A group of seven hikers near Dead Horse Gap, south west of Thredbo, were rescued by Police Search and Rescue, State Emergency Service Alpine Search and Rescue operators, and NSW Ambulance Alpine Operations paramedics yesterday.
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.
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.
According to some involved in the rescue, the hikers did everything right, once they got into trouble. They immediately assessed their situation, used the PLB and then sheltered in place with appropriate supplies, including tent, food and water.
They had also lodged a hiking form with National Parks to let officials know they would be in the area. However snow forecasting and weather sites had been forecasting the weekend snow storm for well over a week prior, it wasn’t a secret that the region would be experiencing extreme weather.
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.
The conditions were tough to navigate with deep snow and ice, resulting in a multi hour rescue.
There have been an average of two rescues a month this winter of hikers in the backcountry of New South Wales.
More on safe hiking practices here.
