Imagine being caught in a blizzard in the middle of November—a time when most of us are expecting milder weather. That’s exactly what happened to an 18-year-old man near Mount Buller in the Victorian Alps, sparking a dramatic rescue operation. But here’s where it gets even more surprising: this isn’t the first time in 24 hours that emergency services have been called to the region. Just the night before, a 49-year-old hiker needed assistance off the mountain. What’s going on? And this is the part most people miss—snowy summers and sudden weather shifts are actually more common in the alpine region than you might think.
The rescue for the young man began after emergency services were alerted around 9 p.m. on Tuesday. He had been stranded by the unexpected blizzard in the Alpine National Park. According to a police statement, contact was made via satellite phone, and he was advised to stay put. Authorities are now urging visitors to the alpine regions to be prepared for rapid weather changes, emphasizing the importance of checking conditions before heading out. The man is believed to have been stranded on a track south of Mount Buller, near Mount McDonald.
In a separate incident, emergency crews were called to the alpine resort before 6 p.m. on Tuesday to assist a 49-year-old woman who was unable to continue her hike. They reached her before midnight and transported her to Mansfield. These back-to-back rescues highlight the unpredictable nature of alpine weather, even in late spring.
But here’s the controversial part: While locals like Mount Buller spokesperson Rhylla Morgan admit the sudden snowfall was surprising, they insist it’s not entirely unusual. ‘We’ve got about 12 or 13 centimeters of snow on the ground this morning,’ she said. ‘In the High Country, these cold snaps can and do happen, even when they’re unexpected.’ But does this mean visitors are underestimating the risks? Or are the warnings simply not reaching them?
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) reported that Mount Buller recorded the heaviest rainfall in Victoria over the 24 hours leading up to 9 a.m., with 46 millimeters. Weather forecaster Christie Johnson noted, ‘It’s cold enough that any rainfall in the mountains could easily turn to snow.’ This raises the question: Are we doing enough to educate adventurers about the realities of alpine weather?
Morgan advises that anyone planning green season activities like mountain biking or walking should pack appropriate clothing and be prepared for sudden changes. ‘Activities like the rock wire climb won’t be happening with this snow, but we’ll be back to normal in a few days,’ she said. She also warned drivers to use four-wheel-drive vehicles or carry wheel chains if heading up the mountain during unpredictable weather. But is this advice enough, or do we need more stringent safety measures in place?
As these rescues show, the alpine region’s beauty comes with inherent risks. So, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Are we striking the right balance between adventure and safety, or do we need to rethink how we prepare for these unpredictable conditions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this!
