Emergency crews have found the bodies of experienced backcountry snowboarders Daniel Kerr, 32, and Martin ‘Martie’ Buckland, 33, buried under snow on a slope beneath Eskdale Spur on Mount Bogong, The Age reports.
Police said it appeared the pair, who last contacted their families on Thursday from nearby Mitchell Hut, had been fully equipped but were caught in an avalanche while snowboarding virgin snow in the remote region.
The recovery team, made up of police and volunteer searchers including members of the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club, found Buckland’s body around 60 metres above that of his longtime friend.
Kerr’s body was found on Monday beneath four metres of snow.
Searchers continue to be tested by deteriorating weather conditions as they transport Buckland’s remains off the mountain.
The men from Melbourne had been partners in outdoor activities for many years and knew the area well. They are reported to have been carrying an EPIRB but it was not activated.
Inspector Dave Ryan from Victoria Police told the ABC that the tragedy should not deter people from enjoying the Victorian high country, and advised those taking extended trips to check in at lunch and the end of each day.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the early snowfalls of the season were record-breaking.