Hikers Rescued After Snowy Mountains Overnight Search
NSW SES conducted an overnight rescue operation in the Snowy Mountains after hikers became stranded during an extended search and response effort. The dramatic rescue serves as a reminder for outdoor enthusiasts to prepare for rapid weather changes in wilderness areas. The incident highlights the importance of safety protocols and emergency preparedness for mountain trekking.
The rescue operation involved 14 volunteers from the NSW State Emergency Service's Alpine Search and Rescue Unit, Snowy River Unit, and Queanbeyan Unit. The team was deployed to the Kosciuszko National Park near Geehi after being tasked by NSW Police on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The two hikers spent nearly a full day in the wilderness before their retrieval. Fortunately, they were well-prepared for the ordeal, carrying adequate food, water, and appropriate clothing, and were able to share their precise location with authorities. Rescuers faced treacherous conditions throughout the overnight mission. The operation required a 350-meter vertical rescue in steep, isolated terrain, with visibility at times reduced to just two meters due to heavy fog. The successful outcome was attributed to the high level of training of the SES Alpine Search and Rescue teams, who specialize in remote area navigation and vertical rescue in extreme environments. The unit frequently supports NSW Police in operations across the challenging Snowy Mountains region. Authorities emphasize that conditions in alpine environments can shift with extreme rapidity, catching even seasoned hikers off guard. The NSW SES urges anyone venturing into the mountains to check weather forecasts, plan their route meticulously, and inform someone of their intended return time. Essential safety equipment for hikers in the region includes a map, compass, a fully charged communication device, and a personal locator beacon (PLB). Weather in the Australian Alps can change suddenly, with the potential for storms to bring 150km/h wind gusts and a meter of snow within 24 hours at any time of year.
