North East-based officers working at Mount Hotham and Falls Creek will be paired up with the visiting police when they arrive for the start of the snow season, from June 10.

Eastern region Superintendent Paul O’Halloran said the arrangement was no different to how police members worked in other areas all year round.

“It provides extra capacity for the regions,” he said.

“We’re fortunate to have the ORU for that resource ... In the past, we’ve had to close down one-member stations and take members out of specialist groups.”

The confirmation of extra resources comes a year after controversy where Victoria Police backed down on plans to pull officers from major ski resorts.

Superintendent O’Halloran said the ORU and State Highway Patrol presence would allow for better policing off the mountains as well, allowing other local members to continue the focus on their communities.

“There will be a strong police presence on the mountain, on the way to the mountain and around the mountain,” he said.

Eastern region Assistant Commissioner Rick Nugent said the ORU officers, who were usually based in Melbourne, would be stationed at the snow seven days a week.

“ORU members who work the snow season will also receive specialised alpine awareness training to ensure they are prepared to deal with the harsh winter conditions,” he said.

“We want to assure the community they will have a strong police presence on the mountains.”