Be prepared: Alpine safety essential this snow season
With the snow season underway and the winter school holidays set to bring more visitors to the alpine region, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is reminding visitors to plan ahead, stay informed and take extra care in high-risk environments where conditions can change rapidly.
Alpine and backcountry areas found within Kosciuszko National Park present unique hazards, particularly during the winter season when weather can change suddenly.
Mobile phone coverage in alpine areas is often unreliable, and cold conditions can significantly reduce battery life. In many cases, people will not be able to rely on their phones to call for help.
Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are strongly recommended and can be hired free of charge from 12 NPWS visitor centres across NSW or purchased from outdoor retailers. These devices send a satellite distress signal and allow emergency services to locate users even without mobile reception.
Before heading into alpine areas, visitors should:
- Check the latest weather forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology
- Download the Emergency Plus app
- Check for alerts and closures on the Alerts for NSW National Parks website
- Review alpine safety advice.
Visitors should also complete a Trip Intention Form (TIF) before departure and share it with a family member or emergency contact. The form includes key details such as planned routes, expected return times and clothing descriptions, enabling the nominated contact to provide critical information to search and rescue authorities if the visitor fails to return as planned.
Trip Intention Forms can be submitted online in advance or completed at a NPWS visitor centre when collecting a Personal Locator Beacon.
Visitors should take care on alpine roads by allowing extra travel time, driving to the conditions and watching out for wildlife, particularly at dawn and dusk when animals are most active. Travel should be postponed if severe weather is forecast or conditions are unsafe.
For more information about staying safe in alpine areas, visit the NPWS Alpine safety website.
Quotes attributable to NPWS Area Manager Southern Ranges Branch Tim Greville
“Alpine areas offer a unique and rewarding experience, but they also require a higher level of preparation than most other park environments. Visitors should understand the risks and make informed decisions before they set out.
“Conditions in alpine and backcountry areas change quickly and without warning. Even experienced walkers can be caught out, which is why checking forecasts, park alerts and current conditions is so important.
“Simple preparation steps can make a significant difference in an emergency situation. Tools like Personal Locator Beacons, Trip Intention Forms and the Emergency Plus app are all designed to help ensure visitors can get assistance if something goes wrong.”