The search has ramped up for a missing cross-country skier who has spent two nights in freezing conditions in the NSW Snowy Mountains.

The 23-year-old, whose family do not want identified, last made contact on Saturday morning before setting out to ski the back country of Kosciuszko National Park.

The alarm was raised when he failed to return, with police finding the man’s car at a car park in Guthega late on Saturday.

The experienced cross-country skier is believed to be carrying a personal locator beacon, limited day supplies, and adequate equipment for back-country conditions.

A search involving specialist police from the Alpine Operations Unit, State Emergency Service and National Parks and Wildlife Service is under way.

Monaro Police District Commander Superintendent John Klepczarek said on Monday the police helicopter would join the search for the skier, who was thought to be in remote mountain terrain.

Searchers are concentrating efforts on the high-country near Guthega and are hoping the missing man has taken shelter, although he has not been found in any huts on the slopes.

“This fellow is experienced and probably capable of making some shelter himself,” Supt Klepczarek said. 

“It’s my intention to have a positive outcome,” he said, noting increasing concerns for the skier given he was “definitely” overdue to return from his alpine adventure.

The man’s family expected him to make contact on Sunday, but nobody has heard from him and police have been unable to make contact on his mobile phone.

“We’re very fortunate that this morning that the rescuers who have gone out to the mountain so far have reported good conditions,” Supt Klepczarek said.

“Unfortunately up in those alpine areas it can change at any time.

“That’s why we’ve gone quite hard this morning with the number of people out there looking,” he said.

Temperatures on Monday are predicted to range from -2C to 3C in the region.

“If the weather closes in or the wind picks up … we’ll revisit,” Supt Klepczarek said.

“But we intend to go until the last bit of light – we won’t stop until we have to.”

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