Hadi Nazari, 23, was last seen by his friends about 2.30pm on Boxing Day when he was seen going down the Hannels Spur Trail at Geehi, between Khancoban and Thredbo.

His friends had expected to meet him at the Geehi Campground, but when he failed to arrive, his two friends began to search for him.

Police were called about 8.45pm that day and started searching for the missing bushwaler with the help of the SES.

The search has expanded over recent days with NSW Parks and WIldlife Service, the SES, NSW Ambulance and Police Air called in to scour the challenging terrain.

On December 31, rubbish and hiking poles believed to belong to Nazari were found near the Kosciuszko River.

The area around the river remains searchers’ focus.

More operators with winching capabilities arrived today to allow rescuers to be lowered deeper into the bushland to search for longer periods.

Authorities have said the search will continue over the weekend.

“We are continuing the search for Hadi, this remains an active search and rescue and we are not giving up hope of finding him alive,” Riverina Police District Acting Superintendent Jill Gibson said.

“Our search crews are focusing on the creek lines and water sources, where we believe Hadi may be.”

She said more than 250 staff from different agencies were searching the difficult terrain.

“The location comprises of incredibly dense bushland and challenging conditions on the ground, with the bushland so dense that searchers – in some parts – can’t see their feet,” Gibson said. 

“We know Hadi is an experienced bushwalker, so we will continue through the weekend searching to try to locate him.”