VICTORIA Police and other emergency services are urging anyone planning to ski, snowboard or hike in the Alpine back country to take care and remain alert at all times this winter.

With snow season starting today for Mt Buller and Mt Stirling (Wednesday, June 24), Inspector Luke Kirton of Wangaratta police asks people to be prepared when heading to the snow, including packing relevant safety equipment, monitoring weather conditions, and becoming familiar with their surroundings.

“We know hundreds of Victorians will be itching to get out of the house and hit the slopes this snow season – we will be there to make sure everyone enjoys themselves and gets home safely,” Insp Kirton said.

“We would also like to remind those visiting the Alpine back country to not only be well prepared and take additional precautions, but to be mindful of the impact the chief health officer’s directives will have on your trip.

Mansfield’s Senior Sergeant Steve Cardin said a police presence will again be strong on Mt Buller.

“We will have the police station manned and at least one officer there at all times,” Snr Sgt Cardin said.

A police officer has been on the mountain since Queen’s Birthday weekend, just in case an emergency arose.

“There were concerns from some of the residents up the mountain about the reduced snow clearing on roads, and safety," Snr Sgt Cardin said.

“We have also had input into the planning for back country skiers and boarders, and met with the management emergency planning committee.

“And Highway Patrol will vigorously patrol the Mt Buller Road and other highways leading to the mountain over this winter.”

The directives from the chief health fficer to snow-goers include:

(L) observe physical distancing of 1.5 metres at all times;

(L) not gather in groups of more than 20 people;

(L) heck that the park is open before travelling;

(L) bring your own hand sanitiser;

(L) if a car park is full, no more people can visit that site. Do not join vehicle queues or park illegally;

(L) be self-sufficient with extra warm clothing, spare dry clothing, food, water and personal hygiene products. This is particularly important when visiting refuge huts. These huts are relatively confined spaces where the virus may persist in the air and on surfaces.

“Cold, wet and windy conditions are a dangerous combination in alpine areas and dramatic weather changes are common," Inspector Kirton said.

“So, visitors must always check the current and forecast weather, snowpack and be aware of hazards."

Back country visitors are being warned not to travel alone and to notify someone where they are travelling and when they will make next contact.

“We also recommend that visitors carry an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) as an additional safety precaution,” Insp Kirton said.

“If you are driving through the area, please stay on main roads and observe any road closures.

"It’s important for people to stay informed and attuned to the conditions.”

Victoria Police recommend that if you’re travelling to the High Country or snowfields to check the www.vicroads.vic.gov.au website for road closures or call 131 170.

For further information about staying safe in the snow, visit www.snowsafe.org.au.

For current and forecast weather for the alpine region, visit www.bom.gov.au/australia/alpine.