The 47-year-old contacted a friend about 5.30pm on Tuesday and said he was cold and in need of assistance.

Police and the SES were notified and started a search, which had to be postponed about midnight due to the severe weather conditions.

His friend hiked from Harrietville towards the Bungalow Spur and found the man about 3.45am on Wednesday.

Sergeant Paul Pursell said the hiker had been in good spirits and did not need medical treatment.

“He was not injured,” he said.

“He was provided food and water from a mate and returned home.”

The man was an experienced hiker but had probably been unprepared for the conditions, Sergeant Pursell said.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning about half an hour before the man got into trouble.

It warned of peak wind gusts of up to 120km/h and snow below 1200 metres.

Sergeant Pursell said it was important people checked forecasts before hiking in the Alpine region.

“I think the saving grace here is that he is experienced and knew the area well,” he said.

“But it just goes to show that even with experience, you can come unstuck.”

Bright SES controller Graham Gales said those involved in the rescue couldn't see further than 30 metres in front of them, and often much less than that due to the conditions. 

“The wind was gusting at times,” he said. 

"The temperature wasn't too bad but the wind was strong. 

“If you were up on the ridge you would have been quite exposed. 

"The visibility was quite poor while driving – at times it was 10 metres, if that.”

Mr Gales said the hiker's phone was running low on battery. 

Those going into the high country are urged to use a phone app called Emergency Plus, which can be used to provide GPS co-ordinates if they get into trouble. 

Sergeant Paul Pursell urged people to find shelter and avoid moving from their location to help rescuers find them. 

“I think we were fortunate he knew the area and he's come down a well known route,” he said.