TL;DR
Emergency services conducted a major rescue operation at Mount Hotham after several vehicles became trapped in heavy snowfall, highlighting the importance of proper preparation for alpine conditions.
Heavy Snowfall Traps Vehicles at Mount Hotham
The opening weekend of the ski season at Mount Hotham took an unexpected turn as emergency services launched a significant rescue operation. Several vehicles became stuck in heavy snow on Saturday night, prompting a coordinated effort by Victoria Police and State Emergency Service (SES) teams from nearby areas.
The incident occurred on the Blue Rag Range Track near Dargo High Plains Road, where more than 50 centimetres of snow had fallen over the weekend. As of Sunday afternoon, 13 people had been successfully rescued, with efforts continuing to reach others who might still be stranded. Emergency services used snowmobiles to access those trapped on the mountain.
One man in his 40s required treatment for minor injuries after his vehicle rolled in the challenging conditions. The heavy snowfall, while ideal for skiing, created hazardous driving conditions that caught some visitors off guard.
