As one of the busiest snow seasons in recent times passes the halfway point, emergency services with alpine search and rescue capability have combined for a simulated exercise.
With more snow and more visitors flocking to the slopes, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) and NSW Police have been kept busy with an average of two rescues per week, not including medical incidents on the slopes.
NSW SES Deputy Zone Commander, Superintendent Matt Price said the spike in incidents this snow season showed how quickly conditions in the alpine region can change and turn dangerous for unprepared skiers, hikers and snowboarders.
"Facing one of our most active snow seasons in years, our NSW SES alpine volunteers have shown exceptional skill and resilience in some very challenging conditions during rescues this year," Superintendent Price said.
"This volume of rescues underlines the need for constant adaptability and readiness. While emergency services are ready to respond, the community should know their risk and be prepared before heading out on the slopes.
"We urge visitors and locals alike to check weather forecasts, carry the right gear, and let someone know their plans before heading into the alpine area."
So far this snow season, the NSW SES has assisted NSW Police in 14 search and rescue jobs. Four rescues have been at Thredbo, three at Charlotte Pass, one at Perisher Valley, and others throughout Kosciuszko National Park, Jindabyne and Khancoban.
By comparison, there were just four call-outs in the 2024 snow season.
NSW Police Monaro Police District Commander, Superintendent Toby Lindsay said the 2025 season has further highlighted the need for hikers and skiers to be better prepared.
"NSW Police want people to enjoy the snow and don't want a weekend adventure to turn into tragedy. We are lucky to have experienced alpine operators across police and our emergency service agencies in and around the Snowy Mountains region. They are specialist officers trained to tackle the toughest alpine conditions, however we are continuing to see people putting themselves and emergency services at risk, due to a lack of planning," Superintendent Lindsay said.
"There is no such thing as being too prepared. We encourage you to log your trip, by filling out a National Parks and Wildlife Services Trip Intention Form, make sure you inform loved ones where you're going and when you'll be returning.
"It's not enough to rely on your mobile phone to contact emergency services if you find yourself in trouble. We encourage everyone to hire a Personal Locator Beacon for free from National Parks and Wildlife Service Visitor Centres. It shrinks the search zone for emergency services and gives you the greatest chance of being found safely."
NSW SES and NSW Police, joined Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Ambulance and National Parks and Wildlife Services this week at Perisher for an interagency training day.
Aimed at sharpening alpine search and rescue skills, teams ran through how they work side-by-side when someone is lost, injured or stranded in the mountains, and increased awareness on what equipment and capability can be called upon from each agency during emergencies.
NSW SES Snowy Monaro Local Commander Chief Inspector Malika Bailey said local alpine rescue crews train regularly to be able to respond in challenging conditions
"We've been out in blizzard conditions and sub-zero temperatures this season to search and rescue people from the slopes," Chief Inspector Bailey said.
"This season has tested our capacity and reinforced our commitment to inter-agency teamwork. It's rare we get the chance to come together on the mountains outside of an actual rescue, but those moments build trust and understanding that ultimately save lives."
The NSW SES Alpine Search and Rescue unit is made up of specially trained volunteers skilled in snow survival, navigation, search techniques and how to operate snowmobiles.
Notable incidents include;
About 4.45pm on Friday 18 July 2025, emergency services were called to Dead Horse Gap Thredbo, near the Bogong Creek area, following reports of two people becoming lost, while downhill skiing.
Officers attached to Monaro Police District Alpine Operations Unit, and NSW State Emergency Service Alpine Search and Rescue operators and Fire and Rescue NSW were deployed to locate the pair.
The 53-year-old woman and 15-year old boy were located by campers, shortly before emergency services arrived and transported them back to the Thredbo Fire Station. They weren't injured.
