Norwegian police and search-and-rescue teams are currently attempting to find 13 Dutch people missing in the mountainous and avalanche-prone area of Grotli Oppland in western Norway.

The search began after police received a distress call via satellite phone at around 8am this morning. Police attempted to make contact with the group, but the area has extremely poor mobile coverage, according to Norwegian media.

The group’s location and condition remains unclear.

The area experienced 30-40cm of snow overnight, and bad weather has hindered rescue operations. A search helicopter was forced to turn back, due to strong winds and snow, as was a snowmobile patrol.

Police are currently sourcing equipment from the national guard, and will be aided in the search by 10 snowmobile patrols from the Red Cross, six rescue dogs, and two avalanche experts, as well as around 25 volunteers.

The group are aged between 25 and 40, according to local police. They had been trekking in the area since Monday with snow shoes and were due to reach their base by tomorrow.

The Dutch ministry of foreign affairs has announced that it is in good contact with Norwegian authorities, and that the search is of ‘high priority’ to the rescue teams involved, nu.nl reports.