Monaro Police are reminding hikers to check for adverse weather alerts after a multi-agency Alpine rescue operation overnight.
About 1.15pm yesterday (Saturday 26 July 2025), a search operation commenced after a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) was activated in the vicinity of the Dead Horse Gap Track, Kosciuszko National Park, south-west of Thredbo.
Officers attached to Monaro Police District and Police Search and Rescue, State Emergency Service Alpine Search and Rescue operators, and NSW Ambulance Alpine Operations paramedics were deployed to locate 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.
All were taken to Thredbo Village in a Snowcat vehicle.
Police were told the hikers had become disoriented after a sudden change in weather conditions.
Monaro Police District Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Keith Price, said the fact the group had a PLB with them greatly assisted the 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.
"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," Supt Price said.
For more information on safe hiking practices see https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/safety_and_prevention/crime_prevention/outdoor_recreation
and for park alerts, visit NSW National Parks https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/
