Missing skier who disappeared for days in Snowy Mountains found alive

A 57-year-old man was found alive in New South Wales, Australia, on Sunday, over a week after he went missing.

The NSW Police Force said Cameron Little began backcountry skiing and hiking in the Snowy Mountains of Kosciuszko National Park on September 4. He was last heard from on September 6.

Police said Little, described as an experienced hiker, was located safely in the Snowy Mountains backcountry area near Valentine Hut.

The Context

The NSW Police Force emphasized hiking safety procedures in a press release announcing that Little had been found.

“Police would also like to remind members of the public that when heading out for a hike or a bushwalk, people should have a fully-charged mobile phone, along with additional charging devices. Additionally, hikers are urged to take a GPS-enabled Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) and submit a Trip Intention Form with the appropriate agency, such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service,” the NSW Police Force said.

What To Know

Police officers from the Riverina Police District and Monaro Police District were notified when the hiker failed to return home as scheduled. Officials initiated a land and air search involving local police, the SES (Alpine Search and Rescue), PolAir, the Rural Fire Service, the Police Rescue Squad, Wireless Radio Network Services, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Police located Little around 1 p.m. on Sunday. Officials stated that he did not require medical treatment.

Little’s blue Mitsubishi station wagon was found unattended at Guthega Power Station, Australian news station 9News reported.

Kosciuszko National Park is home to mainland Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. The park spans over 2,600 square miles.

What People Are Saying

The NSW Police Force, in a statement: “Police would like to thank the public, the emergency services involved in the search and the media for their assistance.”

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, on its website: “NSW Police and NSW National Parks staff are involved in search and rescue operations every year, many of these in alpine areas. These are often the result of visitors underestimating the conditions and sometimes overestimating their own capabilities.”

What Happens Next

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service offers multiple tips for those planning to visit alpine areas on its website, including checking for park alerts or closures, notifying family and friends of trip plans and traveling with at least three people.

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