide.
'As we move into the snow season, it's vital that Kosciusko National Park users are properly prepared before venturing into alpine regions.
'It's highly recommended that park users monitor weather forecasts closely and continually as conditions change quickly.
'The use of the online National parks and Wildlife Services Trip Intention Forms and personal locator beacon is strongly encouraged.'
The ski resorts at Mount Kosciuszko have received up to 30cm of snow since Saturday - the official start of ski season in Australia.
In Victoria, more than 20 people became stranded in their cars about 10.50pm on Saturday near Mount Hotham.
The convoy was snowed-in overnight into Sunday, remaining stuck for about 19 hours as more than 50cm of snow fell.
A man in his 40s had minor injuries after his vehicle rolled, and a fire truck became stuck after being deployed to help.
People in the stranded vehicles had food, water and protection from the elements, emergency services said.
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