As snow fell across the High Country and temperatures plummeted below zero, Parks Victoria rangers braved the worst conditions to help save lives.
The King's Birthday long weekend saw heavy snow and a busy start to the winter for the team in the north-east of the state.
Mt Hotham, the "Powder Capital of Victoria", saw 62cm of snow, with nearby Falls Creek seeing 63cm. The cold temperatures also saw snow settling at lower altitudes.
The early winter snow meant ideal conditions for toboggans, snow play and cross-country skiing at Mount Buffalo. Unfortunately, it also meant hazards on tracks and roads in the High Country.
More than 50 vehicles became trapped in deep snow on the Twins Track and Blue Rag Range in the Alpine National Park.
Despite the cold, rangers jumped in to help Victoria Police and SES get to the remote area and rescue the vehicle's occupants.
The Western Alps saw a smaller-scale drama, with rangers braving sub-zero temperatures to search for a lost hiker suffering hypothermia.
Rangers Jim Craven, Tahlia Hamilton-Christensen and Emily Webb-Ware joined with emergency services in the search.
Trekking through rugged terrain in a blizzard, they found the hiker and brought him to safety.
Bright-based rangers Julien Atherstone and Tim Northey also helped locate lost and cold hikers in the remote Wonnangatta Valley.
"This was a very dangerous situation and our rangers did everything they could to help save lives," says Chris Derrick, North East District Manager.
"Our teams' skills and local knowledge were crucial. They're able to operate in remote and rugged terrain in some of the worst conditions Victoria experiences."
Parks Victoria assist SES to rescue stranded drivers in the Kings Birthday weekend snows. Credit: Parks Victoria
While the rescue drama unfolded, rangers were also hard at work keeping Mount Buffalo open so visitors could enjoy the first snow of the winter.
"Mount Buffalo is a great place for snow play, cross-country skiing and enjoying the beauty of winter in the mountains," says Chris Derrick.
"We're looking forward to welcoming more visitors over the rest of the chilly season – just remember to check the conditions, fit snow chains if you need them and take responsibility for your safety."
Clearing snow off the steps at Mount Buffalo Chalet. Credit: Parks Victoria
Snow blankets the slopes of Mount Buffalo. Credit: Parks Victoria
