A body believed to be that of a missing cross-country skier has been found in the NSW Kosciuszko National Park.

A specialist alpine police rescue crew found the body in a remote area of Watsons Crags after a 23-year-old  man went missing after setting off for an off-piste adventure on Saturday.

PolAir spotted a person in a remote area of Watsons Crags on Monday afternoon, NSW Police said in a statement on Tuesday.

The steep terrain and hazardous weather meant PolAir and another emergency service helicopter couldn’t land or use winching capabilities and the operation had to be postponed.

Rescuers were winched down on Tuesday morning and found a body.

“The operation continues to retrieve the body,” police said.

“While it is believed to be the body of the missing skier, he is yet to be formally identified.” 

The man last made contact with his family on Saturday morning before setting out to ski the backcountry of Kosciuszko National Park.

The alarm was raised when he failed to return. Police found his car parked at Guthega late on Saturday.

Specialist police from the Alpine Operations Unit, State Emergency Service and National Parks and Wildlife Service were involved in the search.

The man, who was described as an experienced cross-country skier, was believed to be carrying a personal locator beacon, limited day supplies and adequate equipment for back-country conditions.